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.

Maureen Coultas is the founder of Hope’s Promise and a lifelong lover of horses and riding. In 2000, she fulfilled a dream by purchasing her first horse, Chief, a white Appaloosa—unaware that this partnership would ultimately change the course of her life and lead to the creation of Hope’s Promise.

As a survivor of childhood abuse who lives with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Maureen explored many paths toward healing. It was through her connection with Chief—particularly the grounding presence she experienced while riding—that she discovered the profound therapeutic power of horses. Inspired by her own healing, she felt called to share this gift with others.

Maureen pursued professional training at Centenary University, where she completed the P.A.T.H. International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor program under the instruction of Octavia Brown, a founding member of PATH. Since 2010, she has worked with individuals with special needs as well as able-bodied participants, using equine-assisted experiences to support confidence, wellness, and personal growth.

In 2012, Maureen founded Hope’s Promise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Chester, New Jersey. Today, the organization is home to a diverse herd of nine horses—two full-sized horses, two ponies, and five miniature horses—and offers a variety of equine-assisted programs both on the farm and throughout the community.

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. Schedule an appointment to visit us today!

Meet Our Horses

Chief

Chief was the heart and soul of Hope’s Promise. Over the years, he touched countless lives, gently guiding both children and adults as they learned to ride and connect with horses. In July 2024, at the remarkable age of 34, Chief passed away. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on in every life he impacted. He’ll forever hold a space in our hearts.

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 and teaches people how to be strong leaders.

Bernie

Born sometime between 2004 and 2014, we believe Bernie may have been an Amish buggy horse looking for a new lease on life.  He is thriving on our farm!  He’s gained weight and muscle, and has healthy feet now.  He may have been mistreated in the past but he is sweet and wants to please and is becoming a wonderful therapeutic riding horse!  We are blessed to have him as part of our family.

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 Attitude

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!

Theodore

Our 26″ tall mini, born in April of 2024. A big personality in a small package, Theodore is always the center of attention. Whether he’s entertaining the other horses, amusing our volunteers, or simply delighting in his own antics, he brings joy and laughter wherever he goes. Curious, expressive, and full of life, Theodore has a way of winning hearts everywhere he travels. To know him is to love him.

L’il Frank Sinatra

One of our 2 small ponies, born in 2011. With his striking blue eyes and gentle spirit, he seems to see straight into your soul. His calming presence speaks volumes without saying a word.

Eeyore

Our second small pony, also born in 2011. You never see Frankie without Eeyore. The two have been together since they were born. Eeyore has all the charm of a classic pony personality: quietly sassy, sweet at heart, and delightfully opinionated. He’s not shy about letting you know if your grooming skills aren’t quite up to his standards! He is a fun little guy to lead and take for walks!

Hear From Our Founder