"Raise the Roof" for Horses of Hope

We are Horses of Hope / Caballos de Esperanza Inc., a therapeutic riding center in Isabela, Puerto Rico. We engage the therapeutic power of our horses to nurture the special abilities of people with disabilities, help heal those suffering from trauma, and empower them to improve the quality of their lives, the lives of their families and their community.

Imagine if your doctor's appointment, therapy, or school were cancelled every time it rained or was very sunny. This is the issue we face. Your donations will help us build a covered open-sided arena in the next six months to protect volunteers, instructors, horses - and most importantly, our clients - from rain and the intense tropical sun.

Our journey started more than 2 years ago, spending months earning certifications from PATH Int'l. and training our horses. Twice we lost the property we were using. Then Hurricane Maria devastated the island. As we worked to help our communities recover, helping other horse owners, helping another struggling riding center, and volunteering to take aid to remote areas, we found more support than ever for our center. We have - at last - land to build and operate the center. We have our 501c3 and Puerto Rican non-profit status and are moving forward to provide services to the many who need it (more than 200 per year), including providing free services for those who cannot afford it.

The need here is so great. There are so many people with disabilities who were already marginalized and who now find even fewer services and ways of being valued members of the community and culture. Horses here ARE valued and are a big part of Puerto Rican culture. By bringing therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities to people who have been traumatized and/or who have a disability, YOU can give them hope and improve the quality of life for everyone involved.

To find out more, visit our website: www.horsesofhopepr.org .