Hope on Horseback, formerly know as TREC, began in 1981 as an equine-assisted therapeutic program for children and adults with physical or cognitive challenges. Our mission to serve these special individuals and their families has never veered off course, but many new directions have been added.

Reaching out to additional populations in recent years, Hope on Horseback now offers horseback riding classes and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for those who not only have physical or developmental issues, but those who are dealing with challenges in many areas of daily life. In collaboration with other local organizations, HOHB now offers equine-assisted programs to cancer patients through the Wellness for Life survivors program.  Working with the Crime Victims Center of Erie, equine programs have been designed to help victims of crime and trauma regain self-esteem, confidence and assertiveness. Gannon University and the Barber Institute have combined resources with HOHB to develop two college level courses teaching the utilization of equine-assisted alternative therapies. Veterans of all branches are encouraged to ride for no charge in our Saturday morning class.

HOHB programs and classes are carefully designed to be safe and effective by our nationally certified Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) staff of instructors. Consistent standards of operation and performance are monitored and enhanced by active membership in the PATH organization.