Volunteer Meredith outlines Hope Therapeutic Riding Program’s services, scholarships and volunteer needs

Meredith, a parent and volunteer with the Hope Therapeutic Riding Program, told a community meeting that the volunteer-run nonprofit offers equine therapy for riders age 5 and up and runs sessions at the Island County fairgrounds.

The program, Meredith said, uses a staged curriculum that begins with groundwork—grooming, leading and safety training—before riders progress to mounted activities intended to strengthen balance, core muscles and communication skills. "They allow families to start having their kiddos learn how to ride at 5 years of age," Meredith said, adding that the structured lessons include checklists so families and instructors can track progress.

McKenna, a program rider introduced during the presentation, described the experience in her own words: "You feel really free when you're on the horse." Her account was used to illustrate how the activity can calm some riders and create opportunities to practice listening and boundary-setting, presenters said.

Meredith said the program offers flexible session lengths—4-, 5- and 6-week options—and typically schedules sessions on early-release Wednesdays and during summer camps. She stated that a 90-minute session within a 4–6 week block costs $65 and that scholarships and grant-funded assistance are available; some riders receive full seasonal scholarships. Fundraising activities and in-kind donations (tack, food, volunteer time) also help cover costs.

Safety and access were a major focus of the presentation. Meredith said the program collects confidential medical information during the intake process and requires a doctor's sign-off when uncontrolled conditions (for example, uncontrolled seizures) could pose a risk. Adaptive saddles, groundwork and one-to-one volunteer support enable participation by riders with physical limitations, she said.

The program sources horses from a small herd volunteers host or lease from owners; Meredith said the "hope herd" is matched to rider needs and that horse availability can limit capacity. Volunteers undergo training, may be 14 or older, and sometimes receive ride sessions as a form of gratitude. Meredith said teen volunteers can earn community service credits through the program.

Meredith noted that the program's website was temporarily down at the time of the meeting but that contact information, including an email address and a Facebook page, was available for sign-ups and questions. She invited interested families and potential volunteers to reach out by email or Facebook to begin the application and pre-session assessment process.

Meeting participants asked about long-term participation, volunteer roles, physical accommodations and payment. Meredith said the organization is flexible: families can pause attendance and return, riders can advance to more challenging horses, and volunteers are integral to day-to-day operations. The presentation concluded with an offer to share follow-up materials and details for field trips and volunteer sign-ups.