The Mission of High Hopes
High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.
Our Vision and Values
Artist Day at High Hopes
Inviting all artists to join us on September 18th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM! For one afternoon only, we’re opening our campus to local artists—painters and sketchers—looking for a peaceful place to create.
Click here to read more
Homecoming Fall Festival
Join us at High Hopes for our annual Homecoming Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 12–3 PM!
It’s a festive afternoon full of fall fun — tractor rides, mini horses, live music, a haunted trail, hay toss, crafts, food, and more. Guests will receive a free drink ticket at check-in and can enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks and beer under the autumn sky.
Click here for more information!
See the Power of Connection in Action
This short video offers a moving look into our Parkinson’s program—but it’s also so much more. It’s a glimpse into the heart of High Hopes: where people and horses come together to build strength, confidence, and connection. Whether it’s through therapeutic riding, unmounted activities, or simply sharing space with a horse, every moment at High Hopes is designed to improve lives and foster a sense of community.
Watch the video and experience the impact for yourself.
New Programs, New Experiences
High Hopes is reaching more people than ever with two exciting new programs designed to bring the benefits of equine-assisted services to even more members of our community.
Minis on the Move brings our miniature horses to you: visiting schools, senior centers, and care facilities to offer moments of joy, calm, and connection.
Shared Strides invites adults 60 and over to experience the peaceful rhythm of barn life, gentle movement, and the powerful connection between humans and horses—all in the beauty of our Old Lyme campus.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Marci at mbender@highhopestr.org
Philanthropy
Gift Planning
One Mission. Countless Opportunities.
Planned gifts are a meaningful way to support our mission because they will ensure the future of High Hopes for generations to come. They can also provide you or your estate with significant tax benefits. We invite you to explore the philanthropic solutions on our planned giving website to learn more.
Visit our Planned Giving Page
Volunteers
Horsey Volunteers Needed!
At our home, everyone is welcome
Horses and Humans Improving Lives
At High Hopes we celebrate and embrace diversity. We strive to build an inclusive culture that represents the wide variety of populations we serve. We know that it’s our differences that make us special and those differences should be supported, nurtured and celebrated.
The people who come to High Hopes represent all ages & backgrounds. The majority of our participants are between the ages of 3 and 14, some are in their 70’s. Most participants have varying degrees of cognitive, physical, behavioral, psychological or sensory disabilities. There is no “typical” High Hopes participant, as programs are designed to benefit individuals with a wide variety of disabilities.
Check out our e-magazine for our latest stories!
More Stories
Annual Report 2023-2024
Empowering Futures
Enjoy our special issue of the annual report. The 2023-2024 issue reflects on the heart of our mission with powerful stories, inspiring statistics, and stunning visuals that reflect the impact we’re making. Designed by the talented Michael Fanelli, whose deep connection to High Hopes brings our vision to life. Read the full report and discover how we’re shaping brighter futures together.
Learn MoreHigh Hopes by the Numbers
A Legacy of Hope
A Future of Growth
Looking back on the last 50 years, we’ve made an extraordinary impact together. We look forward to building on that momentum and continuing our legacy. We are committed to upholding our mission while fostering growth and innovation for years to come.
Where Hope Meets Impact
With your tax-deductible donation, you make High Hopes’ work possible and strengthen our ability to offer life-changing experiences.
Give to the High Hopes Fund
Visit the link below to learn more about giving to High Hopes and please contact Claire Gadrow, Chief Philanthropy Officer cgadrow@highhopestr.org, 860-434-1974, ext. 210 with any questions.
Programs & Events
Programs for those who serve
Calling Veterans
For many individuals who have served in our military, the ability to remain relaxed in the present moment and make important connections with other people is more difficult than most of the general public. Often, this is a by-product of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, when serving in the military, there is a demand for all individuals to be acutely aware of their surroundings at all times due to the perilous conditions faced each day. For many who have served, this hyper-vigilant state does not subside when returning to re-integrate into society. Making connections with civilians is challenging often resulting in a sense of isolation even when returning to home, friends and family.
Read MoreAccreditations and Affiliations
