“My son has worked with both Amy and Rachel for adaptive riding lessons, and in just two sessions he has made more progress than in the previous seven years of therapeutic riding. He has gone from passively sitting on the horse to leading the horse independently around the ring, trotting on a pad and a saddle, and working on his two-point for trotting. The instructors have taught him to groom and tack up the horse as well, and we couldn’t be happier with his growing independence and confidence with the horse. He is also better able to understand and follow directions and communicate his needs and preferences while riding. “ Chris Guppy Adaptive Riding Program 2022
"Our son has made incredible progress in adaptive riding. His occupational therapist even commented on it and asked us what change we had made. He looks forward to coming every week. We love seeing the confidence it has given him." ~Alison
"Our son has benefited so much from therapeutic riding at Laughing Buck Farm. The instructor he works with is amazing, receptive and really "gets him". He comes home refreshed and energized from his time at the farm. We can also see our son making strides in his social-emotional development, physical awareness and empathy as a result of his work at LBF. There is no question in our minds that joining the horses and instructors at Laughing Buck Farm is one of the best decisions we could have made for our son. Thanks both of you!" ~Nehalem
“The lessons have helped my son to improve his focus and balance while enjoying the activity. His connection with the horse has improved his confidence and self awareness. It’s incredible how much joy these creatures can give to humans. On the other side, watching the class surrounded by the farm vibe while sitting under a tree is the highlight of my week. " ~ Flavia
“I work for Poudre School District in a Transition program called Cooper Home. We work with young adults ages 18-21 on independent living skills, including home management, socialization, transportation, and vocational readiness through volunteering. Laughing Buck Farm entered our spectrum in 2022 when I was looking for a volunteer opportunity at a farm, in particular, with horses. We had a student, Gavyn, we called our resident "horse whisperer" and wanted to find a volunteer position that could foster that natural affinity. Rosemary and Belinda took Gavyn under their wings and gave him amazing support. Gavyn learned the many aspects of farm and equine care and maintenance well enough that Rosemary hired him and he now has a paid position on the farm. This is one of the main goals of Cooper Home. Places like Laughing Buck Farm and their team of amazing people make it possible. They create an environment of ability in a world where many of our students have heard the word disability most of their lives. Thank you for continuing to make a difference in our program by making a difference in the lives of our students. We love you!” ~ Cat, Cooper Home
"It’s rare that my son feels fully comfortable somewhere, and Laughing Buck Farm is one those places" ~ Farm School parent
"I am a full-time single parent of 4 kids. Each of my children is special and unique. My youngest has struggled since birth with sensory integration challenges. He lacked physical coordination and self-regulation skills. His vestibular system was under-developed. This means that he was constantly hurting himself and the screaming from the pain. He struggled to cope in loud brightly lit places like a classroom environment. A few years ago, one of my older kids developed depression and severe anxiety. They struggled with the challenges of these illnesses and I was deeply afraid for their life. Each of them had participated in a few Laughing Buck Farm day camps and benefitted from their time there and the loving acceptance and support in the program. I learned that Laughing Buck Farm was starting an adaptive horse therapy program. I have had a low income for many years and because of this I was sure that my kids couldn’t participate. Then the non-profit, Friends of Laughing Buck Farm, was started. My younger child received a scholarship through the nonprofit. Through his work with the horses he has grown his ability to self-regulate and verbalize what is happening for him when he struggles. His self confidence has increased by a huge amount. Through this as well as occupational therapy his vestibular system has matured making his physical coordination improve dramatically. A year later my older child received a scholarship. They responded strongly to working with the horses. Their mental health has stabilized and steadily improved. Their self esteem is growing, resulting in a dramatic reduction in self harm urges and the verbalization of self-hate. They have growing independence and are talking about their future as well as actively working towards their goals. Before this program came into my children’s lives they were struggling, and I was struggling with how to support and help them. Now they are steadily improving and finding their way into a life that gives them choices and possibilities. The adaptive horse therapy program at Laughing Buck Farm has been the most game-changing experience for them both. I am eternally grateful." ~Scholarship recipient, Adaptive Riding Program
