Champions of Hope
THE HIGH HOPES MAGAZINE Spring 2025
Dear High Hopes Family,
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and at High Hopes, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate the heart of our mission: creating a space where ability is nurtured, talents are cultivated, and hope flourishes. As we look ahead, our focus is on honoring the remarkable partnerships that make High Hopes thrive; our incredible herd, our dedicated volunteers, and supporters like you. This issue, titled Champions of Hope, uniquely shines a light on those in our community. Including the horses in our herd that play a transformative role in the lives of our participants, fostering confidence, connection, and joy. And our volunteers, alongside the herd, form the backbone of every success story at High Hopes. Together, they represent the hope we cultivate for individuals of all abilities.
Inside these pages, you’ll meet Nicole, a skilled nonprofit administrator with a dynamic background in theatre, hospitality, and human resources. Nicole joined High Hopes in February 2024, bringing a wealth of cross-disciplinary experience and a passion for mission-driven work. You’ll also see Trudy, whose unwavering dedication has shaped High Hopes for years. This spring marks her 11th Gala fundraiser with the organization, a testament to her tireless commitment to ensuring the success of our mission.
As we celebrate these champions of hope, I invite you to join us in ensuring their continued success. Whether through supporting our growing herd, volunteering your time, or attending our upcoming Summer Soirée in June, your involvement helps us build a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for being a vital part of High Hopes. Together, we are creating a legacy of empowerment, connection, and hope.
TALLY HO,
Missy Saracino Lamont, Executive Director, PATH Intl. CTRI, HERD Institute EFL
Journeys of Commitment & Connection
Nicole Makos, Development Officer
Nicole Makos joined High Hopes as our Development Officer in February 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from a diverse career in theatre, hospitality, and human resources. Nicole is a Pennsylvania native and a proud graduate of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Before relocating to Connecticut in 2018, Nicole had the pleasure of working with several Pittsburgh and Philadelphia based nonprofit organizations, including Apple Hill Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and Bristol Riverside Theatre. When she was looking for a new adventure and career challenge, Nicole looked to New England, with its rich history and developed cultural districts. Over the years, she has worked with distinguished organizations such as Goodspeed Musicals, The River House at Goodspeed Station, TOMRA North America, Long Wharf Theatre, Saybrook Stage Company, and Salt Marsh Opera. In 2023, she expanded her expertise by earning a graduate certificate in Arts Leadership & Cultural Management from the University of Connecticut. Always looking to improve her skills, Nicole also completed the Leadership Greater New Haven program in 2024.
Nicole discovered High Hopes after moving to Old Lyme, drawn to our mission of providing therapeutic riding to individuals with varying abilities. Although she didn’t have prior experience with horses, Nicole’s upbringing in rural eastern Pennsylvania made her feel right at home on the High Hopes campus. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of an
organization whose mission aligns so closely with her values, as well as an organization so deeply rooted in the local community. After celebrating the 50th Anniversary this past year, Nicole is excited to see the growth and impact that High Hopes will have in the years to come.
Nicole values volunteerism and giving back to her community, something instilled in her during her time with the Sisters of Charity at Seton Hill University. Throughout her career, she has continued to find ways to become involved, from mentoring with Built By Girls to volunteering at local festivals and marathons, Nicole enjoys helping wherever there is a need. Beyond her role as Development Officer, Nicole has immersed herself in volunteer work at High Hopes. She recently began volunteering as a sidewalker, assisting riders who need extra support. Her calm, caring presence has proven to be a great asset in the ring.
Outside of her work at High Hopes, Nicole is passionate about a variety of hobbies, including woodworking, gardening, baking, and hiking. Living in Old Lyme with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Hank, Nicole enjoys a life full of creativity and exploration.
With her diverse background, dedication to High Hopes’ mission, and commitment to personal growth, Nicole is invaluable to our team. We are fortunate to have her as part of our staff as we continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Honoring Retiring Horses & Meeting Community Needs
At High Hopes, we recognize that retiring a horse is a thoughtful and heartfelt decision - one rooted in love, responsibility, and a commitment to their long-term well-being. Whether transitioning them to a peaceful retirement home or making the difficult choice to prioritize their comfort and dignity, we ensure that these incredible equine partners receive the same care and respect they have given to our community over the years. These horses have provided safety, support, and healing to countless participants, and in retirement, we are dedicated to ensuring they feel valued, comfortable, and safe.
As the demand for unique equine-assisted services continues to grow, so does the need for equine partners. To maintain the highest quality programming and meet increasing demand, we are actively seeking new horses through donation, free lease, or purchase. Expanding our herd allows us to accommodate more participants who rely on the therapeutic and educational benefits of equine-assisted services.
In addition to growing our herd, we are also expanding our impact through innovative programs. One of our newest initiatives is an equine-assisted reading program designed to foster a love of reading in children. This program will combine the presence of horses with engaging reading activities, creating a supportive environment that encourages confidence and learning.
The bond between humans and horses is truly unique. Horses’ sensitivity to human emotions makes them
invaluable in therapeutic settings, helping to build trust, patience, and communication. Their nonjudgmental nature allows participants to develop confidence, reduce anxiety, and work through emotional and physical challenges. Whether through mounted lessons, ground-based interactions, or specialized wellness programs, horses continue to provide life-changing experiences that support emotional and physical well-being.
