Future Goals of the Center:
Goal 1. Build a farm – we believe in the therapeutic value of animals in learning; especially children with disabilities. Certain animals provide a sensory input that the child may not otherwise receive; hippo therapy and therapeutic riding are an excellent form of sensory integration therapy which involves horseback riding. Many children have developed speech as well as gross and fine motor control through the use of hippo therapy. It is our goal to build a farm setting in the near future to include a barn, a riding rink and trails for horseback riding. The animals on the farm include, but are not limited to: horses, cow, pig, goat, ducks, cats and a dog.
Goal 2. Build two fully functional therapy rooms inside the barn – a clinic on a farm setting that provides children with disabilities a large array of therapies both on and off the horse.
Goal 3. After-school program – this program would especially benefit parents of children with disabilities whose resources and availability may be limited. In addition to educational assistance with homework the program would provide the same benefits of the “farm” program which will foster and teach a sense of responsibility as well as pride in developing “animal friends”.
Goal 4. Parent Education Center – the Center facilities will be open to parents for their use. Whether a parent is interested in specific training of their child’s disability, a support group, or CPR/First Aide classes we want the center to be parent friendly in a way that promotes self-supporting advocacy and learning.
Goal 5. Summer Camp – Harmony Acres Therapeutic Riding and Harmony Children’s Clinic, hopes to offer a horse back riding summer camp program that is inclusive (including typical children and children with disabilities).
Goal 6. Greenhouses – the Center, hopes to build a greenhouse. It is an important learning opportunity to teach the Earth sciences to our students as well as a feeling of pride and accomplishment in growing a plant/vegetation all their own. This feeling of accomplishment is especially helpful and healing with our clients working through mental health issues.