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!

Located in Andover, New Jersey, the Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club is a non-profit corporation that offers safe, fun, and educational Equine Assisted Services to individuals of all ages and abilities with and without special needs. Many of their horses are on their second, or even third, careers, which keeps them from becoming part of the population of unwanted horses. 

What is your organization’s mission? 

“Established as a not for profit corporation, The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club provides quality instruction by an experienced, Certified Instructor. 

Our vision is to…

● Enrich people’s lives through experiences. 

● Inspire personal growth for our staff, clients, volunteers 

● Nurture & develop new skills, independence and learning 

● Support the betterment of our local and equine communities 

● Create sustainable programs. 

● Integrity-knowledge-consistency

How do you serve your community? 

We serve our community by offering adaptive riding lessons, horsemanship programs, and competitive opportunities that promote personal growth, social connection, and empowerment. 

Through the Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club, we hope to create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome, and where our students can create lasting relationships with our horses. By acting with integrity and respecting the horse, we hope to encourage personal growth within our students and develop a meaningful and rewarding experience for the volunteers that make this program possible.

What are some of the biggest challenges your organization currently faces? 

“Like many nonprofits, we face ongoing challenges related to funding and resources. Providing high-quality care for our horses, maintaining essential equipment, and keeping our facility safe and accessible for all participants requires continuous support. One of the most pressing challenges we face is the rising cost of basic horse care— such as feed, veterinary services, and farrier work. Additionally, as demand for our services grows, so does the need for qualified staff and dedicated volunteers— both of which have become increasingly difficult to recruit and retain.”

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

“The generous grant from the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation is a powerful reminder that the support of the equestrian community extends across all disciplines and abilities. This funding has empowered us to continue developing inclusive programs for individuals of all abilities while also providing meaningful second careers for horses in need of purpose. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to maintain the quality of our services, ensure appropriate care for our equine partners, and give our riders the incredible opportunity to compete in the Virtual Special Olympics Horse Show, a milestone that brings pride, joy, and confidence to our entire community.”

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

“One of our volunteers is a surviver of domestic and sexual abuse. She found support, hope and boundaries through our adaptive riding program. With the help of our team and horses, she was able to find herself again in a way that enabled her to be strong enough to live on her own, maintain a productive job, empower her to choose her own direction and learn that ‘no’ is an acceptable answer. She herself shared that the horses have given her a sense of freedom and purpose she thought she had lost. Her story is just one example of the powerful, life-changing outcomes we witness every day.”

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

“Our future goals include developing and implementing a diverse range of Equine Assisted Learning programs, ground-based, individually tailored experiences designed to meet the unique needs of each participant. These programs offer people from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about themselves through meaningful interactions with horses. 

“A major long-term goal is to acquire Racewood equine simulators, which will allow us to better serve individuals with limited mobility, as well as those interested in biomechanics, exercise, or simply enjoying a unique and engaging riding experience. 

“Additional support will enable us to expand our instructor training program and provide high-quality veterinary care for our therapeutic horses. Every donation helps bring us closer to our vision of making horses, riding, and equine-based experiences accessible to all.”

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

“We want our donors and supporters to know that their generosity doesn’t just help us run a program, it transforms lives. Every dollar contributes to moments of breakthrough, joy, and healing for individuals who often face daily challenges that go unseen. Because of your support, our riders, volunteers and participants experience growth, independence, and inclusion that extend far beyond the barn. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in the mission and magic of The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club.”