Hope on Horseback Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Waterford, Pennsylvania. Since 1981, the organization has been dedicated to enhancing the physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being of children and adults through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning programs. Serving Erie County and surrounding communities for more than four decades, Hope on Horseback provides opportunities for individuals facing disabilities, trauma, abuse, and emotional challenges to experience growth, healing, and empowerment through meaningful interactions with horses.
The center utilizes specially selected therapy horses, certified instructors, and trained volunteers to create individualized experiences that help participants build confidence, improve physical abilities, strengthen social skills, and achieve personal goals. Through adaptive riding and experiential learning programs, Hope on Horseback fosters an environment where participants can discover their strengths while developing valuable life skills.
About This Program
Hope on Horseback offers Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs designed to meet the unique needs of children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. Therapeutic Riding lessons are tailored to each participant and focus on improving balance, coordination, core strength, focus, confidence, and independence through horseback riding experiences.
In addition to riding programs, the organization offers Equine-Assisted Learning, a ground-based experiential program introduced in 2024. EAL utilizes structured interactions with horses to help participants develop emotional regulation, teamwork, communication skills, resilience, leadership abilities, and self-confidence. Programs can be adapted for personal growth, educational development, professional training, and team-building initiatives.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Equine-assisted life skills development
- Social-emotional learning programs
- Confidence and self-esteem building
- Balance and coordination development
- Core strength enhancement
- Communication skills development
- Leadership and teamwork training
- Emotional regulation support
- Corporate team-building workshops
- Personal growth and resilience programs
- Volunteer-supported equine services
- Individualized rider goal planning
Who They Serve
Hope on Horseback may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Seniors
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with learning disabilities
- Individuals with visual impairments or blindness
- Individuals with neurological disorders
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries
- Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression
- Trauma and abuse survivors
- Individuals with PTSD
- Individuals seeking personal growth and confidence-building opportunities
Facility and Setting
Hope on Horseback operates from its therapeutic riding facility in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The center maintains a herd of carefully selected therapy horses that are matched with participants based on their individual needs and goals. Certified instructors and trained volunteers work together to provide safe, supportive, and engaging equine-assisted experiences.
The organization emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention, helping participants develop meaningful relationships with horses while progressing toward personal, physical, and emotional goals. The welcoming environment encourages growth, achievement, and community connection.
What Makes Them Unique
Hope on Horseback stands out for its more than 40-year history of serving children and adults with disabilities and life challenges through equine-assisted services. The organization’s long-standing commitment to individualized instruction, certified staff, and volunteer involvement has helped countless participants achieve greater independence, confidence, and well-being.
Another distinguishing feature is its combination of therapeutic riding and Equine-Assisted Learning programs. By offering both mounted and ground-based opportunities, the center can serve a broad range of participants and provide experiences focused on physical development, emotional growth, communication, leadership, and resilience.