Big-Hearted Beijing: Horses Offering People Enrichment (HOPE)

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Over the festive season, we’ll be highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place, and looking at what you can do to support them. Spread the spirit of giving these holidays!

Children love animals, whether it’s a family pet or the cuddly pandas at the zoo. For some children with disabilities, that love can help them to grow and develop in areas where they have difficulties. It’s called equine therapy, and it’s available in Beijing thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We talked to Amy Tripson about Horses Offering People Enrichment: HOPE.

Tell us about the history of your organization. How did it start, how has it developed?HOPE was founded in 2009 by Dr. Priscilla Lightsey, a physical therapist, with the goal of providing children with disabilities in China the opportunity to benefit from equine-assisted activities and therapies. HOPE has grown over the years and now serves participants five days a week with a herd of four horses, dozens of volunteers and two instructors.

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What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?HOPE serves individuals with disabilities, Chinese and expats, while pursuing professional international accreditation in therapeutic horsemanship (TH). HOPE continues to provide safe, effective and engaging lessons while promoting the professional standards needed for the TH industry in China and expanding our program to serve more individuals.

How can people get involved? What help do you need, and how can they contact you?

HOPE needs volunteers with a variety of skills. Volunteer opportunities include regularly assisting in lessons with the horses and children, attending outreach events or translating documents. There are many ways to help! We are always in awe of the unique ways that our volunteers give, coming up with creative ideas, so just let us know what you like to do and we’ll find a way that you can contribute to our organization. To learn more about volunteering at HOPE please contact our Assistant Program Director, Lucia Zhou, WeChat: HOPE-CHINA. Lucia will get you signed up for a Volunteer Orientation.

What makes your organization different or special?HOPE is unique in that we recognize the healing properties of our equine partners. The relationship between a horse and a human can be powerful – and therapeutic. In addition to riding, participants learn to brush, groom, lead, and care for a horse. These activities may facilitate growth in a variety of areas – often much faster than in a clinical or academic setting. Not only do we see the benefits to our participants, but our volunteers are often greatly impacted by their experiences at HOPE. Come visit! Seeing the program in action enhances the understanding of what we do. Plus, it’s fun to see the smiles of the participants. We believe: Horses bring you HOPE!

Photos: Courtesy of HOPE, PIXABAY 

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