As soon as I moved to PR I found Horses of Hope non profit. Ms Elaine and her staff have been working tremendously on my kids (3 years old and 4 years old) healing journey. They have been the main piece on working on their self esteem and moving forward trauma. Without them my kids will no be who they are today. They have great safety standards. Miss Elaine first evaluation covered every detail on my kids needs and she has been accomplishing every goal.As a single mom starting off with two toddlers, I thought meeting kids therapy needs was going to be complicated until I found their financial assistance
I entered the organization thanks to an educational orientation I attended. Since I started I have had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, work directly with horses (which is my favorite part) and I have also had the joy of seeing the results of this beautiful entity. It is very gratifying to see the progress of each person who attends the therapies and the benefit that this beautiful practice has. Without a doubt it is an organization destined to serve and change lives!!
This is in my opinion the best equine therapy non profit in the island. The lady is a patient and amazing person and the horses are very nice. Although I’m not currently volunteering for the moment, they all remain in my heart.
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Volunteering with Horses of Hope has been a great experience, it has been a pleasure to work with the instructor who has treated me kindly and taught me so much about horses, how to care for and work with them.
It's incredibly satisfying to see how clients progress and how much happiness being around the horses brings them.
Not only have I seen how much Horses of Hope helps it's clients but how much it has helped me, I've struggled with anxiety my whole life but after just a few months of volunteering I've see myself gain more confidence.
Whether you're looking to be a client or a volunteer I greatly recommend Horses of Hope.
Elaine the trainer is always prepared to present client with tailored programing to present new skills & reinforce previous skills in a fun way. The client & Elaine have a special bond of mutual respect for each other and the horses. Clients can be observed laughing & a sense of comfort and pride at mastering the intended goal. It's a pleasure to witness their excitement, appreciation for the horse and appreciation for their instructor. Kudos Elaine!
Volunteering with Horses of Hope has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. It helped me overcome my insecurity of working with whole new people and the awesome benefits of working with horses. What I love the most is that not only do we get to work with the horses, but we get to learn about their behavior, their proper care and interact with them to experience that connection. When working with clients you can really see the joy on their faces when they achieve a new lesson goal. Everything is so dinamic and fun all the time. Horses of Hope truly is a safe space for everyone
As Board President, I’ve seen first hand the incredible work done by Horses of Hope. Our community is blessed to have this nonprofit and they are making a difference in lives every single day. I am proud to be a donor and a supporter of the important work they do!! Thank you, Horses of Hope, for the gift you give those who need it most!
I have been working with Horses Of Hope for the past 4+ years as a volunteer and a board member, during this time I have been able to witness great improvements, joy and happiness in our clients that is difficult to put into words. I am proud to be a part of this organization that provides such profound changes in so many ways.
As a board member I am proud to be engaged with the Directors member team which provides professionalism and focus which continues to drive the organization to success
I attest to the great work Horses of Hope does for children with autism. I have visited them and the development, ease and confidence they demonstrate is impressive. I spoke with some parents and they feel so grateful for this institution that some of them are volunteers.
I attest to the support that the organization gives to children with special needs and the enjoyment of the children while receiving therapy.
Amazing place! Great spiritual connection between clients, horses and support personnel. I had witnessed the impact this organization has in the community. Horses of Hope provides excellent services and volunteer opportunities. It gives an invaluable service helping persons with diverse capabilities develop connections and confidence, achieving milestones and successfully completing individual challenges. As a volunteer, I am very impressed with the professionalism and care provided to individuals in need. It is a pleasure to see the proud smiles, the connections with the horses and the successful individual achievements! I am both grateful and honored to be able to volunteer in such a wonderful place where dreams become reality. Horses of Hope integrates the community in their activities and is an invaluable asset providing equine therapy to those in need.
I've been volunteering at Horses of Hope for about 4 months and it has completely changed my life! Not only have I learned a ton about horses and working with them, I've also developed a lot of skills that help me in my day-to-day life. I have become a strong leader and have learned to work with a team of diverse individuals. I always feel welcome and appreciated every time I volunteer.
One of my favorite parts of volunteering at Horses of Hope is watching the students progress not only in riding, but in life as well! I have noticed significant improvements in the students after just a few weeks. Horses of Hope is truly changing lives for both their volunteers and students!
Horses of hope Isabela Puerto rico helped my daughter learn how to be around horses and take care of them as well.
