We were lucky to catch up with Jodine Adelman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jodine, appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

At Gaits of Hope, the legacy we aim to build is one of grace, love, caring, inspiration, dedication, and truth. We hope to be remembered as a place where lives are transformed and saved through the healing power of our Equine Assisted Therapy Programs. The deep connection individuals form with the horses provides profound insights into their own challenges, fostering trust, love, and personal growth.

Our heart and soul go into helping clients navigate mental and emotional struggles such as trauma, PTSD, isolation, suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. By leading with compassion and dedication, we create a safe space for transformation and healing. We hope our efforts inspire others to believe in the power of connection and healing, leaving a lasting impact on all who walk through our doors.

It is a legacy that we hope our clients, family & friends will look upon as a light in the darkness and hearts that reach throughout the community and beyond.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jodine Adelman, and I am the founder and Executive Director of Gaits of Hope Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning. Horses have always been an integral part of my life. Growing up, they felt like more than animals—they were my confidants, partners, and friends. It often seemed like they could sense my thoughts and emotions, forming a bond that helped me through life’s challenges.

This deep connection with horses took on a whole new meaning after experiencing personal hardships, including the devastating loss of my brother to suicide. That loss left me searching for ways to make a difference, to provide help and hope for people facing their own struggles. Those reflections eventually led me to discover Equine Assisted Therapy, a non-traditional approach to emotional and mental health that felt like a calling.

Gaits of Hope began nine years ago as a way to channel my love for horses into something transformative for others. Our program leverages the horse’s natural ability to sense and reflect our emotions and thoughts. Through their behaviors and interactions, horses offer insights that help us gain awareness of our perceptions and behaviors. As facilitators, we guide clients through a process of transformation—helping them heal and grow.

What sets Gaits of Hope apart is the unique partnership between humans and horses. This work addresses deep emotional and mental challenges such as trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. I’m proud to offer a safe, supportive environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and the tools to move forward.

What I want people to know about Gaits of Hope is that our work is more than therapy; it’s a deeply personal journey of connection, trust, and transformation. The horses don’t just help heal—they empower people to rediscover themselves and their strength. This mission, born out of both passion and personal experience, is the heart of everything we do

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When Gaits of Hope began, it felt like I was stepping into uncharted territory. Despite Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning being around for over 30 years, very few people had heard of this non-traditional modality for emotional and mental health. Raising awareness was a significant challenge, and it took years of hard work to spread the word about its transformative potential.

In the early days, I worked a part-time job just to keep the bills paid while dedicating every spare moment to building the program. I reached out to local businesses, community health organizations, veterans’ groups, and residential homes to share the impact equine therapy could have. Alongside this outreach, I pursued five certification models to deepen my knowledge and ensure I could offer the best possible services.

Eventually, I reached a point where I felt compelled to take the leap and go all in. The hard work paid off, and today, Gaits of Hope has grown to serve over 45 individuals weekly. We now have specialized programs, including our “Fall-In Fridays” Veterans program, four Women’s Workshops each year, three Veterans Transformational Weekend Retreats, and contracts with area residential homes. We also work with children and teens from five surrounding counties, as well as families and individuals seeking a program that truly works.

Over the past three years, our programs have reduced PTSD, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, isolation, anxiety, and depression by more than 70%. Looking back, I see that resilience is about believing in your mission, putting in the work, and trusting the process—even when the road ahead feels uncertain. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re committed to continuing to provide life-changing services to our community.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Building our clientele has been an uphill journey, requiring a multi-faceted approach. We’ve utilized advertising, marketing, community involvement, direct mail campaigns, and meetings with local mental health professionals, as well as outreach to Legions, VFWs, and other military organizations. While these efforts have been valuable, the greatest source of new clients has been the clients themselves. Their personal testimonies, stories, and the transformations they’ve experienced have had the most significant impact, creating a ripple effect that draws others to our program.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gaitsofhopeeal.com
• Instagram: Jodine Adelman
• Facebook: Gaits of Hope

Image Credits

Gaits of Hope