Our Story
Our Story
Born from passion, built on experience, driven by hope.
Our Mission
Hoofprints for Hope was founded on the belief that every person — regardless of ability — deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the horse-human bond.
We are committed to providing the highest quality equestrian therapy in a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment that honors the dignity and potential of every individual we serve.
Meet Our Founders
Jonathan Tibbs
Co-Founder & Lead Therapist
"Lifelong horseman · 10+ years with developmental disabilities · United Way & crisis response background"
Jonathan has had horses in his life for as long as he can remember — working with them personally and professionally across every stage of his journey. That lifelong bond with horses is at the heart of everything he brings to Hoofprints for Hope.
Over the past 10 years, Jonathan has dedicated himself to working with children with developmental disabilities, building deep expertise in equestrian therapy and the unique ways horses can reach individuals that traditional approaches sometimes cannot. His background also includes community-based work with the United Way and service on crisis response teams — experience that shaped his calm, grounded presence in every session.
Those who know Jonathan describe him as patient, kind, and genuinely understanding. He meets every child and family exactly where they are, with no judgment and no rush — just a steady belief that growth is always possible.
Allyson Sage
Co-Founder & Program Director
"NeuroDiverse herself · 10+ years experience · Whimsical, warm & dedicated to cultivating success"
Allyson Sage is NeuroDiverse herself — and that lived experience is one of the most powerful things she brings to Hoofprints for Hope. She understands from the inside what it means to need a space that truly fits the way your mind works, and she has spent over 10 years building exactly that for others.
Whimsical, warm, and endlessly patient, Allyson has a gift for creating environments where NeuroDiverse individuals feel safe, seen, and set up to succeed. Her approach to program design is thoughtful and deeply personal — every detail is considered with the goal of making each participant feel comfortable and capable from the moment they arrive.
Allyson's dedication to cultivating success isn't just professional — it's personal. She knows what it feels like to flourish in the right environment, and she is committed to giving every person in the program that same experience.
Our Values
Compassion
We meet every individual where they are, with kindness and without judgment.
Inclusion
Our programs are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all abilities and backgrounds.
Excellence
With 10+ years of experience, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of therapeutic practice.
Hope
We believe in the potential of every person to grow, connect, and thrive.
Why Equestrian Therapy?
Horses are uniquely attuned to human emotion and movement. Their rhythmic gait mimics the human walking pattern, providing sensory input that supports neurological development and physical coordination.
For NeuroDiverse individuals, the non-judgmental presence of a horse creates a safe space for emotional expression, social connection, and skill-building that can be difficult to achieve in traditional therapeutic settings.
Research consistently shows that equestrian therapy improves balance, muscle tone, communication, attention, and emotional regulation — benefits that extend far beyond the arena.