Our Mission

The mission of High Hopes is to improve the lives of people with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.

There are so many ways to impact lives

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is our Annual Gala, Auction and Scholarship Drive. Will you be there for an evening of fun, friendship and philanthropy?

High Hopes riders could not participate without donations to the scholarship fund. Most of these people already face financial and other burdens because of the disability/existing financial burden of families with disabilities. Donor support enables High Hopes to accept all who can benefit from our services regardless of financial circumstances.

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The Latest

  • Program Evaluation

    2018 Participant Survey

    We seek to continuously improve our programs here at High Hopes. If you are a participant or a participant’s advocate, please can you complete, or help your participant complete this survey. If you would prefer to complete it on paper, there will be volunteers helping in the lounge next week. Loading…

  • News

    Godspeed Hummer

    We are very sorry to announce that yesterday after a short but very severe bout of colic we lost our dear friend Hummer. Hummer has been with us since 2010 and his big heart and quiet demeanor made him the perfect horse to introduce so many people to riding and a life-long love of horses. […]

  • High Hopes Careers, News

    Farm Caretaker

    LIVE IN POSITION High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Old Lyme, CT is seeking an individual with equine care, building and farm maintenance skills to assist in the care and maintenance of our facility, horses and grounds. As an integral team member, communication and organizational skills are essential.  The Farm Caretaker assists the Equine Operations […]

  • Gala

    How SWEET it is – Corporate Partners

    A message to our potential corporate supporters how SWEET it is is one of Connecticut’s Premier Gala Events gathering community supporters for an evening of dining, dancing, and dedication to our mission. By supporting our Gala, you can positively impact the lives of many different individuals, their families, and their friends. High Hopes is one […]

  • Holiday Market 2018

    2018 Holiday Market – Call for Vendors

    Sunday, November 11, 2018, 11 am – 4 pm Over the past eight years, the High Hopes Holiday Market has grown into one of Connecticut’s premier Holiday Events. More than 60, thoughtfully curated vendors come together with food stalls, music, kids’ activities, and a whole barn-full of holiday spirit, to benefit over 1600 children, teens, […]

  • grant recognition 2017-2018

    Community Foundation of Middlesex County

    High Hopes is proud to announce that we are recipients of a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CMFC) in support of continued Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies programs for individuals. The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the people […]

  • News

    Shop smile.amazon.com!

    Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to High Hopes.

Volunteer News >
  • We truly believe therapeutic riding is a way of life. It is not only a lesson once a week but a complete sense of belonging, something that children with special needs may never get a chance to experience. Riding for our sons is not just about the therapy provided to their bodies as they struggle with sense & balance, but also helps them with social & language skills. High Hopes is more than a place you go to watch your child or loved one ride, it is an experience for all who enter the front door. Being a part of High Hopes is one of the greatest things we have ever done for our children, our family & ourselves.
    ~ Jennifer and Peter
    parents to High Hopes riders Matthew (9), Andrew (7) and James (7)
  • What I quickly saw was an improvement in her school work and we all have seen a more positive attitude in everything she attempts. I never thought an hour a week of horseback riding could do so much.
    ~ Proud Parent
  • I love you horse. I don't know what I would do without you.
    ~ Participant
  • I fly high as I ride. Horses enable me to do so much. I love to ride. I love High Hopes.
    ~ Participant
  • In the past few years I have seen my sweet little guy grow by leaps and bounds! I have watched his focus improve, his eye contact get better, and his body get stronger. I know all this is due, in great part, to the amazing healing powers of your horses. They are truly miracle workers.
    ~ Parent
  • I like to go last so I can go fast!
    ~ Participant
  • My students gain so much when sensory skills are involved in their day. Until you have first-hand experience seeing what High Hopes offers to these individuals and the impact it has on their lives, you cannot imagine how important it is to them to participate weekly. With the economy affecting everything in our lives, it is so nice to know that there are people that are still willing to give for others to enjoy and improve their quality of life.
    ~ Teacher
  • Due to the severity of their cognitive and physical disabilities, my students do not have access to the recreational opportunities that other children have, such as LIttle League or music lessons. High Hopes is an incredibly valuable opportunity for them. These students come from families who are not in a position to provide this kind of experience for their children. Given the schools' budgetary constraints, we are fortunate indeed that scholarship money is available.
    ~ Teacher