In July of 2021, Peggy and Murray Bass relocated Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm from Florida to Halifax County. The not-for-profit organization bills itself as a place where”the soul and the soil come together,” centered around the therapeutic powers of horse care and horse riding. The mission of Good Hope, say the husband and wife founders, is to provide equine-assisted and regenerative farming practices to children, youth, and adults with and without disabilities, to en­hance their independence, personal potential, and quality of lite.

Therapeutic riding has numerous benefits. Research has proven that the rhythmic nature of the horse’s gait has therapeutic qualities, helping to strengthen a rider’s muscle tone. Other physical benefits of the program include improvements in balance, posture, coordination, reflexes, fine and gross motor skills. and hand-eye coordination. The repetition of various activities allows the rider to concentrate on their position while trying new activities.
“The excitement of riding horses brings new experiences and an overall sense of well-being,” said Peggy Bass, Ph.D.
She started riding horses as a child at the age of ten. She fell in love with the equestrian sport within the hunter and jumper disciplines. She participated and competed in Pony Club…