Rising Hope Farms
Claremont, North Carolina
Rising Hope Farms is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Claremont, North Carolina. It describes itself and Horses for Hope as ministries offering a safe place to interact with horses. Its main program is therapeutic riding for people with special needs and disabilities in the Catawba County area.
- Therapeutic riding
- Horsemanship and horse care instruction
- Grief support and mentoring with horses
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with neurological, physical or mental health needs
- Foster and adopted youth
- Children who have lost a loved one
More about this center
About the Program
The farm's mission is to provide hope and healing to people with special needs through faith and therapeutic interaction with horses. Its website describes therapeutic riding as using equestrian activities to support cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being, along with education and recreation.
Rising Hope Farms has hosted programs since 2007. Riders have included people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis and sensory disorders, and volunteers accompany each rider for safety. Beyond riding, the farm has offered grief support and mentoring for foster and adopted youth, Hooves for Hospice with the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley for children who have recently lost a loved one, and Reigning through Life, a horsemanship and horse care program with the North Carolina Boys Academy.
The Horses and Staff
Most of the farm's horses are rescues. Gail Wartner is the executive director, and the program is run by volunteers. The farm has a covered arena, so activities can continue in wet weather.
Location
Rising Hope Farms is at 3775 Bethany Church Rd., Claremont, NC 28610, in Catawba County. Call (828) 638-0879 or email info@risinghopefarms.com.
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.
Who can ride at Rising Hope Farms?
The farm serves riders with disabilities and special needs. Its website says it does not accept riders whose primary diagnosis is ADD or ADHD.
How do I sign up or ask about cost?
Call (828) 638-0879 or email info@risinghopefarms.com to ask about openings, the schedule and current rates.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The farm is run largely by volunteers. Contact the office by phone or email to ask how to get involved.
Location
Claremont, North Carolina 28610
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.