What We’re All About.
The mission of the Gaits of Hope is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for horsemanship and riding skills through partnering with the horse. We offer programs to enhance the physical, social and emotional abilities of all
individuals.
“With my students I am fulfilling a
life-long dream of sharing my love
of horses with others and feel
blessed to have this opportunity.”
Who we are.
Owner Karen Wurster is a graduate of Wilson College with a B.S. degree in Equine Facilitated Therapeutic Riding. As a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Registered Instructor certified to teach those with and without special needs, Karen brings an Early Childhood Education A.A. from Hagerstown Community College, along with 10 years of experience as a Special Education Aide and Long Term Special Education Substitute, to her passion for bringing out the best abilities in her students. Her training included working with adults and children with a wide variety of disabilities ranging from autism to traumatic brain injuries.
FUN is first and foremost.
What we do.
With the help of trained volunteers, Karen personally teaches each student, with or without Special Needs, using her patience, empathy and professional care to provide a safe and relaxing environment for achieving growth and success in their personal goals. Working with therapists, educators and physicians, Karen designs individual lesson plans for each student based on their unique objectives. And FUN is first and foremost!
What we offer.
- Therapeutic Riding
- Riding Lessons for beginners
- Brush-up Riding Lessons
- Un-mounted “Leadership Skills” programs