Welcome to Rising Hope Equestrian Center

Rising Hope has made a home at Black Forrest Hall on 23 acres just minutes from Harbor Springs. In 2005, Ceejay donated the land to the Little Traverse Conservancy. Since then, her vision lives on as Rising Hope Equestrian Center.

Rising Hope (a 501c3 non-profit) was founded in 2004 and remains the realization of the dream in us to share God’s grace and creation with you. We have been blessed to see beauty and love in each other, in horses and in this place. We desire to share this experience with those of you who might become stronger through exposure to the joy that grows between people loving horses.

Rising Hope works to make horsemanship accessible to this community regardless of ability to pay. We offer lessons for all ages, skill levels, and disciplines, including therapeutic riding. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford lessons otherwise. We offer full and half scholarships depending on what the family needs. Contact us with any questions or to get a scholarship application form.

The main barn houses an 80 x 120 lighted indoor riding arena, upstairs apartment, and laundry room. The property features a 150 x 250 outdoor riding arena, Two "K" barns, and an office with a heated boarders’ tack room plus bathroom.

Rising Hope Equestrian Center is non-profit 501-C3 organization. Tax ID Number: 20-189604

"Rising Hope Equestrian Center is the realization of the dream in us to share God's grace and creation with each other.  We have been blessed to see beauty and love in each other, in horses, and in this place.  We desire to share this experience with others who might become stronger through exposure to the joy that grows between people loving horses and equestrian activities."

Obituary for Ceejay Heckenberg from the Harbor Light, July 24, 2024

In loving remembrance of Ceejay Heckenberg, who embarked on her journey to greener pastures on January 20, 2024, where she was joyfully reunited with all her cherished two-legged and four-legged loves. Ceejay’s departure leaves behind a legacy that still shines brightly as a testament to her lifelong passion for horses and her deep commitment to enriching lives through these majestic animals.

Ceejay’s love affair with horses began in her early years and only grew stronger with time. In the late 1970s, she laid the foundation for Black Forest Farm and focused on breeding before expanding its mission in the early 1980s to include riding lessons and educational programs. Realizing the profound impact animals could have on people, especially young minds, Ceejay built Black Forest Hall at the corner of Hoyt/Quick Roads with the goal that she could reach more people. She developed a comprehensive program at Black Forest Hall that encompassed everything from lessons, pony camps to college-level equine education and beyond. Her goal was clear: to foster ability, maturity, responsibility and confidence in individuals through their connection with horses.

For over three decades, Ceejay tirelessly devoted herself to this cause, touching countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on the Northern Michigan area. Her dedication culminated in the donation of Black Forest Hall property to the Little Traverse Conservancy in 2005, ensuring that her vision for horses, community, youth and giving back would endure through Rising Hope Equestrian Center (who leases the land from the Conservancy). It made her heart full knowing that Rising Hope would continue to enrich the community and foster the connection and personal growth between humans and animals.

If you would like to honor Ceejay and her legacy, please consider making a donation to Rising Hope (risinghopeequestriancenter.com) to ensure the continuance of inspiring and uplifting future generations through the strong, healing bond between horses and humans.