Horses have long been valued not just for transportation but for their emotional intelligence and therapeutic potential. Hippotherapy, or equine-assisted therapy, dates back to ancient times with Hippocrates noting its mental and physical benefits. Modern clinical use began in the 1960s, helping individuals with neurological and developmental challenges. Riding Hope, a nonprofit founded in 2004 by physical therapist Beth Tromley and speech therapist Mandy Ritzert, grew from a small backyard program into a larger operation offering free, volunteer-run therapy sessions for children with special needs.

Today, Riding Hope provides bi-monthly lessons where volunteers lead horses and support riders working on goals like communication, motor skills, and balance in a fun environment. The program relies entirely on volunteers and donated horses, serving minors up to age 18, with a waiting list due to high demand. They seek more volunteers and calm horses to expand their impact, emphasizing the joy and therapeutic benefits horses bring to children beyond traditional therapy settings.