According to New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy Board Member and volunteer Kathleen Beisly,
“We have built a community from all walks of life; our participants vary in age from the very young to over 90! Our program participants struggle with a wide range of disabilities, but find freedom, confidence, control and feelings of success when working with our horses. The majority of our horses have been given a second life at New Hope; many were on kill lists locally and now have the opportunity to support the healing of more than 50 participants annually.
“Our Riders Depend On Our Equine Therapy Program – For 10 years, New Hope has been serving people with a range physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through our Therapeutic Riding program. In 2022, we began our Natural Horsemanship program for veterans/first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTS). We have received hundreds more applications from families or individuals that we are unable to serve because of insufficient funding and resources.
“Each participant receives the highest safety precautions and care, with up to four volunteers per rider. Our participants receive custom-designed therapy planned to target their unique needs. They have their favorite horses and favorite games they enjoy on the sensory trail.
“It’s fascinating to see the smiles on their faces as they play those games. The problems of daily life fade away. Their eyes light up, even those that have difficulty smiling. Recently, we had the pleasure of witnessing one of our veteran participants, Tonya, ride a horse, something she had only dreamed of the past 12 years while interacting and bonding with our horses from the ground.
“We Are In Urgent Need Of Donation Support – Like most, our costs have risen year over year. While Equestrian/Hippocampal Therapy may be billable, most insurance does not cover it; therefore, we depend on fundraising to cover 60% of each ride and the costs for the facility, staff, horses and feed. Imagine if we didn’t have such dedicated volunteers!
“You can help address this gap and reduce the time on our wait list by supporting New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy. There are many ways to donate to New Hope on a recurring or one-time level, but the best way to support New Hope is to buy a table for you and your friends at our Gala!
“Upcoming Gala Details – The third annual Hope Gala, featuring Honorary Chair and former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, is Friday, October 25, at 6 p.m. at Lucky Spur Ranch Retreat. Guests can meet one of our equines that makes the New Hope magic possible, meet individuals whose lives are touched by New Hope’s programs and enjoy dinner with an open bar. There also will be silent and live auctions. Guests can dance the night away to the music of the Champagne Yacht Club Band. Tickets are $175 each, or $300 for two. Tables of ten are available at only $1,750.
- “Event Chair Jason Hodson
- “Gala Planning Committee members Kathleen Beisly, Jason Hodson, Jennifer Kiedrowski, Nicole Matwijiw and Jennifer Morris
- “Sponsors – Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Minteer Real Estate Team
“Get tickets, make donations and submit auction items here
“For more information on the New Hope Equine and how to get involved, visit New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy or contact or contact Kathleen Beisly.
* Graphic/photo provided by New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy
