Read what our participants have to say....
Steadman Family - Participants in HOOFPRINTS"Briyan, Sofiya, and us really enjoy time on the horse farm. Briyan is two years old with special needs since being born - our miracle boy with a hydrocephalus condition, dealing with seizures, medications, and new lifestyle changes for us. Sofiya is six years old and full of energy! She is in kindergarten and wants to become a doctor to help people. She is still trying to understand her little brother's disabilities. The doctors and therapy organizations recommended the treatment of horse therapy for our family.
The kids love riding the horses, feeding them, cleaning the barn, brushing the gentle horses, hugging the animal's furry hair, playing in the horse arena, and time on the golf cart rolling through the fields! We live in the city apartments, so it's a huge deal for our family to be out on the nice and quiet horse farm relaxing, being a family, and seeing the kids having so much fun. The kids are laughing, full of smiles, excited, playing, making lots of rewarding memories, and the best gift of all; natural healing. The horse farm therapy helps with forgetting about all of our problems for a while, while living life on the farm. We are truly blessed to be able to watch Briyan and Sofiya have so much passion being on the horse farm. We greatly appreciate all the support and donations to keep the horse farm therapy program growing to help more families with disabilities." |
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Tia - Participant in COWPOKES
Tia is non-verbal, but her love for the horses is clear. When on the farm, Tia always has a huge smile on her face. Her love for animals and the farm simply radiates off of her as she continues to grow and gain more confidence.
Kelsey - Participant in COWPOKES"Shadow is a good boy! He's big, beautiful, and I love him. I can't wait until I can see you all again this fall!'
That comment was from 2019. When Shadow passed away this January, Kelsey sent us this note: "I am so sorry about Shadow. He was such a good boy. He meant the whole world to me and you. He's in a better place - he's up there with the other horses, and he loves you always. He will always be in my heart. He will always be your good boy." A big thanks to Kelsey for her sympathy note, and we agree completely. |
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KAT - Participant in TRAILS
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"The horses' will and persistence opened to me, access and acceptance beyond words. I've learned to let go and gain everything... A place where anxiety no longer exists."
(Kat, after finding support through TRAILS, stayed with NPEC as a volunteer. She assists in many areas. planning and tending the farm's gardens each year and helping with horse management. She has also gone on to form her own small business, designing and making crocheted items and garden decor.) |
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KAREN, Mother of Tori - Participant in HOOFPRINTS"From Jake, (Pathway's) welcoming canine pup, to the well-maintained stables and outbuildings, a spirit of fun, freedom, and frolicking prevails. This place will not disappoint!"
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Laila, Participant in TRAILS
My favorite horse is Fiddler's Song (pictured with Laila.) She is a gentle soul, who is kind, caring, and stubborn, just like me. I feel like we connect well together and she gives great hugs... Mary's farm is one of the greatest places on earth. I hope that everyone who comes out there feels like I do... I pray that we keep the farm going, because it helps a lot of people, for many years to come.
Annie, Volunteer Participant
Thank you so much for having me over to ride Kiss and spend time at your barn! Your kindness is radiated to all the people you help, and you allow so many people to experience the love of horses. It has been a challenge and a way for me to learn new skills by being able to ride Kiss. She is coming along so beautifully, and is such a joy to work with... It's so generous of you to allow kids to come to your lovely facility to find healing in their hearts. Coming over is like a breath of fresh air from the pressures and stresses of life. The accepting, kind, gracious, and loving atmosphere sinks deep into anyone who gets the privilege of stepping into the wonder that is your farm... I feel that coming to your place has been growing my confidence, peace, grit, and friendliness. I hope to come more often and help other kids experience the joy that I have experienced there. Thank you for helping me grow!