In the quiet pastures just outside Rogersville, Missouri, something transformative unfolds. It doesn’t involve fluorescent lights, waiting rooms, or clipboards. It begins with the sway of a horse’s back, the steady rhythm of hooves, and the warm breath of an animal trained not just to carry—but to connect through a safe relationship.
At Horses of Hope, therapy isn’t about control. It’s about relationships.
A Different Kind of Healing
Founded in 1997, Horses of Hope provides equine-assisted hippotherapy services, mental health services, therapeutic riding services and equine assisted learning services for individuals of all ages, with physical, mental and/or emotional challenges. With two locations—in Missouri and Kansas—the nonprofit now serves hundreds of participants and their families each year.
From the beginning, the focus at Horses of Hope hasn’t only been on working with quality therapy horses and other farm animals—it’s been on the individuals and their families they help through equine experiential therapy.
“Some kids shut down in a clinic,” says Marge Cheesman, ORT, CTRI, ESMHL. “They’re tired of repetitive motions and being asked to sit still. Out here, everything changes.”
“We’re not here to replace traditional therapy,” she adds. “We’re here to support it—and in many cases, expand what’s possible.”
Children who are anxious, withdrawn, or overstimulated often arrive overwhelmed—and leave regulated, smiling, and upright in the saddle.
“They aren’t always aware of what’s happening in the moment,” says Shelly McColm, MS, LPC, NCC, ESMHL, CTRI, Co-Founder and Executive Director. “But their bodies do.”
Why Horses?
At the heart of every session is the horse—an intuitive partner whose movement closely mimics the human gait of walking. A 45-minute session can produce over 2,000 hoof steps eliciting neuromuscular responses from the rider, helping riders develop strength, posture, coordination, and balance.
“We’re not holding them up,” Cheesman explains. “The horse is doing the movement—but the child is doing the work.”
The movement isn't just physical—it’s regulating. Riders with autism, trauma histories, or sensory integration challenges often experience calm, focus, and connection they haven’t found elsewhere.
Not Just Any Horse
Therapy horses at Horses of Hope are specially selected, trained, and supported. Many are retired show horses with the temperament and experience to handle unpredictability.
“It’s like hiring staff,” McColm says. “Not every horse is suited for this kind of work.”
Each horse is carefully matched to the physical and emotional needs of the rider. Some are paired for months. Others rotate depending on the goals of the session.
“Every day is different,” McColm adds. “Not just for the riders or clients—but for the horses, too.”
The horses may be the heart of the program—but they’re not the only ones offering comfort.
Also on the property: a cow who thinks he’s a horse, Lily, the sheep who believes she’s a dog, and Eeyore, a honking miniature donkey who brings serious Eeyore energy to the pasture. Each animal plays its own small role in the healing landscape.
Programs with Purpose
Horses of Hope offers a range of equine-assisted services, all grounded in movement, trust, relationship development through safety created in the human and animal connection:
- Horses of Hope as a PATH Intl. Premiere Accredited Site
- Therapeutic Riding with PATH Intl.-certified instructors
- Equine-Assisted Mental Health Therapy with licensed mental health professionals
- Equine-Assisted Learning for social-emotional development and personal growth with certified Equine Specialist Facilitators
- Team-Building Sessions for businesses, educators, youth groups, adult groups and community organizations facilitated by highly trained Horses of Hope staff
“The horse teaches us presence and awareness,” McColm says. “They live in the moment—and invite us to do the same.”
How Horses of Hope Is Funded
The nonprofit is supported by:
- Private pay-fee for services from families
- Public agency partnerships, including CC Links (Christian County)
- Specific Missouri Medicaid programs
- Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which offer 70% tax credits to Missouri businesses that donate, through the Missouri Department of Economic Development
While community support has been strong, the focus now is on sustainability for the future.
“We’ve been blessed with support,” McColm says. “Now we’re focused on building something that can stand strong for the next generation, as we continue to bring hope to all.”
Leadership Note:
Shelly McColm, MS, LPC, NCC, ESMHL, CTRI – Co-Founder & Executive Director
Vallerie Oehme, CTRI, ESMHL, SDI – Co-Founder & Director of Therapy Services
Want to Learn More or Get Involved?
Visit www.horsesofhope.com to learn about services, volunteering, upcoming events, or how to support the mission.
To donate, schedule a visit, or explore how you can help bring hope to others, go to www.horsesofhope.com.
Horses of Hope at a Glance
Horses of Hope is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center based in Rogersville, Missouri, offering equine-assisted services for individuals and groups of all ages:
-
Hippotherapy with PATH Intl.-certified instructors and a licensed PT, OT, or SLP
-
Therapeutic Riding with PATH Intl.-certified instructors
-
Equine-Assisted Mental Health Therapy with licensed mental health professionals
-
Equine-Assisted Learning and Team-Building sessions for youth, adults, educators, and organizations, all led by PATH Intl.-certified Equine Specialists
Support the mission through Missouri’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), offering 70% tax credits to businesses. Volunteers, sponsors, and partners are always welcome.
www.horsesofhope.com