Mr. Smee, Corduroy, Boo Radley–names straight off the pages of a storybook. Scotland Yard, Digory’s Wardrobe–places that live only in the imagination. Imagine a place where every child, even those who have experienced life-altering circumstances, can run straight into the pages of a Storybook. Imagine a place like that and call it Storybook Farm.
Once upon a time Dena Little envisioned a place where children experiencing physical, cognitive, social, or mental health challenges could be restored. She envisioned a place where any child could experience healing, laughter, and love in a supportive environment where they could thrive and grow. She believed that the restorative power of animals could reach children like nothing else. She dreamed of building a world like Storybook Farm.
In 2002, with two ponies, a horse, and a dog she embarked on a journey to build that dream. What she learned was that the need for such a place far outpaced her expectations and resources. So, two years later, Storybook transitioned to a 51-acre farm, built a new facility, and expanded their programming. Last year over 3,500 little people passed through their doors. And thanks to individuals, corporate sponsors, and their Board of Directors all of this was offered at no cost to the families.
“Storybook Farm was born from a love of children.” Here, in this enchanted place, children can interact with horses and dogs and cats. They can run and play, learn and grow, love and be loved by people and animals unconditionally, without stress. They can find a place to feel empowered. Children facing challenges in their lives–whether physical, mental, or emotional–can find a place to thrive.
Unique to our area, Storybook Farm encompasses more than horseback riding. With six programs geared to meet the multiple needs of each child, they provide a safe supportive environment, encouraging children to thrive in every area of their lives. The integrated programs have separate benefits, and yet each builds on the others, all of them geared toward helping a child toward wholeness.
Hope on Horseback
Learning to guide and direct these large powerful animals is an empowering experience for children who may feel they have no control over anything else in their lives. Many of those who pass through the gates of Storybook Farm are in foster care. Needing a sense of stability in ever-changing circumstances, one of the wonders of Storybook is the bond that forms between the children and the animals and the unconditional love the animals provide.
Horse Sense
Horse Sense teaches children about animal behavior, biology, and nutrition. “Horses are known for their intuitive understanding of human emotions. They can sense fear, anxiety, or stress and respond with patience and calmness.” Non-judgmental and comforting, these huge gentle beasts often come to Storybook to retire and are chosen for their child-friendly temperament. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) benefits the children receive happens naturally as they learn to care for their horses.
Short Stories
Tootles, Tiger Lily, and Nibs are only a few of the miniature donkeys and horses that live in the land of Storybook Farm. Caring for them can be therapeutic and calming for a child. Their small stature makes them more accessible and they love to interact with children.
The Secret Garden
Biology, botany, math, and art come together as children grow plants in raised gardens. This experience is especially valuable to children with sensory processing difficulties. Whether designing garden layouts or harvesting and tasting the fruit of their labor, all five senses are engaged. Working in the open air of the beautiful surrounding farm draws children out to experience nature and interact with the animals.
Storybook Tails
Digory’s Wardrobe is filled with books. It’s a quiet non-threatening space for children to read to the dogs that live on the farm. With names like Elizabeth Bennett, Mr. Banks, and Professor Higgins, the dogs provide unconditional love and a rapt audience for a child who struggles with reading. By learning to respond to the needs and emotions of these sweet canines, the children learn to show empathy, thus fostering more compassionate relationships.
Discovery Trail
Winding through a play area and on into the Hundred Acre Wood, Flat Stanley’s Discovery Trail is a place to explore nature. Birds, insects, and rocks pique curiosity. The wooded area inspires imaginative play like building forts, experiencing the quiet, creating stories. The trail is a place to find an escape from the trauma of their lives in a world of wonder and peace.
Love for children is evident in every space at Storybook Farm. The people, the animals, the barn, and the surrounding pastures welcome children to come in and experience hope. It’s a land of imagination beckoning children in trauma to find a safe and wonderful place to heal.
Want to experience the magic? Want to meet Amelia Bedelia, Esther, and Jo March? Visit hopeonhorseback.org and step into the world of a Storybook.
Blessings!
