Steelville-based Power of Hope Equestrian Center will next year expand its Service Wrangler Program for veterans and first responders to 90 more riders.
Therapeutic riding services at the Steelville-based Power of Hope Equestrian Center brings riders both improvements for their mental health and physical fitness.
Steelville-based Power of Hope Equestrian Center will next year expand its Service Wrangler Program for veterans and first responders to 90 more riders.
The Power of Hope Equestrian Center’s Service Wrangler Program served seven veterans and first responders during its pilot.
The Power of Hope Equestrian Center was founded in 2021 to provide therapeutic riding services to this region of the Ozarks.
Therapeutic riding services at the Steelville-based Power of Hope Equestrian Center brings riders both improvements for their mental health and physical fitness.
The Power of Hope Equestrian Center welcomes volunteers and donors. Its annual Charty Barn Dance will be held Oct. 5.
Dozens of veterans and first responders from across south-central Missouri will next year discover the same peace of mind that’s benefited the Power of Hope Equestrian Centers’ first riders. The Steelville-based nonprofit was founded in 2021 to bring therapeutic riding, or TR, to this region of the Ozarks. Consistent impact and steady progress has earned the organization a growing reputation. Its new Service Wrangler Program will be its next big step forward by helping 90 veterans and first responders improve their mental wellbeing and physical fitness.
“When your entire career revolves around helping others, serving them, and always being the one to assist, it can be incredibly difficult to transition into the role of someone who needs help,” says Millie Schmidt, the leader of Power of Hope’s Service Wrangler Program. “Therapeutic Riding (TR) offers a healing experience without the intense pressure to talk about your feelings in a direct, high-stakes environment. For many, traditional talk therapy can be overwhelming and forces them into a role they’re not accustomed to.”
Schmidt has a deep personal understanding of the benefits of TR. After graduating from Newburg High School, moving away from home and serving in the military, she encountered significant challenges in readjusting to civilian life.
“I spent time in the Middle East, including a brief period in a combat zone,” Schmidt recalls. “Coming home and adapting to life outside the military was a real struggle for me. Horses have always been a grounding force in my life—I even team roped in high school. When I started researching equine therapy programs, I came across Power of Hope, and it was exactly what I needed. It felt like fate.”
Founding the Power of Hope Equestrian Center in 2021 was Tracey Keeven and her family. They began with just five horses and 10 riders at their Steelville farm. In just two years, Power of Hope grew to include 17 horses, one mule and more than 65 riders per week. Beyond that, the equestrian center has become a center for volunteerism and for many their first introduction to caring for horses.
“I was drawn to this kind of work because I have been around horses most of my life and have seen the peace that they bring me on a daily basis, and I want to share that with others,” says Miranda Douglas, Power of Hope’s therapeutic riding program manager. “The movement of the horse is a very important factor in the decisions that we make when choosing a horse for a rider. Some of our equines have much more lateral movement (side to side) and others have more anterior/posterior movement, and we adjust the horse and the speed according to what is most suitable for each rider.”
Douglas says TR provides physical and mental health benefits for riders. The fitness benefits include improved core strength and balance, better muscle tone and flexibility, and enhanced coordination. The cognitive benefits include improved focus and attention, better emotional regulation, and gains in confidence and self-esteem.
Since 2021, riders as young as 4 years old and up to over 60 have received help through TR at the Power of Hope Equestrian Center. Among them is Sylvester, whose mother, Jessica Lewis, shared his story at the organization’s inaugural Charity Barn Dance fundraiser last year.
"In a world where 'no' echoed relentlessly, we discovered a beacon of hope,” she said. “Our son Sylvester grappled with sleepless nights, delayed speech, and social struggles. Yet, amidst our despair, Tracey extended a hand of warmth, inviting us to embark on a trial run at Power of Hope. Little did we know, that moment would alter the course of our lives forever.”
Lewis added, "Sly's hesitant steps towards the majestic horses revealed a curiosity ablaze within him, forging an instant connection that transcended words … With every session, we witnessed miracles unfold before our eyes. His once elusive sleep now embraces him through the night, his smiles paint the room with joy, and his newfound confidence propels him towards uncharted horizons."
A successful pilot program for the Service Wrangler Program with seven riders led to Power of Hope deciding to expand it to up to 90 new riders next year.
“There is a huge need, the number of veterans in this area is mind blowing,” says Schmidt. “We’re also in an area that has a really low number of mental health services for people. We think this program is going to have a big impact and we are looking forward to it. What we’ve accomplished so far has been really, really positive.”
Schmidt says those interested or who know someone who may be a good fit can visit www.powerofhopeec.com for more information. Applications for the Service Wrangler Program are now being accepted. Volunteers are also welcome to support the effort
“I think the moments where you can see our participants in the Service Wrangler Program have those moments of peace with the horses is my favorite part of the day,” Schmidt says. “It is a unique bond between a rider and their horse, especially for someone who is struggling to bond with people. Horses can read you, more than you would expect. It’s not like a dog. They haven’t been bred to instantly be loyal and love you, so when that bond does develop, it really means something.”
Another opportunity to support the Power of Hope Equestrian Center will come Oct. 5 with its second annual Charity Barn Dance. The event will feature riding demonstrations, a catered dinner, live music, and a reverse auction. Tickets including dinner are $50 and must be purchased before Sept. 14. Dance only tickets are $25 and will be sold up to Oct. 5. Visit
Visitwww.powerofhopeec.comfor more information about the Power of Hope Equestrian Center.
