Hayley Plas

Hayley joined the High Hopes team in 2022 as the Volunteer Outreach & Training Manager and transitioned to Program Manager in 2024. She is currently serving as the Communications Director. With a deep belief in the transformative power of horses, Hayley is passionate about how they can heal through energy—an insight that sparked her career in Equine Assisted Services. She has been riding since the age of four and has no intention of stopping anytime soon!

She spent most of her childhood in The Netherlands, and returned to the U.S. to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Television/Radio, with a minor in Communications, Management, and Design, from Ithaca College. After working several desk jobs, Hayley decided to turn her lifelong love of horses into a full-time career. She managed several barns, taught lessons, and trained young horses before finding her true calling at High Hopes. Here, she is able to combine her equine knowledge and passion to make a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Hayley enjoys warm weather, boating, and discovering local hiking trails. She resides in East Haddam with her husband, James, and their many animals!

Hayley is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), HERD Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner, and mentor.