DARE TO DREAM THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP CENTER

Founded in 2015, Dare to Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center (Dare to Dream) is a nonprofit organization based in Highland County, Virginia. We provide equine-assisted activities and therapeutic horseback riding to individuals facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Our participants include individuals with autism, PTSD, anxiety, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, substance abuse disorders, muscular dystrophy, and fragile X syndrome and other disabilities and challenges.
Originally established to serve combat veterans and their families, at-risk youth, and individuals with special needs, Dare to Dream has since expanded its impact, offering life-changing therapeutic experiences in a region with limited resources. Over the past decade, we have empowered participants by fostering growth, healing, and resilience through equine therapy. Our mission is to improve quality of life while promoting a strong sense of community and inclusion.
Dare to Dream offers unique outdoor experiences that support physical, emotional, and social well-being. In recognition of our impact, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine named us "Best ADA Outdoor Experience" in 2024. Our motto, "Go outside and play," reflects our commitment to providing safe, joyful, and transformative equine-assisted programs.
Participants engage in activities such as horseback games like Treasure Hunt and Drive-Through Restaurant, liberty training to build trust, and trick riding exercises such as flag carrying and barrel racing. Grooming, braiding manes, and trail rides through scenic high pastures add to the experience—sometimes accompanied by music, as horses respond instinctively to rhythm. Under the guidance of expert staff, dedicated volunteers, and therapy horses, these activities are customized to complement each participant's therapy and educational goals in collaboration with doctors, therapists, teachers, and parents.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
• Physical: The horse’s three-dimensional movement mimics natural walking, improving muscle strength, posture, balance, coordination, and joint mobility.
• Emotional: The bond with horses fosters self-awareness, trust, and confidence in a non-competitive, supportive setting.
• Social: Interactive activities nurture self-esteem and build positive relationships, enhancing overall well-being.
Dare to Dream plays a vital role in addressing the lack of therapeutic recreation and trauma-informed services in our remote community. According to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau, Highland County has a disability rate of 22%, with 11.9% of residents under 65 living with disabilities—30% above the national average. Among our regular participants, 46% have a physical disability, underscoring the critical need for accessible, therapeutic programs.
Beyond serving individuals with disabilities, Dare to Dream supports those affected by substance use disorders—a pressing issue in our community. In 2024, 41% of our participants were directly or indirectly impacted by substance abuse. Over the years, we have worked with 15 children being raised by caregivers other than their parents due to addiction-related circumstances. These children face significant emotional and developmental challenges, requiring stable and nurturing interventions.
Overcoming Challenges to Serve At-Risk Youth
Supporting families affected by substance abuse presents unique challenges. Parents struggling with addiction often miss appointments, leaving volunteers uncertain about lesson schedules. Transportation difficulties frequently arise, requiring staff to coordinate rides. Additionally, addiction-related court proceedings, arrests, and family crises can create instability for children. Despite these barriers, Dare to Dream remains a constant source of stability, providing a safe, encouraging space for children to develop skills, build confidence, and form supportive relationships.
Social services frequently refer children to Dare to Dream, recognizing the program’s ability to facilitate healing and growth. Research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights the long-term effects of childhood trauma, including emotional and behavioral difficulties, physical health challenges, academic struggles, and increased risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. However, trauma-informed services, nurturing relationships, and stable environments can mitigate these risks—principles at the heart of Dare to Dream’s mission.
Through our equine-assisted programs, Dare to Dream empowers children to build resilience, develop emotional regulation, and experience a sense of belonging. Our programs also support foster and adoptive families, offering children an outlet for personal growth despite difficult circumstances.
Impact and Future Goals
In 2024, Dare to Dream provided approximately 500 hours of lessons to 60 unique participants, including special needs children and adults, at-risk youth, and combat veterans and their families. These transformative experiences were made possible through generous donor support, grants, and sponsorships.
We measure our impact using both qualitative and quantitative data, tracking the number of unduplicated participants, lessons provided, and progress toward personal goals. Feedback from parents, teachers, and caregivers highlights improvements in confidence, goal-setting, physical strength, balance, and overall well-being—key indicators of our program’s success.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our reach and enhance our programming to serve more individuals in need. Equine therapy is expensive due to the costs of caring for horses, maintaining facilities, and employing specialized instructors. A recent PATH study estimates the true cost of equine therapy at $250 per hour—an amount far beyond the means of most participants. The gap between operational expenses and participant affordability is bridged through volunteer support, sponsorships, donations, and grants.
The Need for Financial Support
Without financial assistance, many Highland residents would be unable to access equine therapy services. Scholarships funded through grants and donations are essential in ensuring that no participant is turned away due to financial barriers. Preventive services for at-risk youth are particularly critical, as many struggle with isolation, depression, and anxiety—often as a result of trauma linked to addiction, domestic violence, or bullying. Dare to Dream provides a meaningful solution, offering a path to healing and empowerment.
A Safe Haven for Healing
Not all wounds are visible. Many of our participants have endured trauma, pain, grief, disability, bullying, isolation, anxiety, depression, or abuse. Dare to Dream offers a sanctuary where they can heal, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships.
When a child hears their inner voice whispering that they are unworthy, unloved, or alone—and then a 1,000-pound horse nuzzles their shoulder—it changes them. Horses don’t care about age, height, intelligence, or past struggles. They only care about the trust and respect they share with a person. When a participant earns a horse’s trust, they begin to see themselves differently.
Thanks to our dedicated founder, volunteers, and the generosity of donors and sponsors, Dare to Dream operates on a shoestring budget while ensuring that financial limitations never prevent a participant from experiencing the transformative power of equine therapy. Every contribution helps us say "yes" when a parent, teacher, or social worker asks if Dare to Dream can help a struggling child.
Pain may be real—but so is hope. And through Dare to Dream, many families have found a renewed sense of possibility, resilience, and healing.