Director Jud's Blog

In February of 2018 one of Pam's prized horses was selected by Hope in the Saddle as the Therapy Horse of the year!  

Selected from more than 120 entries, Ebony was chosen as the grand-prize winner of the contest. Ebony (along with her human friend, Pam Hayes-Houldin) received a one-year supply of Nutrena feed, a $250 Tractor Supply Co. Gift Card, Hope in the Saddle gear and a commemorative trophy.  In addition a film crew traveled to Horsepower Farm from Boulder, Colorado to shoot the following video: 

According to American Horse Publications: "Ebony is a registered Morgan Pony who has been a “therapist” for more than 12 years. Now in her 20s, Ebony has taught dozens of children about horses and riding through the Horsepower Foundation, a 501C3 charitable foundation at Horsepower Farm near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, that offers equine-assisted activities for riders with special needs. Ebony has a particularly special bond with a young adult rider named Christie. Christie had lost a leg to cancer and was feeling despondent, but with Ebony’s help she was able to improve not only her balance and strength, but her outlook on life. Christie and Ebony ride twice a week, and Christie is now an independent rider with Paralympian dreams."

The mission at Hope in the Saddle is to share the most meaningful and inspiring stories to emerge from the horse world—stories of how our relationships with horses can help us overcome life’s toughest challenges. Sometimes, that story takes place at an equine-assisted therapy center, where children take their first steps and speak their first words thanks to the awesome assistance of horses. It might take place in a show ring, where a competitor can focus on a goal other than beating cancer. Or it might take place at home, where a beloved family horse knickers away the stress of the day. From all corners of the horse community—from barrel racers to bronc riders and competitive equestrians to backyard owners—we’re here to bring these stories of hope and healing through horses to you.

SMA is a horseback riding summer camp for teens in central PA.    Pam Hayes Houldin and her Therapeutic Riding Program called Horsepower Farm are the subject of this incredible video produced by Hope in the Saddle.  SMA Horseback Riding Summer Camp.