‘A Dream Come True’

Dreams Go On Inc. is named the 2025 Season of Sharing recipient

By Colette Costlow

ccostlow@altoonamirror.com

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Altoona Mirror’s 2025 annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign will benefit a local nonprofit organization offering therapeutic horseback riding sessions to those with disabilities.

Debbie Kelly, program manager for Dreams Go On Inc., said she cried upon hearing that news.

“It’s a dream come true,” she said.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) program that aims to help physically and/or emotionally challenged individuals, Kelly said the organization regularly applies for grants and relies on donations to keep the doors open, to care for the horses and more recently, to keep a new barn project moving forward.

Because the program will be able to expand once the new barn is complete, “it’s a really neat time for a community to come together for a cause,” said Jodi Cessna, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, which manages the Season of Sharing funding effort.

Cessna said she appreciates the work done by Dreams Go On “for those who don’t have the opportunity to ride a horse and to have those experiences.”

The program is geared toward those with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and blindness, and mental challenges such as autism, learning difficulties and brain injuries.

Certified instructors and volunteers work with participants and their families to teach responsibility, trust, rules, patience, compassion, self-confidence, teamwork and safety.

In addition, participants find that riding strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control and coordination. Families also report seeing their loved one build confidence and self-esteem.

Mirror Publisher Dan Slep said he is pleased that Season of Sharing can help the program and its participants.

“We understand how expensive a program like this can be and are thrilled to offer our assistance so the program can continue well into the future,” Slep said. “Seeing the joy on a rider’s face as they become confident around horses and other people … It’s very heartwarming.”

Benefits visible

The therapeutic riding program began more than 35 years ago after Sue Lehman was injured and paralyzed in a car accident.

Until the accident, Lehman was an avid horseback rider, according to Melinda Anderson, a therapeutic riding instructor and Lehman’s friend. And despite being paralyzed, Anderson said Lehman was “insistent,” on returning to the saddle, so family members helped her onto a horse. Lehman’s physical condition improved after each ride. Now, she can sit independently in the saddle, use the reins and embark on trail rides with Anderson.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Anderson said. “This really works. She turned me into a believer.”

Because Lehman wanted to share the therapeutic benefits of riding with others in similar situations, they began High Hopes in 1990, Anderson said. The name was later changed to Dreams Go On Inc. after two programs merged into a single entity.

Kelly also became a believer in Dreams Go On, after seeing the benefits firsthand.

She enrolled her 4-year-old daughter, Erin, who was born with cerebral palsy, and watched the improvements that followed.

Started with one horse, four riders

Starting with just Lehman’s horse and four riders, the organization has grown to seven horses, 60 riders and a waitlist of interested individuals who could benefit from the program.

Running from March to October, therapeutic riding sessions are offered four days a week.

The benefits of the program are clear, both organizers and participants said.

Hank Bumbarger, 11, who has autism, was initially not open to the idea of trying something new, Altoona resident Lindsay Bumbarger said. But after she brought up horseback riding, Hank showed interest.

While riding a horse, she said Hank is able to “do his own thing at his own pace,” and on the car ride home, he is calmer.

Aaron Rose, 39, has been involved with Dreams Go On since high school, his mother Cathy Rose said.

Aaron has multiple disabilities that make him unable to do many activities. But when riding a horse the mother said her son is happy, having a good time and enjoying something he can physically do.

When mounting a horse, Rose said her son has a routine that begins with him petting the horse, then all the sidewalkers petting the horse. When he gets off the horse, “everyone has to tickle the horse,” the mother said.

Aiden Andrews, 10, was a first-time rider this season after being on the program’s waiting list, according to parents Merin Andrews and Andrew Karunakaran.

Being fond of outdoor activities, Andrews said Aiden gets a chance to “socialize, have fun and get a therapeutic experience at the same time.”

“The kids really gain a lot from this program,” she said, because individuals like Aiden who have autism can become involved, communicate, exercise and learn social skills.

“I spread the word to everyone” about Dreams Go On, Andrews added.

Building project underway

Dreams Go On operates with six to seven staff members — plus volunteers who devote time and effort because they believe in the program. Volunteers not only walk with riders to ensure they remain comfortable on the horse but also help with barn work and fundraisers.

Currently, Dreams Go On holds lessons inside a private boarding facility, Lakeview Stables near Canoe Creek, but because it is a shared facility, there is not a lot of room to expand, Anderson said.

That will hopefully change soon.

In 2020, Dreams Go On purchased a 14.5-acre parcel along Turkey Valley Road, Frankstown Township, with the intention of building its own facility. Ongoing efforts toward that goal got a boost in 2023, when Frankstown Township was awarded a $1 million grant on behalf of Dreams Go On for construction and engineering costs associated with building a 12-stall barn and indoor riding facility now under construction.

The new barn is designed with an indoor arena for riding and a parent observation room. An outdoor arena is also included in the plans. The project is costing about $1.6 million, program vice president Tracy Pellegreino said.

In addition to covering the difference, Kelly said Dreams Go On also has monthly expenses — feed for the horses, equipment, utilities, etc. — running $9,000 to $10,000 a month.

When the organization has its own facility up and running, it expects to expand hours and serve more people.

The new facility “opens the doors for us and our clients,” Kelly said.

As the 2025 recipient of Seasons of Sharing, she said it’s “rewarding to feel a bit of comfort going into our new facility.”

Pellegrino also looks forward to serving more people, including those who have been waiting to participate.

“There are a lot of people on that list who want to move into the program,” she said. “With our expansion, we will have the opportunity to do that.”

Dreams Go On Board member Debbie Wentz is recommending people donate to the organization because it’s a “good cause.”

“There is no such thing as a small donation, any amount is greatly appreciated,” Slep said. “When everyone pulls together, great things can happen.”

Like others, Wentz remains enthusiastic about Dreams Go On because of the riders’ reactions that she’s observed when they’re on their horses.

“The smiles on their faces make it worthwhile,” Wentz said.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.