Hanna Calcagni started her High Hopes journey as a volunteer 40 years ago, as a teenager in high school. An avid equestrian, having owned horses her whole life, Hanna had become very aware of the benefits and impact horses have on humans. She volunteered at many places throughout her life and wanted to find a place that could combine her passion for horses and for the people.
When she started volunteering, High Hopes was still called L.C.V.E.R.A. (Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association) and was based out of the Westbrook Hunt Club with only two or three horses. This experience was her first interaction with people with special needs, and she admired how therapeutic riding impacted them. Hanna was taken by their positive attitudes and fearless interaction with the horses. After high school, Hanna paused her volunteering to head off to college and towards the bright future ahead of her.
In the fall of 2020, Hanna returned to High Hopes, looking forward to rejoining the community and becoming a volunteer once again. Volunteering at High Hopes has a special meaning to Hanna, as it does to every volunteer that comes through our doors. “I always feel better when leaving than when I arrived. The horses’ presences are calming influences. They are such big creatures, yet so generous and kind. They are good for the soul, whether leading, riding, or just being around them. High Hopes provides a peaceful environment, giving me a mental reset each time I am here.” For Hanna, spending time in the barn with the horses and people is therapeutic to her.
While Hanna has many High Hopes memories, she remembers with particular fondness one that showcased a bond forged between rider, horse, and volunteer. A few years ago, Hanna was out on the trails with participant, James, and High Hopes horse, Lucky. Lucky was new to High Hopes at this time, and they were all still getting to know each other. At one point during the ride, Hanna realized Lucky was uncomfortable, and noticed that bees had begun to gather around him (and not in a friendly visit kind of way). Lucky was tense, but held his composure in a situation where most would have panicked. Hanna was amazed at Lucky’s awareness of James, and how he knew he had to keep not only his rider safe, but also her. “This horse had just won over my heart. And James’ as well.” With both Hanna and James still new to Lucky, this moment solidified a bond and trust between them all.
Hanna enjoys talking about High Hopes to family and friends. She feels she knows a lot about our organization, our mission, and our history; and, is frequently at High Hopes. “Everyone knows about the gala. But not everyone knows more about what High Hopes does on a day-to-day basis.” She feels more community outreach is needed to make the Connecticut shoreline more aware of the life- changing impacts of High Hopes’ services, and to give people a better understanding of our mission.
Hanna, as longtime volunteer, and Building and Grounds Committee member since last summer, has also become one of the newest members of the Board of Trustees. She is looking forward to being more directly involved in making High Hopes run even smoother, and have a larger impact on the communities in Connecticut. She hopes that in the future High Hopes will expand its reach, serving more people with different needs. She especially hopes High Hopes may be able to serve more young adults and teenagers who struggle with anxiety, as anxiety has become a significant problem in today’s world. Hanna is looking forward to seeing where High Hopes goes in the coming years and can’t wait to continue the hard work she is doing as a volunteer, and now as a trustee.