About Us

About Us

Meet Maureen Coultas

Founder and Director of Hope’s Promise, a 501c3 Non-Profit located in Chester, NJ

Maureen is a P.A.T.H. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

A lifelong lover of horses and riding, Maureen fulfilled her dream of owning her own horse in 2000 when she purchased Chief, a white Appaloosa. She never imagined the profound impact that he was going to have on her life and the lives of many others. As a child abuse survivor and resulting PSTD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) sufferer, Maureen sought many modalities to help her heal from her past. When she experienced for the first time the presence that riding Chief gave to her, she wanted to share the healing benefits of horses with others.

Maureen attended Centenary University where she completed the P.A.T.H. International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor program under the instruction of Octavia Brown, one of the founding members of PATH. Since 2010, Maureen has been teaching individuals with special needs and those who are able bodied. In 2012, Maureen founded Hope’s Promise, a 501c3 Non-Profit in Chester, NJ and has grown her herd into 6 horses including Chief, Justice and 4 miniature horses, and has dozens of volunteers. Many equine activities programs are available both on the farm and on location.

Our Farm

Hope’s Promise Farm is situated on 6 acres in beautiful Chester, New Jersey.  The setting is peaceful, quiet and private and only enhances the therapeutic value of our programs.

Meet Our Horses

Chief

Our very special Appaloosa, born in 1990. Chief loves people of all ages, but he’s especially fond of children. He truly has a sixth sense when it comes to people with special needs. He’s very gentle and patient, and nothing rattles him. He loves being groomed, getting hugs, when people sing to him, and cut up apples for a special treat.

Justice

Our Friesian Sporthorse, born in 2004. Justice has been with us since he was 7 months old. What an adventure he has been! He thinks he is a small dog. Justice loves to have his face in your hair and is always very curious about what people are doing. He is very sensitive and kind teaches people how to be strong leaders.

Michelangelo

Our 33-inch tall miniature horse, born in 2013. Michelangelo started visiting facilities at the age of 5 months and behaved as if he had been doing so since he was born. He has a very gentle way and nothing seems to bother him. He goes up and down stairs, in elevators, in people’s bedrooms, and doesn’t mind getting dressed up for special occasions. He loves it when people have a Zen energy and are gentle when petting and brushing him

Noble

Our 31-inch tall miniature horse, born in 2016. Noble is a very gentle, sweet and loving horse who loves to be pet and scratched. He is the perfect horse for therapy visits! When he is not working, he loves to play with his people like a puppy, running with them and chasing them around.

Alexander the Great

Our smallest horse at 29 inches tall, born in 2016. Alexander is full of personality and because of that, older students in high school and college love him. He is a schoolmaster when teaching individuals about horsemanship, especially leading. He may be sassy, but he is very empathic and right at someone’s side when they are in need.

Ravi

Our 30-inch tall mini, born in 2017. Ravi is a very kind, gentle and innocent little boy who is a natural therapy horse. He enjoys spending time with people of all ages. He loves to rest his head on individuals’ shoulders when they sit on the floor, and he particularly LOVES facial hair!

Maverick

Meet Maverick, our newest miniature therapy horse born June 8, 2023.  Maverick and Michelangelo have the same mother, and like his brother, Maverick has a very sweet and friendly demeanor.  He is an independent fellow who rolls along with whatever is asked of him and will start visiting facilities in spring of 2024!

Hear From Our Founder