Location: Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit equine-assisted services center in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Founded in 1974 by Mary “Sis” Gould as the Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association, the organization has grown from a small therapeutic riding program into a long-established regional center focused on improving lives through horse and human interaction.
Its services include therapeutic riding, horsemanship, carriage driving, and other specialty equine-assisted programs. High Hopes uses an interdisciplinary approach that draws on consulting physical, occupational, speech and language, and expressive therapists, along with educators and mental health practitioners. Programs are designed for people with a wide range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and sensory disabilities, with participants ranging from young children to older adults.
High Hopes also plays a leadership role in the broader equine-assisted services field through instructor training, workshops, and PATH Intl.-related education. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at 36 Town Woods Road in Old Lyme and describes itself as a community where horse and human interactions improve lives.
Key Details:
-
Services: Therapeutic riding, horsemanship, carriage driving, specialty equine-assisted programs, and training and education
-
Who they serve: Children, adults, veterans, older adults, and others with physical, cognitive, behavioral, psychological, or sensory disabilities
-
Notable programs: Therapeutic riding, horsemanship classes, carriage driving, miniature horse outreach, summer camps, and professional training
-
Facility or setting: Nonprofit equine-assisted services center in Old Lyme
-
Certifications or credentials: 501(c)(3) nonprofit; long affiliated with PATH Intl. and one of the early accredited therapeutic riding centers in the country
Last Verified: March 13, 2026.