Empowering people with disabilities by creating opportunities to experience therapeutic interactions and the freedom of riding.
Home of Hope’s Equine Program began in 2002 with just seven riders. Today we have 60+ participants in equine-assisted events from March - May and August - October. All Home of Hope clients can participate regardless of skill or ability.
Growth was spurred in recent years with the completion of a covered arena in 2014 thanks to the generosity of donors and a matching donation by Jim and Marja Willis. In addition to the arena at Wodloe Acres, the program includes a shed, bleachers, and grazing pastures with shelter and automatic waterers.
Kendra Phillips is our Equine Program Coordinator, overseeing the instructional program, horseback riding, and care of the horses. Kendra is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington. Kendra is a certified riding instructor by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). She is also an Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning.
Donate Here
Home of Hope provides equine-assisted activities to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A disability does not have to limit individuals from the health, education, sport, recreation, and leisure benefits of riding horses.
Research shows that horseback riding helps boost strength, balance and other skills for adults with a range of physical and developmental disabilities. Riders have been shown to make meaningful gains in various areas including motor function, posture, gait, and quality of life.
Experiencing the motion of a horse can be therapeutic because horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait. Riders with disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. The program also includes unmounted activities that teach horsemanship and care of horses such as grooming, nutrition, and caring for tack and other riding gear. Participants enjoy training for and showing off their skills to the audience at rodeo events.
With Home of Hope staff present, volunteers provide valuable assistance leading horses, walking beside some riders, and helping groom, saddle and feed the horses. Riding sessions are held during the week in the mornings, afternoons, and early evenings. If you need volunteer hours, miss being around horses, or just want to make a difference in someone’s life, this is a great opportunity for you! Contact Program Coordinator Kendra Phillips for details.
As our program expands, more horses are needed. We are looking for horses under age 18, great with people, and well broke on the ground and under saddle. If you know a horse you think fits this description and want to help make a difference we are interested in speaking with you.
Equipment, feed, and veterinary is paid for with contributions to the activities program at Home of Hope.
 |  |  |  |
COPPER
| ROSCOE
| TODD
| JERRY
|
 |  | ||
JACK
| STETSON
|
