High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

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United States
Old Lyme, CT
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

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High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.

Our mission at High Hopes is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, equine assisted activities and therapies, and training and education while being a proactive leader, mentor and advocate for our profession.

10/16/2026

Get ready for High Hopes Spirit Week, kicking off Monday, October 19th! 🎉🐴

It's a week of fun, creativity, and a little extra High Hopes spirit! Whether you're a participant, volunteer, or staff member, we invite you to dress up for the theme on the day(s) you're on campus and join in the fun!

We can't wait to see everyone's spirit shine!

10/15/2026

Grateful for our Board of Trustees 💙

They generously volunteer their time, professional expertise, and talents to help keep High Hopes moving forward. They help guide our strategy, strengthen our organization, and stay connected to the people, horses, and mission. And their involvement doesn’t stop at Board meetings!

Many of our Board members also volunteer in programs, support events, lend a hand around campus, and step in wherever they’re needed. Thank you for believing in our mission and for being such an important part of our community.

Pictured from left to right: Michael Auyang, Chase Rogers, Natalie Yonker, Maris Wacs, Rachel Fearnley, Barbara Willkens, Gary Rogers
Missing from picture: Hanna Calcagni, Andrew Cialek, Liz Doering, Beth Garrity, Jonathan Heuser, Mac Mummert, Gregory Varga, Wendy Visgilio

10/14/2026

Horse Spotlight: Meet Finley! 🐴

Standing at 16+ hands tall, Finley is one of our gentle giants here at High Hopes! With his calm personality, smooth gaits, and experience in both riding and carriage driving, this handsome boy has a special way of helping those around him feel comfortable.

Not much seems to ruffle Finley's feathers! And yes, we mean that literally...did you know that the long hairs on a draft horse's lower legs are called "feathers"? Whether he's meeting new friends, working with participants, or enjoying a few extra scratches, Finley takes it all in stride. We're so lucky to have him in our herd! 💙

10/13/2026

At High Hopes, our volunteers are at the heart of so many of these moments, giving their time, sharing their kindness, and helping make our programs possible.

And somewhere along the way, they often discover a little something for themselves, too!

Find Your Purpose. Find Your People. Find Your Herd. ❤️🐴

Learn more about volunteering at High Hopes by visiting our website or the link in our bio.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. 💚

At High Hopes, we know that caring for our mental health can look different for everyone. Sometimes it means finding a safe place to connect. Sometimes it’s building confidence, navigating grief, spending time with people who understand, or simply having a reason to slow down and be present.

Through programs like Youth Empowerment, Shared Strides, Bereavement, Veterans, and our Parkinson’s program, we create opportunities for connection, growth, and support, with horses as part of the experience.

And while not every program at High Hopes is focused specifically on mental health, we think there’s something pretty special about time spent in the barn, outside in the fresh air, and alongside a horse. 🐴

Today, we celebrate the people, programs, horses, and communities that help us connect, breathe, learn, and simply be.

10/09/2026

For High Hopes Volunteer Rachel Barretta, being part of the High Hopes community means connection and community.

"My favorite thing ever is seeing campers come here and say this is the best day ever, that they love it here, and are making the most amazing memories."

Come for the horses. Stay for the people. Find your herd at High Hopes! 💙

Join our Volunteer Team today by clicking the link in our bio!

10/08/2026

With Gratitude to the EQUUS Foundation 💛🐴

We’re honored to be recognized as an EQUUS Foundation Mentor Charity and deeply grateful for their continued support of our mission at High Hopes.

The EQUUS Foundation’s commitment to inclusion, access, and the well-being of both horses and humans helps ensure that individuals of all ages and abilities can experience the power of equine-assisted services. From youth programs to services for veterans, their support strengthens the work we do every day.

Thank you to the EQUUS Foundation for believing in our mission and for celebrating the connections that truly improve lives — for the love of horses.

Learn more about High Hopes through our Mentor Charity profile:
🔗https://equusfoundation.org/next/next-chapter-display-quest-profile.php?hid=460&actionid=110&fid=0117

10/07/2026

Some friendships start in unexpected places. ❤️

At High Hopes, volunteering can mean more than giving your time — it can mean finding people (or horses) who make you laugh and look forward to coming back.

Find your People. Stay for the People. Find your herd at High Hopes!

Join our Volunteer Team today. https://highhopestr.org/volunteers/

10/06/2026

They did it! 🎉🐴

A BIG congratulations to our very own Erin Wester and Cara Morello, who have officially earned their PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) credentials!

Becoming a CTRI is no small accomplishment. The certification process can take a year or more and includes education, hands-on experience, horsemanship skills, teaching requirements, and plenty of studying.

They put in the time, the work, and the dedication, and we couldn’t be prouder to see those new letters after their names!

10/05/2026

Meet High Hopes Volunteer Kaitlyn Ward and hear why she gives her time to our programs!

"High Hopes has had a very positive impact on me. I have met amazing volunteers, and when I come help out with summer camp, I have met amazing kids who can always make me laugh."

Find your People. Find Your Place. Find Your Herd. 🐴💙

Join our Volunteer Team today ! https://highhopestr.org/volunteers/

Address

36 Town Woods Road
Old Lyme, CT
06371

Telephone

+18604341974

Website

https://highhopestr.org/

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