Our Mission
"Horses of Hope promotes the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of those with special needs to include our Veterans and military personnel, through equine-assisted activities.
We strive to encourage individuals to meet their full potential, giving hope one individual at a time."
Horses of Hope History
After realizing that the tremendous benefits of therapeutic riding were not available to the special people of Clinton county and the surrounding areas, Laurie Flanagan, Ex. Director started Horses of Hope in the fall of 2009.
The program leased a 16 acre farm in the Pine Creek area. With a Board of Directors and a handful of friends and volunteers the property was eventually made ready for horses. The riding facility became a member of NARHA (which is now PATH Intl.), which provides standards and training for therapeutic riding facilities. Horses of Hope received its 501 (c)(3) non-profit status in 2010.
Horses of Hope started its operations with three riders and one horse, which was our beautiful horse, Pumpkin. Over the years it has consistently grown and now provides services to approximately 65 riders each year. Our herd has grown to six amazing horses. Over 40 volunteers from the community come together to help with lessons and fundraising activities. With help from the Clinton County United Way offering sponsorship money to help riders who can't afford the fees, the Clinton County Community Foundation granting funding for building projects, instructor certification and much more along with the generosity of local businesses and organizations and individuals, Horses of Hope is thriving!
We are currently located in Mackeyville, PA. The program leases Belle Springs Farm on Stoltzfus Lane. The farm is a 10 acre property with a 7 stall barn, outdoor arena with breath taking views, a round pen, walking trail and pastures. We are very excited about our specialty programs expanding. Heroes & Horses is our Veterans program, which is run by Vickie Hancock. She has taken this amazing program to another level. We are honored to be able to give something back to our active and retired military personnel at no charge. In 2023 we started a third program "In Hand Connection, run by Sue Cavanaugh. This program is all about hands on the horses and building a connection without riding.
Horses of Hope is run by a Volunteer Board of Directors, Ex. Director and Program Director. A Participant Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator along with Horse handlers and sidewalkers, who are also volunteers, assist our instructors to provide equine assisted activities at the farm. We are so thankful to the volunteers that feed the horses and exercise and care for the horses on a daily basis. It is the dedication and commitment of all involved that makes this program so special. We are blessed to have this amazing group of people!