Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hope Rides get started?
Vollie Heitkamp took a step of faith following the call to start a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that would provide horse opportunities to anyone who desired to have a horse experience and followed the lead of the Holy Spirit from there.
How can I get my child involved?
Contact the office at 612.310.6350 to inquire about programming or other services offered through Hope Rides.
Who does Hope Rides programs serve?
Hope Rides provides a variety of different horse related services. The age requirements can vary depending upon the particular service sought. To participate in programming the age range is 7-18. To have private one hour horse experience we serve ages 5-and up. Hope Rides serves people who seek a horse experience. If Hope Rides has any safety concerns regarding an application we do reserve the right to make recommendations, based upon our ability to safely and adequately provide services. It has been our experience that even though people come from different life circumstances, that as they play and grow beside one another regardless of personal circumstances both are encouraged having a greater appreciation and understanding of others while bringing a spirit of hope to them for the future.
What do you charge for a child to attend the program at Hope Rides?
Hope Rides programming is free. The only requirement for children is that they want to attend. Due to the cost involved in keeping and caring for horses Hope Rides does accept donations.
Can we visit the barn?
We would love to have you out even if it is just for a visit. We are open to the public by appointment only. Please feel free to call our office at 612.310.6350 to schedule a tour, if you are ever going to be in our area.
Is Hope Rides a residential facility?
At this time Hope Rides is a day-use facility only. This means those who use the barn visit it during the day but are not housed here. If you are visiting from out of town, visitors are responsible their own lodging and transportation.
Can visiting families or groups be hosted overnight on the Hope Rides facility grounds?
We are unable to host overnight guests, families, volunteer groups or participants due to the limited size of our facility. Our insurance also does not cover this type of ranch activity. It is our desire to one day host visitors, but at this time we are limited.
Is Hope Rides a religious organization?
No. Hope Rides is not associated with any particular religious congregation. However, Hope Rides is a faith based organization. Faith at Hope Rides is "lived" not "preached." Because the Founders and Board of Directors believe in God and the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ, it is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action by our love for Him and the support of families. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds.
Assistance, Donations and Volunteering
Prayer
Truly, the greatest gift that anyone can give . . . is to simply pray for us. Prayer costs us nothing but a few moments of our time, it is something that everyone can give and it is unquestionably the one of the most powerful things that we can do for each other. The facilities, children, and horses are in constant need of protection, wisdom, and direction. Those who choose to lift us up in prayer are an incredible gift to us and the children and horses we serve.
Cash Donations
All cash donations are greatly appreciated.
How do I donate?
There are a number of ways to donate to Hope Rides:
- Via Check or Money Order
You can make donations payable to Hope Rides, and send them to the office mailing address. If you are from the area, you may also want to drop donations by our office during open hours.
- Donate online via Paypal
- To donate specific items
Check out our wish list for ideas! To donate your time see our volunteer information page.
How can I support Hope Rides?
- Sponsor a horse in our program.
- Make a financial contribution
- Donate an item or service featured on our wish list.
- Use goodsearch search engine and select Hope Rides as your charity of choice.
If I make a donation, where does it go?
Unless otherwise designated by the giver, all monetary donations go into the general operating fund. These funds are used to pay for program expenses, ranch maintenance, horse care, and staff salaries.
Are donations Tax-deductible?
Being that Hope Rides is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization, we can supply tax receipts for all donations that include but are not limited to: monetary donations, horse tack, ranch equipment, feed, land, building supplies, horses, etc.
Can I donate my tack and/or horse equipment?
We are asking those who would like to donate tack to download the donation form found under the “How To Help” section of the website. Upon completion of the form please return it to our office and a member of the Hope Rides team will contact you regarding your donation inquiry. We also want donors to be aware that if we are unable to use tack, we will find a good home for it or sell it to raise funds for Hope Rides. Many individuals may prefer to sell tack themselves and donate part of the proceeds to Hope Rides we will gladly accept that also.
Can I donate my horse to the ranch?
Horses kept by Hope Rides whether donated, rescued, or purchased for the program must demonstrate an aptitude for acceptance of children and a willingness to work. Horses can be used in our lesson program up to four times per day and must be physically and mentally capable to do so. Because of this, we are selective in the horses we accept as donations. Hope Rides is rarely able to accept horses with limitations due to age, behavior problems, or soundness. If you are looking for a home for your horse, visit our donation tab to let us know. We will put the word out to our connections in the community. Please continue your search as well.
Misc
Can you tell me about employment opportunities at Hope Rides?
At this time we do not have any job openings. Those who are interested are welcome to send volunteer applications if they desire. Hope Rides is a small organization, although that is continues to change daily.
There are no educational or experience requirements for those we employ. Everyone must complete safety certifications before, or soon after hire. Each staff member generally requires other sources of income to support themselves. We also do not provide food or housing at the barn.
Typical responsibility includes, but are not limited to, riding program, instructing riding lessons, rehabilitating horses, working multiple horses each week, planning and participating in events, property maintenance, and keeping up with office communication and administrative tasks. The work can be physically and emotionally taxing, but rewarding at the same time.
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