Latest News and Press

Grant from Lincoln County Community Foundation to Support Equine Assisted Therapies
We are so pleased to announce that Shining Hope Farms has received a grant from the Lincoln County Community Foundation to help create affordable access to equine assisted therapies for Lincoln County participants. It may come as a surprise to learn that we serve...
Boosting Horse Health with Smart Earth Camelina Oil: A Game-Changer for Shining Hope Farms
One year ago, a horse named Red came to us in poor condition. He needed some extra care and attention, especially before becoming a therapy horse, and so our barn manager Cindy started searching on the internet for a good oil supplement to help him. She wanted something to help him gain weight, be shelf stable and offer other types of supplements to help him be the best that he could be. That’s when she found Smart Earth Camelina Oil.
Shining Hope Farms Designated EQUUS Foundation 2023 Guardian
The purpose of the Guardians program is to encourage equine organizations to be transparent and accountable to the public through the disclosure of their equine care and use practices.
Our First Charity Bass Tournament is in the Books
On Saturday, May 20, we hosted our inaugural Charity Bass Tournament on Lake Norman at the Beatty’s Ford Access Area in Denver, NC. Being that the tournament had the biggest one-day payout on Lake Norman in 2023, it was widely attended with over 100 registered boats.
Shining Hope Farms Receives Support From the Unifour Foundation Endowment, a Fund of The North Carolina Community Foundation
Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 grant from the Unifour Foundation Endowment, a fund with the North Carolina Community Foundation. The endowment promotes general welfare among citizens in the four North Carolina counties that comprise the Unifour area: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba.
Shining Hope Farms Works With Local Nonprofit Apparo
This past winter, Shining Hope Farms was fortunate to work with local nonprofit Apparo, and Digital Strategy and Transformation Leader Saravana Rajan who generously volunteered his time on transitioning Shining Hope Farms to Salesforce as part of their free “Tech Therapy” service offering.
Shining Hope Farms to Host Charity Bass Tournament on Lake Norman
On Saturday, May 20, Mt. Holly based nonprofit Shining Hope Farms will be hosting a charity bass tournament on Lake Norman. The event will be taking place at the Beatty’s Ford Access Area in Denver, NC.
Shining Hope Farms Receives Renewed Premier Accredited Center Status
Shining Hope Farms is excited to announce that they have again achieved their Premier Accredited Center status with PATH Intl. (the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International), the governing organization for equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with disabilities and Veterans.
Speedway Children’s Charities Supports Shining Hope Farms for 11th Year
Press Release: It was announced last month that one of the Speedway Children’s Charities grantees receiving a portion of the $785,400 granted would be Mt. Holly based nonprofit Shining Hope Farms.
Shining Hope Farms Receives Support From Gold Bond Building Products, LLC
Press Release: Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce that it has received a $25,000 gift from local company Gold Bond Building Products, LLC to support its equine assisted activities and therapies programs.
Corning Makes a Big Impact at Shining Hope Farms
We want to thank Corning Optical Communications employees for their day of service at our Charlotte location on September 27. Special thanks to Melissa Schmidt for coordinating the day for us. They were able to totally transform the property by accomplishing many projects.
How Hippotherapy Helped Julian to Thrive
Julian is a happy and outgoing 6-year-old boy. Julian began receiving in home therapy services including physical therapy as a baby. When he turned two and a half Julian and his family found Shining Hope Farms and began outpatient physical therapy services including hippotherapy. Since starting physical therapy services at Shining Hope Farms, Julian has made amazing progress.
University Christian High Schools Cross Country Team Partners with Shining Hope Farms
On November 10th 2022, Shining Hope Farms staff members Destynee Sanders and Joan Rex were honored to receive a donation from University Christian High Schools Cross Country Team.
N Hickory Lowe’s Helps
Thank you so much to our Lowe’s store #2370 of N Hickory and their team members for giving so generously of your time, talent and tithe. We will be able to offer our clients two new private sensory rooms before the end of 2022. This was only possible because of your willingness and the willingness of your teams volunteer service on November 9-10.
Shining Hope Farms Celebrates 20 Years
Shining Hope Farms is excited to announce 20 years of service to children and adults with special needs, Veterans, and those in need of mental health services across our communities.
SHF Staff Member Attends ESMHL Workshop Thanks to Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grant
Shining Hope Farms is grateful to have received a Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grant from the Gaston Community Foundation. The grant made it possible for Shining Hope Farms staff member Cindy Demers to attend an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning workshop. Attending the workshop has prepared Cindy to work in our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, sessions.
Gaston Community Foundation Funds Sprinkler System at Mt. Holly Farm
This past year the Gaston Community Foundation generously funded the installation of a sprinkler system at our Mt. Holly farm. It has made a world of difference in keeping the dust down in our arena and making the environment so much more comfortable for everyone (clients, staff, and equines alike). Thank you so much Gaston Community Foundation!
Shining Hope Farms Receives Support from Local Belmont Nonprofit Mite
Press Release: Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce that it has received a $15,000 pledge from local Belmont nonprofit Mite for Shining Hope Farms’ Therapeutic Riding Program. Mite’s mission is to join givers and charities in first-class, trustworthy humanitarian outreach. Shining Hope Farms was chosen after a thorough vetting process against a number of stringent criteria.
Support From The Rosendin Foundation Helps Shining Hope Farms Provide Occupational Therapy Services
There is currently an enormous demand nationally and within our own community for occupational therapy, due in part to the rise in autism spectrum diagnoses.
2022 Love Week at Shining Hope Farms
This past week was LOVE WEEK for the Outreach Team at Elevation Church. During the last week in July, members of Elevation Church go out into communities all over the world, to partner with organizations like Shining Hope Farms, to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need of hope.
Shining Hope Farms Delighted to Receive Support from the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation for their Mt. Holly Therapy Services Program
We are so pleased to announce that Shining Hope Farms has again received a grant from the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation to support our Therapy Services program at our Gaston County location in Mt. Holly.