High Hopes is one of the oldest and largest therapeutic riding centers in the United States, operating since 1974 and accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) since 1979. Assisted by over 600 volunteers and a herd of 24 horses specifically trained for therapeutic riding, High Hopes offers opportunities for skill building and achievement to children and adults who face challenges each day; a young adult dealing with mental illness, a child challenged by physical disability, a troubled teen who has been moved from foster home to foster home, a parent recovering from a stroke and the student held back by cognitive disabilities.

We operate year round 6 days a week with both indoor and outdoor riding facilities as well as an extensive sensory trail. All of our instructors are certified through PATH Intl. and, in order to address our participants' needs in the most comprehensive way, our staff includes a Licensed Professional Counselor and Physical, Occupational, Speech and Expressive Arts Therapists. The incorporation of these professionals optimizes our students' achievements and helps in the training and development of our staff and volunteers.

In addition to therapeutic riding, High Hopes offers programs which provide those who are too disabled, heavy or frail, or who choose not to ride, with the opportunity to work in harmony with the horse and to acquire equine skills. One such activity is carriage driving which provides the physical benefits of improved balance and upper body strength while mastering the skills needed in driving encourages self-confidence and fosters relationships, both human and equine, built on mutual respect and trust. Thanks to the hydraulic lift adaptation to our carriage, all of our students, including those needing the constant support of their wheelchairs, are able to participate in driving lessons. Also available to those who are unable to ride is our unmounted Equine Learning Program. Participants are paired with a horse to learn about horse care and barn management and are provided with individualized training programs based on their interests, skills and specific disabilities.

The Horses for Heroes program provides services for our veterans and their families. This program includes carriage driving and learning activities such as grooming and tacking, basic horse care and barn management. Many of our returning veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This subtle but devastating disorder prevents them from leading functional lives in society. The unconditional acceptance at High Hopes offers the opportunity to rebuild self esteem and hope for a better tomorrow.

During the summer, in addition to our regular programs, High Hopes offers weeklong sessions of an inclusive Summer Camp where children with and without disabilities participate together. We also hold a specialty Immersion Program for children with Autism Spectrum and Sensory Disorders (ASD). The program is conducted in collaboration with therapists from Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.

High Hopes also serves the community through school in-service programs, field trips and experiential learning opportunities provided both on and off site. In addition, lectures and workshops are offered to our participants’ families, our volunteers and the community at large on topics as diverse as horse care, parenting, American Sign Language, autism and sensory integration.