Horses with Hope, Inc
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
Horses With Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with sites in Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Venetia. It offers therapeutic riding taught by PATH Intl. instructors, equine-assisted learning, a veterans program and animal-assisted activities. It serves children and adults with physical, developmental, cognitive and emotional challenges.
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted learning for groups
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy for veterans (Eagala Model)
- Animal-assisted activities with sheep and goats
- Inclusive summer camp
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with autism, ADHD or Down syndrome
- People with anxiety or depression
- Veterans with PTSD
- Groups of six or more
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding is open to riders with physical challenges such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injuries, developmental challenges such as autism, ADHD and Down syndrome, cognitive challenges, and emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Lessons last 40 minutes and run in sessions of five to six weeks, on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. According to its website, riding lessons take place at Empress Farms in Venetia.
The veterans program uses the Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy for people with PTSD. Group sessions are unmounted and led by a licensed mental health professional with an equine specialist. Equine-assisted learning, guided by a PATH Intl. instructor and/or an Eagala equine specialist, is offered as daytime sessions for groups of six or more. Animal-assisted activities with Dorset sheep and Nigerian dwarf goats take place at Gilfillan Farm, also for groups of six or more.
The Horses and Staff
All programs are taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Founder Anne Davis is the executive director. Barb Gaffney is a PATH Intl. instructor, and Joanne Murdy is a PATH Intl. instructor, Eagala equine specialist and barn manager.
History
Anne Davis started the program in 2007 on a leased farm in Washington, Pennsylvania, with three students, inspired by her daughter, who was born with Down syndrome. Horses With Hope incorporated as a nonprofit in 2013 and moved to the South Hills. In 2021 it began working at Gilfillan Farm, a historic property of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair.
Volunteering
Volunteers assist with therapeutic riding lessons, care for horses and small animals, do barn and pasture chores, and help with fundraising and events. Volunteers must be at least 14 to help with lessons and 16 to lead a horse, and those with direct student contact need Pennsylvania child abuse and criminal record clearances.
Location
Horses With Hope works at three sites: 6235 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102, which has indoor and outdoor arenas and a sensory trail; Gilfillan Farm, 130 Orr Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241; and Empress Farms, 496 Sugar Camp Road, Venetia, PA 15367. Mail goes to P.O. Box 56, Bridgeville, PA 15017.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for therapeutic riding?
Complete the registered participant forms on the Horses With Hope website, or use its online form to add a rider to the wait list.
Is help with the cost available?
Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. The scholarship committee reviews applications quarterly, with deadlines on January 31, March 31, May 31 and July 31. Call (412) 932-6036 to ask about current rates.
How can a group book an equine-assisted learning session?
Daytime sessions are available for groups of six or more. Email annehwh@gmail.com to request information.
Location
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.