With over 50 years of experience, High Hopes remains a leader in equine-assisted services. However, maintaining our programs while balancing the retirement and acquisition of horses requires careful planning and sustained support through strategic programming, strong partnerships, and the dedication of our donors and volunteers.
The future is bright, and we are excited to continue our mission of learning and growing with the help of our incredible equine partners. As we honor the legacy of our retiring horses, we also welcome new equine partners to expand opportunities for those who need them most.
Blessing, Retired in 2024
Savannah, Retired in 2024
Rolex, Retired in 2024
A Brighter Tomorrow Starts Here
Question: How does the High Hopes Fund help the herd and our participants?
High Hopes subsidizes 79% of the cost of services for our participants. This subsidy ensures that families who need us the most don't get turned away. The philanthropic support of our community makes all the difference in the life of a participant who relies on our services for critical physical, emotional, or cognitive support.
In support of our mission, the High Hopes Fund was developed to provide this direct operating assistance, giving High Hopes the flexibility to allocate funds to the greatest need throughout the year. In 2025, the High Hopes Fund is supporting our strategic priorities, including the acquisition of new horses and the care of our current herd. We need more horses in order to serve our current participants, and eventually, more members of the community. We also need to continue providing exceptional care to our growing herd so they remain healthy and able to deliver our services. Horses aren't just key to our mission - they're a valued part of our team.
Part of our High Hopes Fund is our Friends of the Herd program. Friends of the Herd focuses on giving in honor of one of our soft-hearted horses, or the entire steadfast herd, to provide direct operating support. Individuals who become a "Friend" also receive a few benefits of joining this program:
• As a Friend of the Herd, you are able to designate which herd member is your special friend with an annual, quarterly, or monthly contribution totaling $600 or more.
• Your name will be displayed on your friend's stall door, showing your support to all who come through our barn doors!
• On your birthday, you'll receive a special surprise in the mail from the herd.
• Each spring, you’ll be invited to attend Horse Show Days – you might even be asked to be a ribbon presenter for a session or two!
• You'll also receive our emailed newsletter, News from the Barn, and a few extra special e-communications throughout the year.
• Of course, you are also welcome to visit your friend throughout the year - they'd love to see you!
Our Friends of the Herd program and our High Hopes Fund are essential sources of funding as we build upon our legacy of hope and sustain our future of impact. Join us today in transforming lives through equineassisted services with a gift to either the High Hopes Fund or the Friends of the Herd program. We cannot offer these life-changing services without your support!
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS
This spring, High Hopes is excited to launch Reading to Horses, a unique program designed to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students to build confidence and connect with our horses in a meaningful way.
Set to begin in April, this initiative will invite students to read aloud to our gentle equine partners, providing a calm and supportive setting that encourages self-expression and engagement. The presence of horses offers a unique opportunity for students to develop confidence as they share stories in a non-judgmental space, free from the pressures of traditional learning environments.
In addition to on-site sessions at High Hopes, Lulu, our miniature horse, will also make special visits to students, bringing the magic of this experience beyond the barn.
Through Reading to Horses, we hope to foster a sense of curiosity, comfort, and connection - helping students build confidence while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of time spent with horses. We can’t wait to see the impact of this new program!
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding’s Parkinson’s Program, launched just over a year ago, has grown into a life-changing initiative, offering participants the chance to improve movement, reduce muscle tension, and foster a unique bond with horses. Held weekly on Tuesdays, the program includes gentle stretching, horse grooming, and leading, all designed to encourage physical activity and promote relaxation.
The idea for this program was inspired by volunteer and participant Carol Merkt, who identified a need for tailored services for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to Carol’s vision and the dedication of High Hopes instructors, the program has exceeded expectations, with participants experiencing both physical and emotional benefits. Horses offer nonjudgmental companionship and help participants find peace and accomplishment.
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Lulu Leads the Way is an interactive, equine-led hike designed to engage our local community in a fun, educational, and memorable way.
Over the past several weekends this winter, we’ve been thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout from the community, with families and children of all ages eager to take part in this unique experience. Each hike is a chance to connect with nature and create new relationships with our neighbors.
Lulu, always up for an adventure, led her visitors on a scenic journey around campus and up to Critter’s Rock.
When the group reached Critter’s Rock, they were rewarded with a cozy bonfire, complete with delicious S’mores, snacks, and—of course—hay for Lulu!
In addition to the hike, families had the option to create crafts.
With a capacity of 15 participants per session, this event provides a perfect opportunity for families to unplug, get outside, and make memories in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
The program is generously funded by the Kitchings Family Foundation, ensuring accessibility for all through scholarships.
The Parkinson’s Program exemplifies High Hopes’ mission to inspire and support through the healing power of horses. To celebrate their progress, participants will showcase their skills in an exciting in-hand drill team performance at the end of March, where family and friends will cheer them on as they demonstrate their teamwork and horse-leading abilities. The team will be called “The Unshakables with High Hopes.” We look forward to seeing them shine!
Lulu Leads the Way
Parkinson’s Program (continued)
36 TOWN WOODS ROAD
LYME, CT 06371 Join us for an unforgettable night of philanthropy, mingling, dining, and high-energy dancing to the electrifying sounds of Sugar—the dynamic, crowd-favorite band that keeps the energy going all night! Enjoy exciting auction offerings and a night of impactful giving, all in support of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding’s life-changing mission.
Trudy Burgess, Event Manager