Amazing experience.
Horses of Hope has truly been a blessing for our family, especially my son since we've moved to PR almost 4 years ago. Elaine, her husband and volunteers are very welcoming, approachable and caring. Elaine has been able to answer any questions, calm my doubts when it come to my son's apraxia, she validates my concerns and gives good feedback on what I can do at home to help. She has also provided me with great online speech resources. Since starting with H of H I have observed a growth of confidence and calmness in my son as he has learned more about horses, the importance of connection and his ability to ride and take care of them.
We love H of H
As a volunteer of HoH I’ve seen the happiness of the people (specially kids) when they see these horses. I witnessed how humble and patient these horses are when kids are in distress or not in their best mood. Horses are well treated to keep them healthy and to share love. Trainers are doing a magnificent job.
I really enjoyed learning about how intelligent and gentle horses are. Also, how to guide and care for them. Seeing the connection between the children and the horses and being a part of helping that happen was heartwarming. Elaine and John are knowledgeable, giving people and trained health professionals that give all of their heart to their horses and students. It was an honor & privilege to volunteer for Horses of Hope and I plan to return again!
Volunteering with Horses of Hope for me started as an opportunity to work with horses and challenge myself with something new. I have had the opportunity to work as a ring assistant, side-walker, and horse leader. But beyond that, through this experience, I have learned personality traits that were not clear to me before, built more character, and improved my teamwork skills. Every week I feel grateful to be able to help. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the progress of the children, myself as a volunteer, and us as a team.
- Keishnay Rentas López
Horses of hope offered heard a life changing experience for me! It has helped me in many ways to connect to myself again again through these beautiful animals. I will never look at horses the same way again.
I volunteered with Horses of Hope for 6 months and truly went through one of the most enriching experiences. Here I learned how to work alongside horses and a very special and caring team. Seeing the kid’s improvement and excitement in every therapy session was very rewarding. I am grateful for having the opportunity of being part of this amazing project that showed what an important role horses play in our society and gave me the chance to learn more about myself and my interest in veterinary medicine.
I have been volunteering with Horses of Hope for 4 months now. I absolutely love spending time with the clients and the Horses. To see the growth in children in a short time is amazing. Children gain confidence and get connected with the Horses in short time. You also hear great improvements from them at home or at school. Personally, it awesome to get away from the computer and just connect and be present with nature.
We love Horses of Hope and their mission! My husband and I have been volunteering with them for months now and it’s always a joy to see the horses and the clients. The horses really make a difference in these kids lives and it’s exciting to see their progress weekly. Volunteering has also been therapeutic for me as well, wonderful organization!
Working with Horses of Hope-Caballos de Esperanza is amazing. It allows me to combine my two passions - working with horses (I am studying to be a veterinarian) and connectiong people and animals to help heal both. Horses of Hope is doing amazing work.
Horses of Hope is an amazing nonprofit and they're doing an amazing job rescuing these horses and doing rehab with them, giving them a better quality of life. This way, we - the clients and the horses - heal together. We have had such a great experience here. I want to tell everyone to come! Donate! Be part of this amazing nonprofit!
Mi hijo Kevin, autista funcional, recibe las lecciones en Horses of Hope alrededor de dos años y medio. Cuando comenzó decía que no le gustaban los caballos y ahora no quiere faltar a ninguna de las lecciones. Ver el amor que siente por los caballos y como los maneja es bien reconfortante. Su cambio es bien marcado, ahora está bien conversador, su postura es diferente y está mucho más alerta y dinámico. Realmente, vale la pena.
My experience at Horse of Hope has been fascinating. I did not imagine how much a horse could do to help a person in need. I have learned a lot about his great work and it is gratifying to see his influence. It has been a great opportunity for me to see each person's improvement lesson after lesson. I aspire to continue learning about this great work that helps the well-being of many. They do an excellent job, good training, organized, happy, dedicated to educating and helping. I'm lovin 'it!
Interning with Horses of Hope has been incredibly meaningful to me in so many ways! The whole community is very supportive and caring and I especially love the way everyone interacts during lessons with clients. There is so much care and excitement for one another and it is so amazing to be a part of that. Above all though, the horses have been the best teachers and I am so inspired by the way they connect with clients and volunteers alike. I am so grateful to be a part of Horses of Hope and all of the amazing work they do!
