Healing with Horses
Our staff is completely volunteer and receives no compensation
Joy Hinterkopf
Joy Hinterkopf is a Certification Horsemanship Association (CHA-AHSE) certified riding instructor, in both English and Western, jumping, and an additional certification as an Instructor of Riders with Disabilities (IRD). She is also certified with EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) to work in conjuction with a mental health specialist in equine assisted psychotherapy and experiential learning. Joy has owned horses since age 10. She
has taught private riding lessons, directed a camp riding program, and was head instructor in a riding program focused on kids with life challenges. She attended one of the top collegiate equestrian programs in the country at Houghton University and has competed in dressage and jumping. She breeds and trains sport horses. She has a passion for sharing her love for horses in a safe, positive and fun environment, and allowing others to experience the healing presence of being with a horse.
Hope Hinterkopf
Hope Hinterkopf has been on horses since before she was born, (in her mama’s belly). She got her first pony at 2 and horses have always been in her blood. Raised and homeschooled by her horse crazy mom, Joy, Hope began training horses and donkeys at age 10. She has been involved in rescuing horses, training youngsters, barn chores, and assisting her mom with riding instruction. Hope loves speed - galloping, running barrels, jumping, but always keeps the welfare of her horse and safety as a priority. She has been competing successfully in barrels this summer and she has a horse themed Youtube channel called PocothePony.
She enjoys working with kids and sharing her knowledge and skill.
Our Horses
Our horses are who make this program possible. Each one is special with a unique personality.
Moses
Moses has a tragic, yet hope-filled story. He was nearly killed by a stallion attack in the abandoned herd he lived in. See the page with our story and check out the youtube video link here Amazing Rescue Story | An Abandoned Herd of Horses | Poco The Pony (youtube.com)
Moses loves people and enjoys participating in equine assisted therapy groundwork sessions. He is in training for riding.
Sparkle
Sparkle is a big, beautiful Gypsy Vanner. She has lots of personality and is a great beginner and intermediate lesson horse. She goes English or Western and our participants enjoy vaulting and riding her bareback. She also participates in equine assisted therapy sessions.
Poco
Poco is an energetic, versatile pony that is used both in the equine assisted therapy and in riding lessons. He goes english or western, jumps and barrel races with his owner, Hope. Check out his youtube channel at Poco the Pony.
Snowflake
Snowflake is a gentle giant. She is a Percheron. She is very mellow, and despite her large size she is kind and sweet and can be used for our bigger riders, up to 220 lbs. as well as in ground therapy sessions.
Cadenza
Cadenza (aka Denzi) was bred and raised here on the farm. She is a 4 yr old Friesian Morgan and a 3rd generation breeding for us. She is in training for dressage but loves to participate in ground therapy sessions with clients. She is very friendly and snuggly with everyone she meets.
Dainalee
Dainalee (aka Daina) was also bred and raised here on the farm. She is a 4 yr old Friesian Sport horse. She is in training for dressage but loves to participate in ground therapy sessions with clients along with her half sister Denzi. She loves to cuddle with people and is very curious about everything.
Anya
Anya is a 20 year old Thoroughbred Dutch Warmblood and is Daina's mom. Anya's dad was in the 2008 Olympics as a show jumper and she is retired from show jumping. She is great for teaching intermediate riders how to canter and basics of dressage movements. She is very sensitive and kind and enjoys participating in equine assisted therapy.
Oliver
Oliver is our adorable and beloved mini donkey. He is great with everyone, loves scratches and participates with equine assisted therapy sessions. Ollie is especially good for people who are afraid of horses or with smaller kids