Horses of Hope Receives “Gift of the Season”

MACKEYVILLE – The FirstEnergy Foundation recently presented a surprise $10,000 “Gift of the Season” to Horses of Hope, a non-profit therapeutic-riding organization in Clinton County that offers equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs and military veterans.

“We’re pleased to provide this surprise support, particularly during the holidays, said John Rea, regional president of West Penn Power, the FirstEnergy utility serving the area. “Some of the dollars will be used for the purchase of a special saddle that will allow riders with limited core-strength who otherwise might be unable to ride to participate in the programs.”

Horses of Hope offers its programs to about 50 riders each year on a farm in Mackeyville, with an outdoor arena, riding trails and pastures. A barn lodges six horses and 40 volunteers assist with riding lessons and fund-raising activities.

The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies, including West Penn Power.