Thanks to this group for giving one of our rescued horses a beautiful home with them as a THEAPY horse.
Everything I know about their care and handling of their horses is TOP NOTCH.
As a volunteer for Horses of Hope, I had a space for learning and growth! Being able to learn in a safe environment with an enthusiastic leader and fantastic volunteers made me loose my fear of working with horses and be more comfortable around them. I’m so grateful for the time I spent during them farm, as well as the time helping with therapy sessions. The experience is something I wouldn't change for anything in the world!
Hi I'm Jeniffer, my experience as a volunteer at Horses Of Hope has been amazing. I have been a volunteer for about two years. I've met great people and learned so much about horses, equine therapy and even about myself. At Horses Of Hope we work with horses and people.
While working with the horses I have learned so many things from them. They are great teachers of self awareness. I have also learned how to build a great partnership, become a great leader and even overcome fear.
When assisting in a lesson, the best feeling I get is seeing and experiencing the person's enthusiasm in grooming the horse, ridding, and even achieving a goal. It is really amazing seeing the improvement and growth each individual makes with there therapeutic lessons.
Horses Of Hope has become an exceptional place for me and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Our family absolutely loves Horses Of Hope. My son and I have enjoyed volunteering together. It has been a great experience for us to bond and him to learn the importance of serving others. My youngest daughter is also a client. Horses Of Hope has given her a true love for horses and built her self confidence beyond what I could ever do. We cannot recommend them enough whether you are looking for therapy or to volunteer. Horses of Hope will always hold a special place in the heart of my entire family.
Hola,
Caballos de Esperanza ha sido un lugar muy especial para mi en poder tener valor en seguir en mi camino de mejoramiento de poder sobre salir mi trauma. Explico un poquito de lo que este lugar se significa para mi.
This is a truly a blessing in Puerto Rico! This organization feels like family for both clients and volunteers. Elaine and John put lots of passion and love into working and taking care of their horses and clients. I joined right after moving here thanks to being volunteer i met some incredible people and changed my life. I have learned so much about horses and their therapeutic powers. That changed my life and that itself is therapy for me too! Also knowing that my time and volunteer work have helped so many people and horses makes me feel amazing and blessed.
We have truly loved working with Horses of Hope. I have seen an improvement in my son's speech, both in clarity and quantity. I especially enjoyed the way the team praised him and made him feel successful while also encouraging him to ask for help when he missed something. This is an invaluable skill for him. These lessons have helped both his speech and his confidence. And he had a blast!”
For us, the parents of two participating children of Horses Of Hope-Caballos De Esperanza Inc., we understand that the therapies have been of great help to them. Since their interaction with horses benefits their social development, love for animals and nature, while improving their physical and psychological development. That is why we thank all of your wonderful and kind staff and wish you great success as well as continuing to help everyone who needs these therapies. Thanks a lot
The Horses of Hope team is great! Very well organized and punctual. Very diligent taking the proper precautions to avoid risks during the Covid health situation. Horses are beautiful, very well trained and healthy.
It was an excellent family experience! However, the most impressive fact is that my little girl (that is scared of animals) truly enjoyed the experience. She interacted directly with the horses and had a lot of fun. After that experience she loves horses!
We are deeply grateful to the whole team for this beautiful experience!
Estamos muy felices con la seguridad que ha adquirido nuestra hija de 6 años con esta experiencia.
Agradecemos el compromiso y dedicación de Elaine al igual que la labor de los voluntarios.
I am sponsoring my great nephew Dwayne who has autism. This organization has done great things for Dwayne! He has become more social and makes friends easier now. We also have noticed the changes with his school work. He used to need help from his mom, now he does his school assignments on his own and only ask for help when necessary which is not often. He is also open to try new things and go to new places which he didn’t do before Horses of Hope. I highly recommend this organization to anybody that has kids with autism or any other disorder. They are amazing!
As part of the Board and a volunteer (for the past 2 yrs.) I have witnessed amazing things that literally take your breath away!
Horses of Hope/Caballos de Esperanza Inc. is an amazing place where families have found hope and a fun, new way for underserved family members to incorporate themselves in society whether that is emotionally, physically and mentally or all of the three combined!
Elaine Cosby (Executive Director- PATH Instructor) brings amazing care and training to the horses which Make all of this possible and trains us volunteers To be able to work with the Horses And bring the best of care to them as well.
