Bullying is not an isolated activity. Nearly half of students report concerns about physical and online bullying, making it among the highest concerns for parents.
The Pew Research Center reports that up to half of US students have been bullied. The resultant scars include anxiety, loss of confidence, loss of self-worth, and in tragic cases, suicide.
As an immigrant child, founder Krasi, endured what she now recognizes to be bullying. Then, she wrote it off to ‘bad manners.’ She understands that bullying can be subtle or overt and that responses can differ dramatically.
The Tragic Inspiration
This organization was inspired by American Airlines flight 5342 crash on January 29, 2025. Over 20 people from our immediate area perished. The loss left hundreds of children and adults emotionally suffering. Krasi wanted to “scoop” them up and invite them to the farm for peace, quiet, and connection. But wisdom prevailed – a proper structure was needed. Two months later, Manes of Hope, Inc. was formed. Now, we are ready to help.
Horse and Art Heal
At Manes of Hope, Inc. we want to help heal damaged hearts and minds with the help of our horses and resources. Founder Krasi is an Ernest Hemingway fan. She identified that Hemingway’s approach to healing mirrored her own – that nature and artwork together to create healing, as Hemingway showed through his interpretation of Paul Cezanne’s technique of detailed foreground against vague background, where the past blurs against today’s brilliance.
The combination of nature – in our case, horses, and a bucolic setting – as well as artistic expression go a long way toward soothing and healing an injured spirit.
Our horses understand healing from their own difficult histories. They offer what trauma survivors need most – patient acceptance without judgment, the peace that comes from connection with something larger than yourself, and proof that the broken truly can become unbreakable.
Documented Results
For over eleven years, founder Krasi Henkel has witnessed the healing power of horses and art. When asked what she had “done” to help a troubled community girl, she replied, “Nothing. The horse did it.” Several years later, another girl needed a friend, and the recently rescued grey pony was exactly what she needed.
Beyond Bullying
Bullying is but one type of trauma. Health and family situations manifest as severe traumas, and while circumstances often cannot be changed, wounds can close and heal in nature with horses and art – even if it is simply the beauty of a sunset.
Addressing the Root Cause
Manes of Hope, Inc. takes bullying very seriously and offers speaking engagements to address the matter in a serious and objective manner to help bullies realize their own weakness and cowardice prompt such behavior.
manesofhopeinc.com 