A Barn That Feels Like Home: Why Access Matters for All Abilities
Abigail is an adaptive riding client who came to Hilltop Horizons with one goal: she wanted to ride, not just with help, but on her own.
Week by week, with the support of her instructors, volunteers, and her equine partners, Abigail has built strength, confidence, and skill. Every small victory was celebrated — a smoother mount, a steadier seat, a stronger grip on the reins.
Now, Abigail rides with confidence and continues to gain independence each week.
She says…
“I cannot thank Hilltop Horizons enough for the joy that they have been able to share with me through adaptive riding. Before starting at Hilltop Horizons, I was skeptical of whether riding would be possible. Since being diagnosed with a spinal cord injury from Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, I had been longing for a way to reconnect with friends, family, and the outdoors. Previously, I was an avid hiker among many other things, but MS changed that for me. A close friend suggested I look into horseback riding. I reached out to Hilltop Horizons at the beginning of the year, and from day one, we hit the ground running. Through Hilltop Horizons, I have been able to do what I thought was impossible. They have given me every tool available and the support to be able to say I can ride independently despite a spinal cord injury. I think more people need to be able to have access to organizations like this. Especially those who go through unexpected, life-changing events. Whether you're an adult, a child, an elder, a veteran, or someone newly diagnosed with a disability, this barn is your home. Illness and challenges can affect all of us in life at any time. Being able to have passionate and caring people to help you through finding your passion again means the world to those of us who are finding our way again.”
Abigail’s journey reminds us of the heart of Hilltop Horizons:
Everyone is meant to thrive — and horses help guide the way.
YOU can support participants like Abigail by supporting Hilltop Horizons’ mission