I was in a near fatal car accident as a pedestrian. My whole world changed in the blink of an eye. My first struggle was to survive, then to adjust to my new way of life. I was in constant, intensive rehab for 6 1/2 years but still had numerous issues that didn't seem to be making the progress I wanted them to make and believed I could somehow. I discovered Horses with Hope and instantly fell in love with it!
Anne, the owner, truly has a heart for helping others, is very loving and delightful, and is very careful about our safety. They all are - the volunteers too - as people and as instructors, and they are very dedicated and passionate about their efforts there. I think I was the only adult rider there this past year, but no one ever made me feel out of place. They work hard together to get donations in order to make the cost to the riders very affordable, which is essential for me because otherwise I wouldn't be able to ride. They also make it really fun! The horses are all taken very good care of and are very sweet natured, gentle, obedient and beautiful. They have the cleanest barn and stalls I've ever seen. Ever. It has a rubber floor that they keep clean and dry, and there aren't even spider webs anywhere. They have indoor and outdoor arenas and also a path like a double figure 8 through the trees where we can ride when the weather is nice.
Physically, I really made amazing progress over the 7-8 months that I rode there, especially in the areas that the traditional PT wasn't able to address quite right. My doctors, family and friends have been amazed. To think that they weren't sure I'd live, then weren't sure I'd ever walk again, and now I'm riding horses is purely a blessing from God that He gave me through this place. And it was so much more than that for me, too. I truly have no words for the emotional therapy that interacting with the horses (and the other animals) did for me. I absolutely adore horses, and to get out of the burbs and into the country, riding the horses...it honestly was a little slice of heaven for me! In the midst of all the yuck I've been going through non-stop for years, I didn't realize how much I needed this uplifting ray of sunshine each week until I got it.
I miss it like crazy and it's only been a month since the season ended for the year. I'll definitely ride there again next spring when it starts back up again. The whole place really comes together to offer an amazing opportunity like none other! Horses with Hope has my highest recommendation, and I'll be forever grateful for the incredible experience I had there.
Our son has been riding for 9 years now, following Anne from the farm in Houston, to South Park, to the new facility. We have seen great improvement in his ability to sit up on the horse (he laid on his back on the horse during his first lesson!), and this skill has transferred to daily life. He has much more core strength and is able to sit at his day program for longer periods of time making it easier to participate in activities with his peers. Thanks to Anne and all the hard work of the volunteers for making this possible.
My wife and I can't say enough about the wonderful people at Horses with Hope. From Anne to all of the volunteers, everyone makes the experience worth the trip. Our son has been riding for about 7 years now and enjoys it as much now as when he first started.
A non-communicative 12 yr. old girl began "volunteering" with us. She would not make eye contact and basically avoided people. After a summer of doing various barn chores and working around the horses her entire personality changed. She now makes eye contact, does not walk hunched over, she will carry on a conversation, show her art work to you and has developed a sense of self-worth. After our winter break I saw her for the first time this year and she said " WOW it has been so long - I am now 18 and working at Taco Bell"! Then of course she started laughing. How about that for an about face for this child!!! She even has a sense of humor now. One summer at Horses with Hope and she is a different person.
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I have volunteered at other therapeutic riding programs and this one is definitely heads above the rest. For starters the horses are given the best care, the facility is so clean and safety is ALWAYS a main concern. Volunteers are veted and constantly given instruction. You can hear the children laughing because programs are constructed not only for a cognitive experience, but for FUN! Programs are designed to help build muscle strength, balance and breathing, but also to build confidence, self esteem, camaraderie. I have seen so many children and adults benefit from this program whether they had a special need physically, mentally or emotionally. The program managers are loving, caring people. ALL the volunteers are the most wonderful people I have ever worked with. What more can I say - Horses With Hope is awesome!
Volunteering for Horses with Hope has enriched my life. It is awesome to see how the children respond to the horse. It seems to calm & soothe them. It also strengthens their muscle.
Horses are magnificent animals who God put on earth for a purpose. At Horses with Hope they have found their purpose.
