HOPETHRUHORSES is a charitable fund held and managed by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, which helps troubled and traumatised people, and rescues troubled and traumatised horses. The rescued horses heal and find peace in the company of our naturally kept herd, and in return they help people do the same.

With your donations we can continue our work to improve the lives of our rescued horses and the mental health of those who come for help. Many have tried everything and feel truly hopeless – and many of our horses were destined to become dog meat or at best put down.

Hopethruhorses is based in Oxfordshire and offers a successful and alternative route to recovery from mental health and behavioural disorders. Equine Involvement Therapy (EIT) is a way for adults, young people and children to overcome a wide range of psychological problems including stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, eating disorders, and related issues.

A few brief case histories

Your money will go towards helping people like Julia (not her real name). When Julia first came to Hopethruhorses she was severely anorexic and wanted to take her own life. She was extremely depressed and suffered anxiety attacks. She would not interact with the horses or lift her eyes from the ground. Now Julia is back at school doing her A-levels and planning to go to medical school. She is at her target weight and enjoys eating out in restaurants.

Laura refused to come out of her room because she was too afraid. She suffered from extreme anxiety and had numerous phobias. Laura made it to her sessions with the horses and is now enjoying the company of her own horse and loving life again.

John had depression, and although he still has low periods, he is now football coaching children, which he loves.

Michelle struggled with PTSD after a brutal and cruel childhood. She had been in counselling for years, but it was the healing power of the herd that finally allowed her to live her life again.

Testimonials

“Back with Jo and her amazing Hopethruhorses herd today – incredible work that they do and I felt like a completely different person when I left.”

“Thank you so much. I can honestly say, my heart has never felt so open.”

“That was such an amazing session, I feel so different.”