HISTORY
Since 1998, we have rescued over 50 horses and assisted hundreds of people each year through therapeutic interaction with horses.
in 2004, our equine assisted psychotherapy program began serving over a thousand clients a year. We seek to be at the forefront of healing for both horses and humans alike.
Sue Copeland, Founder of Hopes, Dreams and Horses (circa 1998 founding year)
Hopes Dreams and Horses (HDH) was founded as a 501(c)3 in 1998 when Executive Director Sue Copeland experienced the healing power of equine therapy firsthand.
In 1997 Sue's degenerative spine condition had nearly immobilized her. She had just purchased her dream horse Wilbur, a bay thoroughbred off the track, and feared she would never get to ride him. Her doctor told her she could ride under two conditions: to let pain be her guide and don't fall off.
Riding Wilbur was the best thing Sue could have done. Within days, her back pain began to diminish. The rhythmic gait of her horse was strengthening her back muscles passively and taking the pressure off the inflamed nerves in her spine.
After going through such an incredible transformation, Sue founded HDH to help others in her community find peace and healing through equine therapy.
The program organically expanded over the years. In 1998 Sue was certified by NAHRA (currently PATH International and in 2004 became certified by EAGALA as an Equine Specialist in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning). She along with a Mental Health Professional certified by EAGALA added these two new programs to the center. She is currently pursuing her certification in Photopuncture for humans and horses. (Acupuncture without needles)
HDH has also rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed over 50 horses throughout the years. Some of these rescue horses were well suited for therapy work and joined the team at HDH. They have become a rehabilitation center for horses in need. In 2006 they partnered with Major's Solution (formally Fungus Free) and became leading experts on healing horses with a lethal disease called 'Pythiosis'.
Come full circle, many horses they have healed are currently healing humans as Therapy Horses at HDH. Sue's proactive approach in life gave her the vision that humans and horses can help heal one another. Hopes, Dreams and Horses is the center to make this vision come true.