Where the Hope of Healing the Soul and Soil Come Together- River City Area Magazine

In 2006, founders Murray and Margaret (Peggy) Bass purchased a serene 270-acre property in Halifax, Va., envisioning it as a future home for Good Hope. After decades spent enduring south Florida’s hurricanes and heat while leasing land for their nonprofit, the Basses sought a more sustainable and permanent base. That vision became reality in 2021, when they relocated Good Hope to Virginia, bringing not just the mission of healing through horses, but also a bold new chapter: healing the land itself through regenerative farming.

“We love the area, the amazing people, the seasons, and the mild climate,” Peggy said gratefully.

What began in 2000 as a therapeutic equestrian center in South Florida has evolved into something far more expansive – a model for healing not just people, but the land itself. Good Hope was founded as a sanctuary for riders of all abilities, from children taking their first pony rides to veterans coping with PTSD and individuals living with disabilities. Over the years, more than 8,200 participants have experienced the transformative physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of human-animal connection through its programs. By 2001, the center had earned the prestigious designation of a Premier Accredited Center through PATH International, (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) a distinction it has proudly upheld for nearly a quarter-century.

Murray, with a deep passion for regenerative agriculture, had already been practicing these methods in Florida and felt called to expand Good Hope’s mission to include organic food production for families in need. During the pandemic, Good Hope distributed food to households struggling financially, sourcing from local farmers and donations from Whole Foods.

With time, the Basses expanded their vision. Murray’s expertise in organic farming and regenerative practices led the equestrian-only center to evolve into Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm, Inc. Today, it is both a United States Pony Club Riding Center and a PATH Premier Accredited facility, an uncommon blend of equestrian services and sustainable agriculture that heals the soil, protects the environment, and nourishes the community.

Where the Hope of Healing the Soul and Soil Come Together - Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm, Inc — Good Hope’s farm serves as a gathering place for field trips, birthday celebrations, and service projects. Courtesy of Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm, Inc

What Is Regenerative Agriculture?

“Regenerative farming is the next level of organic farming. Everything begins with the soil. Healthy soil provides nutrients for plants and, ultimately, for us,” Peggy explained.

Unlike conventional agriculture, which often depletes land through repetitive planting and reliance on chemicals, regenerative farming restores vitality. Practices such as crop rotation, cover crops, diverse plantings, and low- or no-till methods encourage soil organisms to thrive. Rotational grazing further enriches the land, improving soil structure, producing stronger crops, and reducing erosion.

Water stewardship is equally vital and includes rainwater harvesting, low-flow drip irrigation, mulching to limit evaporation, cover crops to retain moisture, and contour beds to prevent runoff.

“Virginia’s red clay is different from Florida’s sand or Maine’s rocky coastline,” Peggy noted. “Regenerative farming adapts to the land.”

At Good Hope, trial crops such as potatoes, blueberries, and squash have been cultivated, with most harvests donated to food kitchens and families in need.

A Bridge to the Community

Education and outreach remain at the heart of Good Hope’s mission. Students from local high schools, PACE Academy, and the Hughes Residential Treatment Center regularly come to the farm to learn the full planting cycle through harvest. With support from a USDA grant, a new greenhouse will soon rise with the help of Hitachi employees and dedicated volunteers, expanding year-round food production.

Community partnerships are vital. Support from Farm Credit of the Virginias sustains educational programming and food distribution, while grants from Sentara Cares and Dominion Energy Foundation have broadened Good Hope’s reach across South Central Virginia. The farm also serves as a gathering place for field trips, birthday celebrations, and service projects. Volunteers are always welcome in the gardens, greenhouse, and therapeutic horsemanship sessions.

“Anyone with a passion to make a difference is welcome,” Peggy emphasized, “whether or not they have agricultural or equestrian experience.”

Ways to Support

Good Hope Equestrian & Regenerative Farm, Inc. continues to transform lives through horses, farming, and community. You can help by attending or sponsoring the 4th Annual Run for the Roses in celebration of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at The Prizery in South Boston, and volunteering in the gardens, greenhouse, therapeutic riding sessions, or serving on special event committees.

At Good Hope, the healing of the land and the healing of the soul truly come together.