Helping Horse Therapeutic Programs

03/28/2026

We have a bit of a good news/bad news situation to share with you all.

Once again, our horses have heard the talk about our Dare to Dream Gala and are beginning their preparations to attend. River has donned a beautiful diamond necklace (we're not sure where she procured it, so if you're missing this item, please let us know), Jazz has taken his finest cowboy hat out of storage, and Pixie even took a shower! We're not sure how to tell them that horses aren't allowed at the gala venue...

The good news is, if you're reading this, you can attend the gala and so can all your friends, family, and neighbors! Then you can come to the farm and tell the horses all about it. We're sure that will satisfy them, especially if you take photos to share.

The Dare to Dream Gala will take place at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery in Durham (6225 Wake Forest Hwy) on Saturday, April 18th at 6:00 PM. You'll get to enjoy a celebratory glass of wine with lively background music during our cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner buffet, a 50/50 raffle game, and an exciting and inspirational program emceed by WRAL's Ken Smith.

For more information about the 2026 Dare to Dream Gala and to purchase your tickets, just visit HHDaretoDream26.givesmart.com.

We hope to see you there!

03/24/2026

We would be honored if you would join us for a beautiful evening on Saturday, April 18th at the 2026 Dare to Dream Gala. This year, the gala will be held at the ZincHouse Winery & Brewery in Durham.

Please feel free to invite your friends and family to learn about our programs and how we are transforming lives.

For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit
https://hhdaretodream26.givesmart.com

Please RSVP by April 5th. We can’t wait to see you there!

03/17/2026

A huge shout out to our First Responders and Veterans (FRV) Program! Thank you to WRAL TV for this great story.

Horses are now helping Wake County Sheriff’s deputies work through tragedies they respond to on the job. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has started a partnership with Helping Horse, a health and wellness program near Wendell.

03/17/2026

Dually, our Irish Cob look-alike, would like to wish you a happy St. Patrick's Day on behalf of all of us! 🍀

03/10/2026

We hope you'll join us for this year's Dare to Dream Gala!

We have come so far over the last 37 years and the sky's the limit when we dare to dream. Come dream big for the future with us and celebrate an evening of joy.

This year's gala is taking place at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery in Durham. Come enjoy our silent auction, a 50/50 raffle game, and fun photo opportunity. We'll have appetizers, wine, beer, cocktails, lively background music, and a gourmet dinner buffet.

WRAL's Ken Smith will emcee the evening's program and you'll also hear from our instructors, volunteers, parents, and friends.

Be sure to secure your tickets by April 15th by visiting https://HHDaretoDream26.givesmart.com

02/17/2026

Did you know... The historical contributions of Black Americans weren’t limited to the thoroughbred racing industry. Born into slavery in Boone County, Missouri in 1859, Tom Bass became one of the most sought-after saddlebred trainers of his time. He eventually set up a barn in Kansas City and helped start the American Royal Horse Show!

If you like, you can read more about Tom Bass in the book, “Whisper on the Wind: The Story of Tom Bass".

01/31/2026

ONLY $5,200 LEFT TO RAISE, AND JUST ONE MORE DAY!
We need YOUR help to reach the finish line in our end-of-year campaign - Unbridled Hope! Please spread the word and ask your friends and family to support our programs through our campaign website: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg.

THANK YOU to everyone who has already given towards this campaign! You are the reason we can continue making an impact.

01/24/2026

There's only one week left of our 2025 End of Year Campaign, Unbridled Hope, and we need your help to raise ✨THE LAST 16% TO REACH OUR GOAL!✨

Jerry, one of our First Responders and Veterans Program participants, says “Coming back to the horses gives me the opportunity to practice being present and mindful in my physical state. The horses remind me to not get discouraged when things are not easy and they help me stay positive. I can now walk up to 3 miles and find peace in where I am today.”

Read Jerry's inspirational story and donate through our Unbridled Hope website:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

01/17/2026

We have two weeks left in our End Of Year Campaign and are at 80% of our $80,000 goal - YOU can help us get there !!

Pixie is a beautiful brown and white paint mare, is easy to fall in love with. She is gentle and affectionate and is often one of the first to come greet you (or check your pockets for treats) when you enter the pasture she shares with three other mares. A volunteer says of Pixie, “She is super sweet and easy to be around. She’s also strong-willed and will let you know if she doesn’t like something or want to do something; she likes to do things in her own time. Pixie has a gentle soul and loves being on the trail, where she seems to feel right at home.”

Before coming to Helping Horse, Pixie spent time as a lesson horse at an English lesson barn. She did a bit of showing and jumping, and lots of trail rides, traveling via horse trailer all over North Carolina and Virginia to explore new places.

Pixie then entered semi-retirement. She was much loved and cared for, but was living alone in her pasture without a job to do. Her owner felt that Pixie had far too much to give to be fully retired, so she came to us.

When she came to Helping Horse, Pixie showed incredible potential as a therapeutic horse. Unfortunately, this potential was overshadowed by age-related arthritis and stiffness in her joints, and the need to build confidence in her new environment. We could see that Pixie had so much intelligence and tenderness to offer, and that it would be well worth it to provide medical support and a training routine for her that would give her the space and comfort to learn her new job.

After receiving biannual joint injections and being shown the ropes by our dedicated training team, Pixie has emerged as one of the most versatile and requested horses in our program. She is the first to prick her ears forward and check on her riders with an perceptive, kind-hearted attention that makes everyone melt.

Pixie will continue to need ongoing medical and conditioning support, and is one of the horses that demonstrates the tremendous impact that this investment can make.

If you are able, please consider donating to our End-of-Year Campaign. Learn more at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

01/02/2026

Twelve year-old Anna Saparilas joined Helping Horse in the summer of 2024, drawn by her natural love for animals. Diagnosed with ADHD and high-functioning autism, Anna thrives in calm, supportive environments–and she found exactly that at the farm. The horses, the fresh air, and even the barn cats help her feel relaxed and happy each time she arrives.

Through her lessons, Anna has gained confidence, improved her ability to follow multi-step directions, and expanded her skills in both riding and horse care. She especially enjoys her time with her instructor, Simone, and volunteer Horse Leader, Christin, who have formed special bonds with Anna. Their shared conversations about Greek mythology have become a joyful part of each session, helping Anna feel understood and supported.

At home, the changes are clear. Anna’s parents, John and Laura Saparilas, say “Being part of Helping Horse has been a blessing for our family. We’ve seen Anna’s anxiety decrease and her confidence grow with each session. The support from the instructors and the peaceful environment have helped her feel more self-assured-both at the farm and in everyday life.”

With busy schedules, her parents don’t often get to watch Anna participate in activities - making her time at Helping Horse especially meaningful. “I look forward every week to coming out to the farm and watching her ride,” Laura shares. Helping Horse has become a place where Anna can shine, connect, and continue discovering her own strengths - one ride at a time.

Help more people from our community experience the transformative programs at Helping Horse by donating to our Unbridled Hope campaign today!
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Helping Horse... with Christmas carols! 🎅❤️🎄

12/23/2025

More holiday greetings from our amazing riders!