After the 2024 Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the PNHS Foundation awarded grants to 41 therapeutic riding centers, equine rescues, and equine-assisted service programs. As we look ahead to the 2025 show, we’re excited to highlight the incredible work of these recipient organizations!

Horses with Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to transforming lives through the power of equine interactions. They offer a wide variety of equine-assisted services, all designed to foster growth, healing, and hope for individuals of all ages, including veterans.

How do you serve your community?

“We serve children, adults, and families across the region through hands-on, equine-based programs that promote emotional well-being, skill-building, and physical development. Our services are offered at below cost to ensure accessibility, with a scholarship program that offers financial support to qualified individuals and families – many of whom are living near the poverty line or are single-income caregivers for individuals with disabilities. 

By partnering with local schools, veteran groups, and community organizations, we are able to reach those who need support most and create meaningful, long-term impact.”

What are some of the biggest challenges Horses with Hope currently faces?

“Despite growing demand, we face significant capacity challenges. Our waitlist has grown to over 80 individuals due to limited staffing and equine availability. Rising costs for feed, veterinary care, and program materials continue to strain our budget, especially as we operate on a fee-for-service model at below cost. 

Hiring additional certified instructors, acquiring more program-ready horses, and ensuring year-round operations at both our main and satellite locations are critical steps needed to expand access and meet community needs.”

How has this grant impacted your program’s ability to serve your community?

“This grant has helped us meet core operational needs – such as horse care and facility maintenance – which directly helps us serve more in need. Over the past year, we welcomed 13 new participants from our waiting list, thanks in part to grant support. 

These funds also contributed to horse care, ensuring safe and meaningful sessions for all participants and equine partners. Grants like this are vital to maintaining program quality and accessibility.”

Can you share a success story of a horse or participant who benefited from your program?

“The mother of one of our students, Jonny, wrote a short story about how her son has grown through Horses with Hope and how his relationship with one of our therapy horses, Zane, has changed his perspective.”

“A year ago, Jonny, was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. The effects of this condition in his daily life are fairly significant. In order to combat this, he’s settled into a routine of weekly physical therapy, and visits specialists on a six month rotation.  

As Jonny’s list of limitations grew: can’t ride a roller coaster, can’t skydive from an airplane, can’t jump on the trampoline, play baseball or basketball, etc., his frustration grew, and grew. I don’t know how many times I heard the angry words, “I hate Marfan Syndrome.” 

Do you know where I have never heard those words?  At Horses with Hope.

At Horses with Hope, Jonny sometimes has to re-imagine a task to complete it in a way that is safe for him using the resources he has available. There is no time here to dwell on limitations. The animals and our teammates depend on his ability to solve problems.  He is learning that he can face a challenge and use creativity and ingenuity to overcome the obstacles Marfan Syndrome puts in his path.  He’s also learning that he is a valuable member of our community.  

Jonny began training with therapy horse Zane, who doesn’t know much about Marfan Syndrome, but he knows a lot about Jonny. And let’s take a second here to acknowledge that it just feels so good to be loved and to be chosen.

Training, all by itself, has uncovered a wonderful host of gifts and blessings. During training, Jonathan has to convince a horse to do what he wants and there’s a little bit of a language barrier. So, he’s learning to communicate with Zane in a language he can understand. He’s learning to perceive his needs and find ways to make Zane feel safe so that he will follow Jonny wherever he goes. They’re both a work in progress, like the rest of us, but these are the kinds of leadership and interpersonal skills that will help him become successful in life.  

Make no mistake. We are not all about business! We love just being with the boys and being outside on the farm. We meander around the pasture with Zane often, we take long walks on the walking trail, we feed the birds and we play with sticks and rocks and ice and sometimes, we do extra little chores. It’s a good life for a little boy. 

So, to sum it up, It’s hard to feel depressed and overwhelmed when you’ve been “chosen” by a horse and when you recognize your value as a contributing member of a community. It’s hard to feel incompetent while you’re busy solving problems and overcoming challenges. And the communication and leadership skills he is learning will help him to build the kind of deep, satisfying relationships that we all hope our children will enjoy throughout their lifetimes.”

— Jonny’s Mother

What future goals do you have for your program and how can additional support help?

“Our top priority is reducing our growing waitlist by adding more staff and horses to increase program hours. We are also growing our fundraising efforts, expanding corporate partnerships, and collaborating with universities to strengthen recruitment and retention of qualified professionals. Ongoing support will enable us to grow responsibly, ensure sustainability, and continue delivering the life-changing mission of Horses with Hope.”

Is there anything else you’d like donors/grant supporters to know about the impact of their support?

“We are able to offer these programs with the help of our dedicated volunteers. We have a core group of about 70 volunteers that care for our horses and farms 365 days a year. They are such a blessing. We have a small staff of three PATH-certified instructors, one administrative assistant, and a new Development manager. With that said, nearly all donations/financial support directly impact the programs and families we serve.”