Hope Equestrian
Center
At Hope Equestrian Center, we strive to create a safe, educational, and fun space for both humans and horses!
Meet the Rescues
Diamond
Diamond is the resident ‘Grandpa’ horse on our farm. Always spry and full of spunk, Diamond brings joy and laughter to everyone he meets . . .
Reina
As the gentle giant she is, Reina never ceases to share her love with everyone. With her mushy lips, she’s always ready to share kisses . . .
Joy
Joy is one of the sweetest horses at the rescue. Like her namesake, Joy brings smiles and giggles to all around . . .
What We Offer
Lessons
From private and group riding lessons to groundwork and education, our lesson program has a place for everyone! Make sure to check out Hope Equestrian Academy too!
Photographs
Senior photos, family photos, for-fun photos, we do it all! Partnering with gifted local photographers, we’ll help you make your special moment timeless. Book our equine talent to take your photos to the next level!
Experiences
No matter if you’re looking for an educational experience for Scouts or school field trips, or you simply want an unforgettable family outing, ponies and horses are sure to be a hit! Include our equines today and make some memories!
Events
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a fall festival or a church event, our horses and ponies are up for the challenge. Make your next event unforgettable!
Meet the Founders
Hello there! Our names are Gigi (right) and Lily Suchland (below). Ever since we could remember, we were horse crazy. We started by galloping around the yard on imaginary horses, then toy horses, finally graduating to real horses when we moved to the family farm here in Missouri. At the age of nine, we had the opportunity to select our own horses from the herd of rescues on the farm. As twins, of course we chose matching horses; two Haflinger mares. Lily’s pony, Clover, was three at the time and barely under saddle. Gigi’s choice was a spicy pony named Hope, who struggled with tooth abscesses and had a reputation for throwing riders. Taking advantage of every learning opportunity, we trained our horses and cared for them to the best of our abilities, teaching them the basics and eventually more advanced exercises. Through all of our training, we emphasize the bond with our horses, keeping ethical, safe and kind training practices a priority. When we hit roadblocks, we find a solution, unwilling to compromise anyone’s safety and well-being. At Hope Equestrian Center, we teach horses and humans to communicate and build unbreakable bonds, creating a welcoming and fun environment for everyone.
Hope’s Legacy
As Gigi’s childhood pony, Hope brought joy and lifetime memories to the whole family. With her spicy and buoyant personality, she always had a fun trick up her sleeve. Whether she was galloping up the hill in a race against Lily’s pony, Clover, or jumping her heart out for her rider, Hope always gave her all. Even in her struggles with tooth issues, Hope took every challenge in stride, always willing to do her best. Through the years, she taught Gigi the basics of training, riding, jumping, and dressage, stretching her abilities while still being there for her to lean on. Tragically, she passed suddenly from colic on April 19, 2022, breaking Gigi’s heart and grieving everyone who knew her. Nevertheless, the bond she shared with Gigi and the rest of the family remains. Here at Hope Equestrian Center, we continually remember the namesake of our farm, holding her close in our hearts and striving to bring hope to both humans and horses in her honor, whether through rescuing horses in need, just like her, or investing in the next generation of passionate horse-lovers. Through it all, God works all things to his glory, and we believe that someday, we will see Hope again in Heaven and be able to tell her just what an impact she made.
Hope Equestrian Academy
Bundle a private lesson, groundwork lesson, and equine education consultation for big savings! Plus, you join a community of passionate equestrians who get early access to online content, educational resources, and a monthly activity poll!
Join Our Community
Hours
Closed Sundays
Monday – Saturday:
Open 9am – 6pm