Rising Hope Therapeutic Riding Center
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Rising Hope Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Reese Road in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, serving Centre County. It offers therapeutic riding, a free program for veterans, hands-on horse visits, school programs and miniature horse outreach for people of all ages and abilities.
- Therapeutic riding
- Freedom Reins program for veterans
- Day Wishes horse visits
- Minis on the Move miniature horse visits
- Barn Classroom Day for schools and groups
- Mini Horsemanship Course
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Military veterans
- People with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- People with PTSD or anxiety
- People recovering from brain injury or stroke
- Seniors and memory care residents
- Schools, scouts and youth groups
More about this center
About the Program
Rising Hope says it was founded in 2016 by Cindy Kocher, who turned to her horses for support after losing her husband in an accident, and Yvonne McCaslin. Kocher is listed as the organization's president. The center is a partner agency of Centre County United Way.
Therapeutic riding is listed for people of all ages with conditions including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, anxiety, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Its head instructors are PATH Intl. Certified, and lessons are guided by certified instructors and trained volunteers.
Veterans, Visits and Outreach
Freedom Reins is a free program for returning military veterans. It starts with groundwork sessions on horse behavior and building trust, then moves into riding. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
Day Wishes is a free, hands-on visit where anyone can meet, groom, lead and spend time with a horse. Visits are scheduled in advance, with weekend times when available. Through Minis on the Move, the center brings its miniature horses to schools, senior centers, nursing homes, memory care facilities, community events and private gatherings for a small fee. Barn Classroom Day offers horse care and farm chore lessons for school, homeschool, scout and special education groups.
The Mini Horsemanship Course teaches grooming, feeding, leading and reading horse body language with miniature horses, at $30 per session.
The Horses and Facility
The herd includes Gypsy Vanners, a Haflinger, a pony and four miniature horses, ranging from small ponies to full-size horses. The website lists a covered arena, an outdoor round pen and trails for riding in three seasons.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with feeding, stall cleaning, grooming, lesson assisting, horse handling, events and facility upkeep. Many roles need no horse experience, and all new volunteers complete a training session before working with horses or participants. Volunteers must be at least 14 to work directly with horses and participants, and volunteers 18 and older need Pennsylvania child abuse and criminal background clearances.
Location
Rising Hope is located at 388 Reese Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823, in Centre County near State College. The website lists availability daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
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?
Registration takes place each March, and the center accepts inquiries year-round. Use the form on the website, email risinghope.trc@gmail.com or call (814) 321-1059.
How much does it cost?
Therapeutic riding is $40 per 45-minute lesson, and Freedom Reins and Day Wishes are free. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can ask the center. For current rates on mini horse visits and Barn Classroom Day, email risinghope.trc@gmail.com.
Can the miniature horses visit our facility?
Yes. Minis on the Move visits schools, senior centers, nursing homes and events. Visits usually last 30 minutes to an hour and can be booked by email or by calling (814) 321-1059.
Location
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823
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.