My Nonprofit Reviews

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.