How We Support Youth Through Horses
Melody’s Haven of Hope at Oregon Horsemanship
At Melody’s Haven of Hope, horses and humans heal together. Our rescued and second-chance horses do incredible things for the young people in our community—offering connection, partnership, and a sense of belonging that many youth struggle to find elsewhere.
Why Horses? Why Youth?
Partnering with horses gives young people the unique chance to learn and grow outside the limitations of a traditional classroom. Horses respond honestly and without judgment, teaching lessons that stay with students for a lifetime. Through our horsemanship and riding programs, youth learn:
Confidence and self-esteem
Clear communication and emotional awareness
Respect, responsibility, and teamwork
Problem-solving and leadership
Connection and empathy
These essential skills help them navigate challenges in school, friendships, and daily life. When a young person learns to earn the trust of a 1,000-pound partner, they learn to trust themselves.
Horse Powered Reading® — Learning, Redefined
Our newest initiative, Horse Powered Reading, is a nationally recognized, research-based program proven to support students in reading, comprehension, and math. Through fun, engaging, ground-based activities, horses become active teaching partners.
When students interact with a horse during learning activities, something extraordinary happens—motivation increases, anxiety decreases, and new pathways to understanding open. Whether a child is struggling and needs a fresh approach or advanced and craving more engaging challenges, this program meets them exactly where they are.
Learn more here: Horse Powered Reading® (link can be embedded on your site).
Where Horses and Youth Change Each Other’s Lives
Every horse at Melody’s Haven of Hope has a story. Many arrive carrying the scars of neglect, misunderstanding, or simply being let down by humans. Here, they find safety, love, and a forever home. And in return, these horses give back in the most powerful way—by guiding youth toward healing, growth, and confidence.
Our mission is bigger than horsemanship. It is about creating a place where young people feel seen, supported, and capable… and where horses are honored, cherished, and given purpose again.
Together, they form partnerships that build stronger futures—for both species.
We Need Your Help to Continue This Work
As our programs grow, so does the need for support. Your generosity allows us to provide care for the horses who make this work possible while expanding life-changing opportunities for youth in our community.
Your support directly helps:
Feed and care for our rescued horses
Provide scholarships so no child is turned away
Grow programs like Horse Powered Reading®
Maintain a safe, nurturing environment for all
Every contribution—big or small—creates a ripple of hope.
Join Us in Creating Brighter Futures
We invite you to explore our programs, visit the horses, and see firsthand the life-changing impact happening every day at Melody’s Haven of Hope at Oregon Horsemanship.
Together, we can continue this journey of healing, learning, and growing—side by side.