Healing on horseback with Hope Unbridled Equestrian Program

Gipson began bringing her sons to the “Hope Unbridled Equestrian Program” about three years ago.  Both Noah and Elijah are diagnosed with non verbal autism.

Gipson says the equestrian therapy is a highlight of the family’s week,  and it has also helped Noah and Elijah in many ways.

“My boys love it, number one it helps with their core strength, Noah has gotten to where he sits tall and straight on a horse, Elijah does it too, they love the experience,  feed and brush the horse and they get to ride as well,” Gipson said.

Sherry Jenkins is director of “Hope Unbridled’.  The non profit offers therapeutic riding services, along with lessons for those who want to learn how to ride a horse.  Jenkins says “Hope Unbridled” began when she was looking for effective therapies for her daughter.

‘I call it my burning bush moment, my daughter Meredith,  is our volunteer coordinator,  has learning disabilities,  never fit in, but she found her place on horses, and one day we were at a show, she had won and she said, “See Momma, I told you I could do it.’  Not just to win but to feel they can do it,” Jenkins said.

Volunteers are also a big part of Hope Unbridled.  Some lead the horses,  others are ‘sidewalkers’, walking alongside the horse and rider.   A lot of prayer and preparation happens before a client gets on a horse.

“When we get students, we pair students with certain horses, based on their personality,” said Eliza McDowell, a volunteer at Hope Unbridled.

“When we go look at horses we need to be sure it is what we need out of them,” said Meredith Jenkins, volunteer coordinator with Hope Unbridled.

‘I love the horses, and people are so wonderful, it is important to see people get the joy, and animals enjoy it too, they enjoy the connection.   A lot of students get to do something they wouldn’t normally do, it is amazing,” McDowell said.

As a non profit,  Hope Unbridled relies on donors and community support to keep everything going.  They have an annual event coming up,  a big fundraiser,  ‘Boots, Barbecue and Blessings.’

“We will have horseshoes,  corn hole going on,  all therapy horses will be in stalls, and a photo booth,” said Sherry Jenkins.

Boots Barbecue and Blessings takes place October 17th.

Boots, Barbecue and Blessings takes place October 17,  from four until 6.  It all happens at Hope Unbridled, at 103 Beckman Drive, in Tupelo.