The Mission of High Hopes
High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.
Our Vision and Values
Become a Sponsor for High Hopes' Bella Notte Gala
We invite you to be an event sponsor for our annual gala, our largest fundraiser of the year. As a sponsor, you’ll gain prominent exposure with community leaders and changemakers, while supporting the transformative impact of our therapeutic programs. We offer tailored sponsorship packages to suit your specific marketing goals and ensure your brand is showcased at its finest.
Make a meaningful difference by partnering with us!
High Hopes Annual Report 24-25
A Year of Impact: Connected in Community
From powerful participant journeys to herd highlights and community achievements, this year’s Annual Report celebrates the heart of High Hopes — our people, our horses, and you.
Thoughtfully crafted by dedicated volunteer Michael Fanelli, the report brings together key stories, data, and financial insights that reflect a year of growth, resilience, and connection.
Read the full report and relive the moments that shaped our year.
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 our program office today!
Email us!
Philanthropy
It Takes All Of Us
The Work Continues
Last year, we served on average 72 participants each week. Thanks to the growth of our herd and the dedication of our team, that number has grown significantly — now reaching 106 participants each week across riding, unmounted, and specialty programs.This growth isn’t about filling spots; it’s about meeting real needs. Every new horse and every additional session means more individuals gaining confidence, connection, and joy through the power of horses.But a bigger herd means bigger costs: hay and feed, veterinary care, training, and more. Each horse brings hope to more people and it’s only possible with your continued support.
Visit our 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 StoriesHigh Hopes by the Numbers
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
