HOPE (Horses Offering People Enrichment) enhances the lives of our participants with special needs through equine-assisted services. Individuals with disabilities in China who typically have extremely limited access to therapeutic services, connect with HOPE's well-trained horses, staff, and volunteers to provide a proven avenue for physical, cognitive, and social growth.
China has close to 85 million people with disabilities many of whom are in Beijing. This population - children and adults - could greatly benefit from access to specialized programs. There are many forms of therapeutic activities, but few can aim to impact as many cognitive, social, and physical skills as Equine Assisted Services (EAS). Unfortunately, special needs awareness and knowledge of programs do not extend to all of China's citizens.
HOPE, founded in 2009, provides EAS, including Therapeutic Horsemanship and Adaptive Riding, to persons with disabilities in the Beijing area. These activities provide our participants an undeniable source of enrichment as they experience the healing properties of the horse. Horse-based therapies also may help children reach major development goals in from sitting and walking, to listening and communicating with others.
HOPE strives to be an exemplary service provider, educator, and leader in EAS and to encourage local and regional citizens to serve individuals with special needs. By offering safe, effective individualized activities to folks with disabilities, we aim to provide learning opportunities for others within China to experience the best-practices for horse-based therapy, as well as an understanding and compassion for individuals who are differently-abled.
