Hope Rising Farm snips a celebratory ribbon at its new Leedsville Road location

AMENIA — By all measures, the grand opening of Hope Rising Farm at its new location on Leedsville Road held on Saturday, Aug. 26, bodes well for the expanding therapeutic riding center, as well over 100 area residents attended.

The program’s needs had outgrown the former location on Morse Hill Road in North East. Hope Rising’s new location, the former horse breeding commercial farm of David Hopper, offers more acreage, more stable space, and, of great importance, an immense heated indoor arena to allow for program expansion throughout the winter months.

After cutting the ribbon stretched across the entrance to the stable area, founder and director Jacqueline McCabe Wikane noted that Hope Rising had managed to complete the move in 90 days, celebrating that all of the program’s participants had come along to the new location.

“We had a huge number of kids come to this new location to ride, play and enjoy the new facility,” Wikane said, going on to thank the volunteers and the board of her organization.

“If it were not for the volunteers, Hope Rising Farm would not exist,” Wikane said, adding that the goal is to become the top therapeutic riding program in Dutchess County.

“This program is a testament to what one person’s passion can do to change the lives of people, intersecting that energy with a love of animals, to bring new life to an agricultural endeavor in the Harlem Valley,” said Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall, who is seeking his fifth term as county clerk in the November election.

New York State Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr. presented a Certificate of Merit to Hope Rising Farm on behalf of the Assembly.

“The farm has been such an important part of our community,” Beephan said. “I look forward to partnering as they grow and continue to serve individuals with special needs.”

“This is a wonderful addition to the town of Amenia,” said Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti, noting that the location is accessible and ideal to accommodate the program’s expansion as it is needed to serve both children and adults.

Volunteers are always needed, whether for special events or on a more regular basis, noted Candie Fredritz, coordinator of volunteers, inviting interested  area residents to contact the farm.

Contributing to the success of the therapeutic program is Wikane’s son, Richard, who kept busy overseeing the activities of the day and is integral to assisting and encouraging special needs participants.

“The event is fantastic,” he said. “I’m glad a lot of people came out. The word will spread outward and forward.”