Our daughter with multiple disabilities has been riding horses here for 5 years. It is a great opportunity for her to have fun while working on her balance & strength. Anne and the volunteers are wonderful and truly care for our children!
Our son has been riding with HWH for several years now and while he does not love having to go to therapy, he enjoys the change/variety of therapeutic riding.
Anne and the volunteers are wonderful!
It is always great to hear about generous donors and local businesses that donate to make the riding experience better for the riders and their families.
Our experience with Horses With Hope has been great. This non-profit equestrian therapy is a big hit with our daughter. She loves being around horses and this allows her to exercise in ways that she normally wouldn't. For example, we have a hard time having her sit up straight and have good posture, but when she is on the horse she has great posture. She also feels empowered when she can guide the horse by herself. The Staff help encourage the riders to continue to improve and work on strengthening core muscles. Anne is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. :)
I began volunteering with Horses With Hope this year. It has been an amazing experience. As an educator for 25 years, I am tremendously impressed with the care and attention given to each detail of this operation. It is so rewarding to see the ebulient faces of the riders as they interact with the horse and the walkers. Anne has done an excellent job of making the sensory trail fun and engaging. I have loved every moment there!
I am proud to be a volunteer at Horses With Hope. Anne Davis gives her entire heart to this organization and works around the clock to support her students. Safety is her number #1 concern and the students are able to grow and develop so much in a safe environment. Thank you for all that you do, Anne!
When I learned about Horses with Hope, I was so excited-because I had an activity that I could do for my 8 year old grandson, who has autism. It is very difficult to find any activity to do with him, and I thought this would be a great grandma-grandson thing to do. Anne is fantastic and treats everyone--the riders, caregivers or parents, volunteers, etc., with the utmost kindness and respect. She is patient and loving with the riders and to have people treat my grandson as the unique individual that he is means everything! The volunteers are wonderful and my grandson has benefited from Horses with Hope! I will continue to take him riding and I highly recommend Horses with Hope to everyone!
I have been involved with this organization as a volunteer for over 5 years. This organization is a God send to all who are involved, volunteer and riders alike. Anne Davis, the Director, is a saintly woman and the angel who directs the entire program. This organization is worth your support prayerfully and financially.
I have been volunteering with Horses With Hope for about 5 months and I can't say enough good things about the organization and it's phenomenal leaders! While assisting the kids as they ride, it's so touching to watch their faces light up and hear them giggle as they interact with the dedicated horses. The therapeutic relationship with the horses allows kids with speech or physical disabilities overcome boundaries, encourages healing, and improves their confidence/self-esteem. It is an amazing and rewarding experience and I am blessed to be part of this unique opportunity, working with great horses and wonderful kids!
Horses with Hope is a great place to volunteer and just ask any of the kids...it's a great place to learn about horses, self-esteem, courage and friendship. I think that it does so much for these kids...they get opportunities that others only dream about. These horses can sense things both in the volunteers and the children, it's amazing. Our leader Anne is the best.
Horses with Hope truly provides a wonderful experience to both volunteers and riders. For the riders it helps them overcome their disabilities and be able to do something that kids that are not in their situation are able to do. For the volunteers it gives experience working with horses as well as and uplifting feeling through helping those in need.
I was never much of a horse person, and Anne talked me into helping her. Boy am I ever thankful! One time, there was a little boy who couldn't hold onto the swings at home. Well, after only 2 sessions, he came back so happy that he could ride the regular swings at home! We all have issues in our lives, but after volunteering here, I realize what I deal with is minor compared to so many other people! God has blessed us all with this wonderful non-profit! The families, workers who bring children here, the volunteers are so blessed to be able to help here!
I started volunteering here about 3 years ago. Horses with Hope is an amazing organization.
Everyone who volunteers or who becomes involved with the program is changed in some way. It is a place where individuals who are challenged whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally can go to improve their lives in some way. To see the riders every session and watch them change is so rewarding . The connections that are made between riders , volunteers and horses are remarkable! Horses with hope is my Happy Place to be!