Hope and healing through gentle horses and the love of God.
Wings of Hope was founded in 1996 to provide inclusion for those with disabilities, specifically for children and adults with physical, mental or emotional challenges through the partnership of a horse.
The partnership allows those with life with challenges or disabilities the opportunity to explore new ways to navigate independence, to gain tools and skills to sharpen and enhance abilities, to discover strengths
and address challenges.
Email office@wingsofhopehorses.org
for questions about the application, evaluation, or scheduling process.
Mounted HorsmanshipHorse Back Riding
Therapeutic horseback riding is for individuals seeking the physical benefits and movement from the horse to improve gait, flexibility, balance, focus and
communication.
More about therapeutic horseback riding lessons:
Therapeutic riding is mounted horseback riding which is intended for any person with a special need or disability. Lessons are tailored to fit the needs of the individual by utilizing specially trained horses, instructors and volunteers.
Individuals focus on learning horsemanship skills while the Instructor incorporates their school and/or life goals into the lesson by using activities to target the goals.
Mounted therapeutic horsemanship helps individuals by:
developing balance and core strength
increased focus
motor planning
problem solving skills
independence
self-confidence
"My eight-year-old daughter, Clara, was recently diagnosed with Autism and while she is incredibly bright, her behaviors and emotion regulation skills are significantly delayed. Clara has struggled to function in a typical school environment since PK as she has meltdowns and becomes overwhelmed. At Wings of Hope, she is at peace. She is connected with her horse, her instructor, her volunteers, and she is content, focused, and calm. Wings of Hope is one of the few "activities" she can consistently participate in, where we feel loved and supported as a neurodivergent family and where she is understood and accepted as a human with worth and potential."
Dr. Kary Johnson
Owner | Executive Director
The Reading Connection | Literacy United
Ground Based HorsemanshipGround based learning
Ground based horsemanship is offered for individuals seeking a combination of physical, social, or emotional benefits from the horse.
More about ground based lessons:
Through ground-based experiences, individuals address areas associated with the management of time, multi-tasking, atmosphere, social cues, conflict resolution, and more. The benefits of learning horsemanship demonstrate accomplishments that increase self-confidence through the human horse connection.
Ground based therapeutic horsemanship helps individuals by:
increase self-awareness
increase self-esteem
demonstrate empathy
setting boundaries
managing stress or anxiety
interpersonal communication
trust
accountability
problem-solving skills
teamwork
conflict resolution
leadership skills
"As an occupational therapist, you tend to have to get creative to best meet your client's individual needs. When considering how hippotherapy could help my client reach her physical, cognitive, and visual needs, I had several questions. How can the horse's mannerisms and movements be used as a tool to help my client reach her goals? What are some things I should consider when determining who would benefit from working with these horses? At Wings of Hope, the wonderful staff were able to help guide me through such questions. They collaborated with me in such a way that I felt confident blending my occupational therapy knowledge with their equestrian knowledge. My client always left their facility with a smile on her face, even on the more challenging days! I am grateful for the experience my client and I were able to share at Wings of Hope."
Meleah Fuchs, OTR/L, CNS
Occupational Therapist
Rehab Without Walls
Equine DiscoveryAn opportunity to experience the partnership of a horse for all abilities, no diagnosis required.
Equine Discovery opportunities are for any group interested in partnering with a horse for discovery, play or adventure.
More about Equine Discovery opportunities:
Equine Discovery is intended for any group large or small, with or without, a special need or disability. Opportunities are tailored to fit the needs of any group through partnership with the herd.
These hand crafted opportunities focus on learning horsemanship skills and how these skills and tools can incorporate into daily life, better communication, confidence, relaxation, and more!
Equine Discovery groups who could benefit:
Educators & Teachers
Proffesional Groups & Cohorts
Management
Leaders
Civic Groups
Board of Directors
Primary, Secondary, & Higher Education scholars
Scouts, Camp Fire, 4H, FFA, & extra curricular groups