She trains us all to the highest standards of PATH volunteer training to insure the safety of our clients, horses and Staff so that it is fun and progress is made!
Miracles happen here! The lives of our clients and families are changed!
Help us continue to “MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN” and Bring Hope to Families in Our Community!
Horses of Hope goes above and beyond for their visitors and their therapy horses. The staff is very caring and professional. Attentive to all the details needed to ensure safety for visitors/riders and welfare for the horses. They put emphasis on education for their volunteers which is really important in order to achieve effective therapeutic results with the program. And also they are friendly & fun.
I am a former volunteer at Horses of Hope. I knew very little about equine therapy when I moved to Puerto Rico, but I love horses and I was previously working as a licensed high school counselor before moving to the island. As soon as I heard about Horses of Hope I knew I had to find out more. From the moment I met Elaine I was highly impressed with her knowledge and skills relating to horses and the clients she was working with. Her warm, welcoming personality and passion for what she does was so inspiring.
After my training sessions I began working with clients and getting to know the horses. Every session and every moment spent at the farm and arena was so rewarding for me. I became more confident in my role, I learned something new after each session, and got to see first hand how each client benefited in just thirty minutes. The clients would arrive, just as happy as myself, to their sessions. These clients gain confidence in their abilities to follow directions, groom and prep the horse for riding, and forming a strong bond and connection with their horse. The best part was seeing their faces once they achieved a goal. It was always contagious and by the end of the session everyone helping was smiling and laughing.
I saw clients with physical disabilities ride horses and gain strength and mobility. Verbal, nonverbal, and social skills will improve with each session. I was lucky enough to be a part of this and witness the changes and progress these clients made, as well as the relationships and bonding that I received from being a volunteer. I am so grateful for my experience and I highly recommend Horses of Hope!
Have you ever seen a person who could only speak their simplest needs begin to express themselves cogently? Have you ever watched someone who has never been able to stand independently take tentative (assisted) steps? Have you ever seen the joy of a blind person moving confidently through space atop a horse? I have! Horses of Hope does all of this. It is simply one of the most effective nonprofits I've ever been involved with, and I've served on the Board of more well-known organizations.
I was fortunate to find Horses of Hope after moving to the area and soon joined as a volunteer. In addition to thorough and excellent volunteer training, focused both on horsemanship and working with the differently-abled, what strikes me the most is how profoundly clients benefit from HoH's services. Clients receive thorough evaluation and intake, gain confidence and strength, improve verbal and relationship skills, and set and achieve goals. The array of successes seems almost impossible - but it happens due to the careful support and guidance of the director, as well as the support of volunteers, board members, and many others in the community who also recognize the organization's valuable place in the community.
And the horses? I have also been impressed by the care given to the horses, the natural training - there are no bits on bridles here - and how horse-human connections happen on profound levels. These happy horses (some themselves rehabilitated from traumatic backgrounds) are doing well - and we know that clients, particularly those who have faced deep trauma and/or lifelong disabilities, experience positive, lasting changes that improve their lives now and forever. I cannot recommend Horses of Hope highly enough.
Horses of Hope is an amazing organization that changes the lives of their volunteers, clients, and community for the better! Volunteering with them has not only increased my knowledge of horses and various physical and mental disabilities, but it also helped with my personal confidence, physical Heath, and mental health!
Being an educator, I wanted to find a way to reach/work with people on a volunteer level as well. I have a tremendous love for working with people and especially children. After searching for some time, I came across Horses of Hope and that’s when my life changed. The experience of working with the horses and learning about their personalities, as well as the day to day responsibilities of caring for the horses has had such a positive impact on my life. Also, being able to work alongside the other volunteers and build a positive community as we all support the same mission. To be able to view first-hand the appreciation of the families and to see their gratitude as their love one progresses and grows in the program, is a feeling that is hard to put in words.
I can’t say enough good things about Elaine and her dedication and hard work to make Horses of Hope what it is today. It is a true blessing and I am honored to be involved in this amazing organization.
Lisa
So grateful for Horses for Hope!!! Being new to the island I am so happy to be a volunteer for such an amazing cause! The difference I see from the time a client arrives to when they would leave after each and every session is MIRACULOUS!!! Coming away with a smile on their face and a bounce in their step makes my heart sing to know we are making a difference in each of their lives.