Equine Assisted Services
What we offer
We are excited to announce new horsemanship classes at High Hopes. These classes are 6-week sessions that have tailored curriculum which are geared to cover specific horse topics, and achieve both therapeutic and horsemanship goals.
Take a peek at some of our offerings!
Therapeutic Riding
High Hopes accommodates all four elements of therapeutic riding as defined by PATH, International: Recreation, Therapy, Sport, and Medicine. We do this in a unique way through our applied interdisciplinary team approach that includes consulting physical, occupational, speech and language, and expressive therapists, educators, and mental health practitioners. Lesson activities are structured to teach riding skills through exercises, games, trails, and more. There is a 180lb weight limit for riding and several diagnostic contraindications.
Ground-based Horsemanship Classes
Horsemanship curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of the participant. We can creatively plan curricula that address executive functions, emotional regulation, communication, theory of mind, problem solving, and more- all through horsemanship skills. The focus of Horsemanship can be any combination of physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive/educational, or social and can serve a wide range of individuals. High Hopes has successfully partnered with various community organizations to provide Horsemanship classes focusing on character development, memory care, veterans, mentored volunteering/job coaching, substance use/abuse, and domestic violence.
Horsemanship for Parkinson’s
After a successful pilot program in 2024, we are excited to announce an expanded Parkinson’s Program at High Hopes. We now offer two cohorts, meeting Tuesday and Friday mornings during our normal academic year. Each session empowers participants through movement, balance, and connection.
- Connect with horses and fellow participants
- Learn groundwork, grooming, & horsemanship skills
- Space to sit and observe are available throughout the lesson.
We offer financial aid to help support the cost of your participation in our Parkinson’s program. Please contact our finance office for more information.
Contact Amara Alpert at aalpert@highhopestr.org or by calling 860-434-1974 ext. 132.
Youth Empowerment Program
The Youth Empowerment program is for children and teens ages 9-16 who have experienced trauma. Participants will build confidence, foster connections, and ignite a sense of purpose – all alongside our magnificent equine partners. This fully unmounted curriculum is for small groups of up to 6 participants.
To register and learn more, please contact Amara Alpert at aalpert@highhopestr.org or by calling 860-434-1974 ext. 132.
Shared Strides
To register and learn more, please contact Kim Severance by emailing kseverance@highhopestr.org or calling 860-434-1974 x 334.
Individualized Wellness Program
To register and learn more, please contact Kim Severance by emailing kseverance@highhopestr.org or calling 860-434-1974 x 334.
Women's Wellness Initiative
High Hopes’ Women’s Wellness Initiative is a ground-based Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) program designed to support women in a safe environment. Through gentle interaction with horses, participants are invited into a rhythm of being rather than doing, creating space for reflection, and personal growth.
In partnership with other nonprofits, High Hopes offers equine-assisted services to women across our community — including survivors of trauma and veterans. Field trips, workshops, and restorative retreats on our 127-acre campus of forests, fields, and trails provide opportunities to reconnect with nature and self, with the support of our herd and professional team.
Horses mirror human emotions with honesty and without judgment, helping participants build trust, reduce stress, and foster resilience. Many report improvements in mental health, confidence, and mindfulness.
“Spending quiet time among the horses has been profoundly healing for me. Each visit offers a sense of peace, presence, and connection I didn’t know I was missing.” – a High Hopes Participant
The Women’s Wellness Initiative reflects High Hopes’ mission to improve lives through the power of the horse-human bond — creating pathways to healing, renewal, and community.
To register and learn more, please contact Kim Severance by emailing kseverance@highhopestr.org or calling 860-434-1974 x 334.
Session schedule
Academic session: Runs from September-May with lessons all day and most evenings, Monday-Saturday. We begin scheduling our academic session participants in March/April, but welcome applications and new participants any time of the year.
Summer session: Runs from June-August with lessons afternoons/evenings, Monday-Thursday and all day on Friday. We begin scheduling our summer session participants in April/May.
Download schedule
Lessons are taught by Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl) Certified Instructors, and weekly lesson plans are developed to meet the individualized needs of the participants. Lesson length and group size are determined based on individual need, though most lessons are offered as small groups. We work diligently to create appropriate matches among lesson participants to ensure goal progress and attainment.
Our lessons are held year-round utilizing our indoor and outdoor arenas as well as our expansive trails.
Indoor Arena
180 ft. x 80 ft. with wheelchair friendly mounting ramp, EasyLift (Handi-Move Custom Lift), and viewing lounge. The indoor school incorporates multiple activity centers.
Outdoor Arena
225 ft. x 100 ft. fully fenced, floodlit outdoor arena suitable for riding, driving and ELP.
Trails
Extensive trails of varying gradients, with multiple sensory-rich activities on each trail.
How do I become a participant?
Process for participation
Our process for existing participation:
- Complete Participant Registration.
- For Therapeutic Riding and Carriage Driving only (not required for Unmounted Equine Learning Program) have your physician complete our medical history and physicians statement.
- If the prospective participant sees a specialty provider (mental health professional, speech and language pathologist, physical/occupational therapist, etc) have them complete an additional form, Mental Health form or Therapist Form, including release for treatment.
- Once we have received all mandatory paperwork, our Program Team will review current lesson availability and will be in touch to schedule an in-person assessment (fee of $75) if we believe we have an appropriate spot. The in-person assessment allows you the opportunity to determine goodness of fit for Equine Assisted Services and resources necessary to support success.
Costs and Financial Aid
The full cost of service for an Equine Assisted Activity is $304 per person per session. Due to generous donations from community members and organizations, High Hopes subsidizes 75% of tuition for participants. Our fee for service is $75 per person per lesson. The cost for the full Academic Semester is $2,250 and the cost for the full Summer Semester is $675.
With our commitment to accepting participants into our programs based on therapeutic need, regardless of financial means, we offer further financial aid assistance to those unable to pay the established fees.
With our commitment to accepting participants into our programs based on therapeutic need, regardless of financial means, we offer further financial aid assistance to those unable to pay the established fees. If you are in need of financial aid, click here.
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High Hopes Therapeutic Riding is located at 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT.
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