In 2023, with a strong desire to help girls and women in need and make a difference, Corinne Clayton established Bridle Up Hope: St George—the first southern Utah location under the Bridle Up Hope nonprofit foundation, which started as a neighborhood program and now features a global reach.
A riding instructor for many years, Corinne was drawn to the Bridle Up Hope program in part because of her own background. Her mother, Carolyn, had a riding school in Orem, and touched the lives of hundreds of students with her principle-based riding program. Bridle Up Hope is similarly founded on deep-rooted and universal principles.
The Bridle Up Hope story began with a girl named Rachel Covey who loved horses. Rachel struggled with depression but found great fulfillment in helping other struggling girls find hope through riding horses. Rachel’s family recognized the special bond that exists between a girl and a horse—a bond that can help a girl build confidence, recognize her inherent worth and overcome personal challenges. In 2012, in Rachel’s memory, the Sean and Rebecca Covey family established the Bridle Up Hope: The Rachel Covey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) with a meaningful mission.
Mission & Vision
The Bridle Up Hope mission is to inspire hope, confidence and resilience in girls and women through horses and habits. They combine riding lessons and life lessons with their unique equestrian training and the principles found in the notable “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R Covey.
Bridle Up Hope: St. George is part of a network of Bridle Up Hope locations across the world who share a common mission to bring hope and healing. Their shared vision is to expand the program to 1,000-plus chapters in all 50 states and every country, making the pink horseshoe an international symbol of hope.
The Experience
Bridle Up Hope is an equine-assisted learning experience geared to girls and women ages 12 and older. It is especially helpful for anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression or who simply wants more hope. The program has three parts: first, learn to ride a horse with private lessons; second, develop life skills with The 7 Habits; and third, serve at the barn and build friendships.
Impact
Corinne and her husband, Bryce, are so very pleased to bring this wonderful program to southern Utah. Since opening last year, 30 girls and women have completed the program. Each has had the opportunity to connect more deeply with nature, themselves, a loving instructor and, of course, the horses. Empowerment is a common feeling as they progress through the program.
The next session will begin in spring 2025, giving this wonderful opportunity to another group of girls. When you strengthen a girl, you strengthen generations.
To sign up for the spring 2025 session, or for more information, visit bridleuphope.org. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit donorbox.org/bridleuphopestg. The foundation ensures 100% of every donation goes to support the girls, women and horses of Bridle Up Hope: St George.