Jacqueline Wikane

Jacqueline Wikane is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope Rising Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation in Amenia, NY. As a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, she was awarded “Most Outstanding Female of the Graduating Class”.

Upon graduating, she accepted a position as Farm Manager for a broodmare breeding facility. She then became sales manager of yearlings sold in the US. At that time she also owned and showed her horses on the A-rated show circuit. Three times she qualified and showed her American Saddlebred “Step Ahead” at Madison Square Garden, placing in the top 5th of riders in various classes. Life steered her in a different direction after the birth of her two sons, Richard & Kyle. She attended and graduated from Dog Grooming School and started her own business, leading to a 26-year career. She still maintained horses at home for riding and quiet time with them.

 In 2014 she graduated from school again, this time becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. For three years she was Head Instructor at a therapeutic riding program. Then, in 2017, with the blessings and help from her family, she purchased 8 ½ acres in Millerton, NY and the start of her dream - owning a horse farm to share with the public -  Hope Rising Farm became a reality.