Stories of Hope

Our mission at Hope in the Saddle is to share the most meaningful and inspiring stories that emerge from the horse world-stories of how our relationships with horses can help us overcome life's toughest challenges.

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We collect stories from all corners of the horse community, from barrel racers to bronc riders and competitive equestrians to backyard owners. The following stories are a few of our favorites from 2022.

JT

"We first met JT, a registered Quarter Horse, more than 10 years ago when my son was only 7, on the autism spectrum, nonverbal, and needing occupational, physical, and speech therapy. JT was a cutting horse who earned over $80,000 in his career before retiring to the most important job of his life: therapeutic riding.

The very first day we met JT, he was so gentle that my son was in the saddle within minutes, not afraid at all. By the end of the second visit, my son had a big smile on his face and didn't want to get off JT. Throughout our weekly visits, my son learned to brush and care for JT, how to say 'Whoa,' make a kissing sound, and use rainbow reins to give commands.

His relationship with JT grew over the years, and today, my son speaks, reads beautifully, is physically strong, and is happy and content-all miracles that can be attributed to JT.

Sadly, we had to say our goodbyes to our dear friend on December 23, 2018.

He was the ideal horse to be a therapy horse, even after such a successful, high-paced lifestyle. He took his job so seriously, no matter what the level of ability of the child on his back. His heart was as big as he was. JT will live on in all of our hearts and minds forever." -Allison B.

Nugget