About Bridle Up Hope

Bridle Up Hope blends the healing power of horses with the proven principles of the 7 Habits® to create life-changing experiences for girls and women.

Our Story

Our story began with a girl named Rachel Covey who loved horses. Rachel battled with depression for many years, but found great fulfillment in helping other struggling girls find hope through equestrian training. Her family recognized the special bond that exists between a girl and a horse—a bond that can help a young woman build confidence and overcome personal struggles. Rachel unexpectedly passed away in 2012. Shortly thereafter, in Rachel's honor, the Coveys founded Bridle Up Hope: The Rachel Covey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity with the mission to inspire hope, confidence, and resilience in girls and women through horses and habits.

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Mission

Our mission is to inspire hope, confidence, and resilience in girls and women through horses and habits

Vision

Our vision is to partner with 1,000+ barns to bring home to millions of girls and women worldwide

Our Program

Bridle Up Hope is an Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) experience designed to help all girls and women. The Girl’s Experience is for ages 12 to 21 and participants visit the barn a few hours a week over 14 weeks. The Women’s Experience is for ages 22+ and participants visit the barn a few hours a week over 7 weeks. Each features three pillars to inspire hope, confidence, and resilience: learning to ride a horse, life skills development, and service at the barn—with principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® by Stephen R. Covey integrated throughout:

Ride Horses: Participants develop the foundations of horsemanship with private lessons from a mentoring instructor. Research shows that riding and connecting with horses leads to significant physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.
Learn Life Skills: Participants learn life skills through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People which are integrated throughout the experience. Research shows that The 7 Habits are powerful tools to teach problem-solving, positive peer interactions, self-leadership, and whole-person wellness.
Service Others: Participants build work ethic, friendships, and perspective through service at the barn. Research shows that building social connections in a safe place is one of the strongest protections against self-harm.