As our ten year celebration comes to a close, we reflect on all the accomplishments we have achieved and look forward to the challenges ahead. In the past year, we’ve added new horses to our program, as well as a mechanical horse we named Monty. We acquired a hydraulic lift to help wheelchair bound participants transfer to their horses. We welcomed a new instructor to our ranks and we held our first summer camp program.

What does Circle of Hope mean to the participants, family and friends of the program? Our therapy horses, professional staff, and generous volunteers have transformed their lives. Our program has benefited so many…

“Our son is a fraternal twin. He was born with a neurological deficit. The doctors shared with us that he would never walk, communicate, or know who we are! Since that day, there have been many firsts. Four years have passed since our son first started riding at Circle of Hope. He rides every Sunday morning. Our son loves to take walks around the property on his mount, Sam. He loves to ride backwards and rub his hands through Sam’s coat. His favorite thing to do is trot and his smile is worth a million words! Emotionally, riding has opened up new doors for him. He is successful, he loves the experience, Circle of Hope has touched our family as a whole. There are also great lessons for our other two boys…watching their brother become a better rider, seeing his excitement at participating in a sport. It is important that they see him head off with mom to develop a skill outside of school. More importantly, despite handicaps, many things in life can be accomplished.”

“My son, who has autism, came to Circle of Hope five years ago with a long list of IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals. These goals were set by speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and special education professionals. The Circle of Hope riding instructor is trained to work with individuals with a wide variety of disabilities and plans her sessions with his specific goals in mind. His instructor is a professional involved in his treatment and has contributed to his progress as greatly as any of the other professionals involved in his treatment. The volunteers are expertly trained and work empathetically and gently with my son's differences and needs. The horses KNOW what they are providing to these riders and give it their all. His sessions have provided him not only with "a lifelong love of riding," but with remarkable therapeutic gains as well. And the best part of all - riding is FUN!”

We are filled with optimism and excitement for the next ten years. We have so much planned. Additions to our staff will include a physical therapist as well as two additional instructors. We plan to expand our programming to include an EAGLA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Activities) based program and will be reaching out to many school based groups to provide additional program opportunities.

Continuing the excellent programming requires your support. Please help us to continue our success by making a financial gift to Circle of Hope.

Gratefully yours,

P.S. Your generous donation will allow us to continue our success.