Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding

10/29/2025

After 29 amazing years - we are CLOSING!

Please read the message below from our executive director Lesley Shear:

To the Circle of Hope Community,

It is with very mixed feelings that I share the news that Circle of Hope is ending operations, effective November 2, 2025. I am sad that we are closing and I will miss our volunteers, riders and their families. At the same time, as I look back on our 29 years, I know that we, including our volunteers, our families, myself and other instructors who worked with us over the years, helped so many and did a lot of good work.

The decision to close was not easy, but it is clearly the right thing to do. Our wonderful horses, Traveller and Lucy, have reached the end of their working lives. Traveller had already retired (several years ago) to another farm, but came back to us (along with the associated expenses for his care) earlier this year adding to our financial burden. The loss of Papa in January was devastating and he left a big hole in our programming. We are just not in a position to buy and train new horses.

The new owners of Grand Jete Farm have been generous and wonderful in allowing us to maintain our operations in the barn and helping us in so many ways. Now we need to step aside so that they can organize their property as they envisioned and generate the income they need from the space we occupy.

Finally, it is time for me to retire. As the Executive Director of Circle of Hope since we began, I have put my life’s work into this extraordinary community. I am forever grateful to all of the riders, families, volunteers, board members and donors who have given so much to us. Together, through good times and challenges, we have kept Circle of Hope going as strong as we could. Now, at the confluence of many factors, we need to close our doors and keep Circle of Hope bright in our memories.

We will be inviting everyone to join us on Sunday, November 2, 2025 for a Farewell event at the barn.

I thank you for being an important part of Circle of Hope.

Best regards,
Lesley Shear

01/24/2025

It is with a very heavy heart that Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding’s treasured therapy horse, ‘Papa’ has crossed the rainbow bridge this afternoon.

A friend, family member, confidant, caregiver, teacher, and loved one to so many at Circle of Hope for over 20 years, Papa never considered his time there a job, but as his chance to protect and care for each and every one of his riders, his volunteers, and his instructors. You could tell in his nickers, his face, and his strut that he was proud to carry that mantle.

Beyond his huge heart, he was a deeply silly goose who made sure to never let you leave without a nuzzle, and the requested treat tax. His best four-legged friend ‘Lucy’ will undoubtedly be needing some extra love and cuddles during this difficult time, so no pets or treats will be unwelcome.

Papa was taken to the Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center this afternoon, and Circle of Hope is extremely grateful for the care and comfort they provided him in his last hours. Papa will be cremated and laid to rest in the memorial garden with the other wonderful horses who have been part of Circle of Hope’s Therapy program over the years.

Donations towards his medical bills, and towards laying him to rest can be made through Circle of Hope’s website at https://www.chtr.org/donations.

Papa: forever and always has left hoofprints on all our hearts.

12/10/2024

As 2024 comes to an end, please consider making a donation to Circle of Hope. Without donors like you our program wouldn’t be possible!

https://www.chtr.org/donations

12/03/2024

Your gift matters! Donate today on to help support Circle of Hope.

Circle of Hope serves 20+ participants, ranging in age from 3 to mid-40s, who ride with us on weekends. Our horses, Papa and Lucy, are still going strong as they enter their golden years! As accomplished professionals, they bring our participants (un)bridled joy and...

12/03/2024

Today is ! Around the world, people are giving to the causes that matter the most to them. Join the global movement and donate now!

https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/story/8zm9jf

08/25/2024

We had such a great time at Topgolf today - Thank you everyone who came out and supported our program!

🎉 And congratulations to our raffle prize winners!

Prizes donated by:
Colonial Jewelers
Linganore Winecellars
Rockville Ice Arena
https://jessbowers.org/
https://josephcraigenglish.com/

Event sponsors:
RKW Law Group
FRANKLIN LIQUORS
Poolesville Veterinary Clinic

08/15/2024

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Tickets sales close in just 2 days - Saturday 8/17

You can purchase event tickets and raffle tickets online: https://chtr-barnesville.square.site/s/shop

Event tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the door.

08/12/2024

Come visit us today at the fair! Like this post for a chance to win a free raffle ticket. (Raffle will be held on August 25th at our TopGolf fundraiser)

Raffle Prizes include:
- skate passes for rockville ice arena
- new golf bag
- wine tasting at Linganore wincellars
- artwork by a local artist Joseph Craig English
- signed copy of Horse Show by Jess Bowers
- $100 gift card to Colonial Jewelers

Interested in attending our fundraiser? Tickets available on our website www.chtr.org

08/09/2024

Help us sell the last few tickets! Anyone who purchases a TopGolf ticket this weekend (Aug 9-11) will get a FREE raffle ticket.

Remember that tickets cannot be purchased at the door.

Www.chtr.org

08/08/2024

Raffle tickets on sale now!
https://chtr-barnesville.square.site/s/shop

- wine tasting for two from Linganore Winecellars
- free skate passes from Rockville Ice Arena
- $100 gift card to Colonial Jewelers
- new golf bag
- Signed copy of Horse Show by Jess Bowers
- pictures form local artist Joseph Craig English

Raffle will take place on August 25th during our Golfing for Good Fundraiser at TopGolf. You do not need to be present to win, pick up can be arranged for a later date.

08/05/2024

Lots of exciting events coming up! Visit our website for more information www.chtr.org

07/30/2024

A big thank you to linganorewinecellars for donating a private wine tasting for two with a cheese board for our upcoming raffle!

Th raffle will be held on August 25th during our Golfing for Good Fundraiser at Top Golf.

Can’t make the event? You do not need to be present to win. This is just one of many exciting prizes, purchase your raffle tickets today!

https://chtr-barnesville.square.site/s/shop