GOOD HOPE EQUESTRIAN & REGENERATIVE FARM

The genesis of Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm, Inc. began in Miami-Dade County when Good Hope Equestrian Training Center, Inc. was founded in 2000 with a vision of providing special needs populations with recreational, rehabilitative, educational, and community-based training programs that enhance independence and quality of life. During its twenty-one years serving South Florida, Good Hope provided evidence-based equine assisted programming to over 8,200 children, youth, and adults with disabilities and those in convalescence from various pathologies. In 2021, Good Hope relocated to South Central Virginia and changed its name to reflect an expanded mission and programs that promote and educate individuals about the positive impact of regenerative farming in stewarding our planet and enhancing the quality of life of our communities.

In July of 2021, GHERF became a domesticated Virginia-based not-for-profit where the hope of healing the soul and soil come together! Today, GHERF’s mission includes “preserving the environment by partnering with families to improve or instill healthy living practices through sustainable organic farming.” Through educational seminars and onsite, hands-on training, GHERF is promoting sustainable alternatives to the current agriculture practices that are known to damage the soil and have negative effects on the environment. Through multi-faceted programs, GHERF participants receive tailored training and technical assistance to aid them in implementing restorative farming practices.

Specialized programming has been developed with a person-centered focus for individuals ages 4 to 80, without and with disabilities (intellectual, physical, sensory, and emotional) and/or health related conditions. Good Hope has worked with a wide array of pathologies, including individuals diagnosed with Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Depression, Developmental Delays, Specific Learning Disabilities (ADD/ADHD), Processing Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Traumatic Brain Injury.

GHERF’s broad array of specialized programs include: Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities, Educational Farming Sessions, Endless Strides, Horses Serving Heroes, Horsin’ Around, Red Helmet Horseman Club, and the We Are One Volunteer Club.

Good Hope will also continue to serve as a host site for PATH, International providing continuing education units (CEUs) and certifications for equestrian professionals throughout the country.