Bella James

Bella’s love of horses began at the age of seven and quickly grew into a lifelong passion that has shaped her path both personally and professionally. As a teenager, she purchased her first horse, Lucy, a little Appaloosa who became her greatest teacher. Through Lucy, Bella learned not only how to ride, but how to listen with patience, trust, and empathy—lessons that continue to guide her work today.

Bella went on to earn a degree in Equine and Equestrian Sciences and has worked in a variety of roles within the equine industry. Her experiences range from leading trail rides to studying herd behavior in Greece, deepening her understanding of horses as individuals and as part of a social community. Working in therapeutic riding has long been a dream, and Bella was drawn to High Hopes for both its mission and the strong sense of community that surrounds the work. She especially values getting to know the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the program, the horses, and the participants.

Outside of High Hopes, Bella loves spending time outdoors with her dog, Hazel—whether hiking at Cockaponset, boating on the Connecticut River, or camping in Vermont. She also enjoys sewing and cooking, and is always happy to take on a new creative challenge.