Business Details
26 Years
experience
Therapeutic Riding Programs in Waverly, MN
Founded in 2000, Freedom Farm Therapeutic Riding Center was established to share the transformative power of horses with individuals whose lives, minds, and bodies face unique challenges. Our mission is rooted in the belief that partnering with horses can provide healing, hope, confidence, and strength to those we serve. With a team of dedicated volunteers and a PATH-certified instructor, we offer adaptive riding programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals with special needs, military veterans, and youth. Our facility in Waverly, Minnesota, spans 20 acres and is home to 12 horses, whose care and well-being are central to our operations. We rely on community support through donations, grants, and fundraising events to sustain our programs, with 80% of our costs covered by these contributions. As a 501(c)(3) organization and member of the Youth Intervention Programs Association, we prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and collaboration to ensure our services remain accessible.Our core values emphasize building confidence, fostering personal growth, and creating trust through compassion and dedication. By combining equine-assisted therapy with community partnerships, we strive to empower individuals and enrich lives. Our volunteer-driven model reflects our commitment to inclusivity, safety, and respect, ensuring every participant feels valued and supported. Through initiatives like horse sponsorship and scholarship programs, we aim to remove financial barriers and expand our impact. This approach has earned us recognition as a trusted leader in therapeutic horsemanship, dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Services
Adaptive Riding
Mount Up~Walk On
Walking in Freedom
Horse Sponsorship
Volunteer Programs
Donation Programs
Equine Therapy
Therapeutic Riding
Community Partnerships
Fundraising Events
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer PATH-certified therapeutic riding programs tailored to individual needs.
- Our 20-acre facility provides a safe, inclusive environment for healing and growth.
- 100% of donations directly fund programs and horse care.
- We partner with community organizations to expand accessibility and support.
- Volunteer-driven model ensures personalized attention and community engagement.
Associations and certifications
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
- Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA)
What people say
Empowering experience
Dedicated volunteers
Life-changing impact
Safe and supportive environment
Community-focused approach
Services
Adaptive Riding
Adaptive Riding programs at Freedom Farm are designed for individuals with special needs, using equine-assisted activities to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities. Our PATH-certified instructors tailor sessions to each rider's goals, fostering confidence and independence. This service promotes balance, coordination, and emotional well-being through structured interactions with horses.
Mount Up~Walk On
Mount Up~Walk On supports military veterans through equine therapy, addressing PTSD, mobility challenges, and emotional healing. Sessions focus on rebuilding trust, resilience, and camaraderie in a supportive environment. This program leverages horses' intuitive nature to facilitate therapeutic connections and personal growth for veterans.
Walking in Freedom
Walking in Freedom serves teens aged 15-18, combining horsemanship with life skills development. Participants learn responsibility, teamwork, and self-confidence through hands-on care and riding activities. This program emphasizes personal growth, leadership, and emotional resilience in a structured, supportive setting.
Horse Sponsorship
Horse Sponsorship allows donors to directly support the care of our 12 therapy horses, covering annual costs like feed, veterinary care, and hoof maintenance. Sponsors receive updates on their sponsored horse and contribute to sustaining our equine-assisted programs. This initiative ensures our horses remain healthy and effective partners in therapy.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Programs at Freedom Farm engage individuals 14+ in supporting daily operations, from horse care to lesson assistance. Training is provided to ensure volunteers contribute effectively to our mission. Volunteers are essential to maintaining our programs and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for all participants.
People
Susie Bjorklund
Founder
Founded Freedom Farm in 2000 to provide therapeutic riding. Combines life experiences and training to offer healing through horses. Committed to community partnerships and volunteer support.
Questions
What programs does Freedom Farm offer?
We provide adaptive riding, Mount Up~Walk On for veterans, Walking in Freedom for teens, and equine therapy programs tailored to individual needs.
How can I support Freedom Farm?
Support through donations, volunteering, horse sponsorship, or participating in fundraising events directly funds our programs and horse care.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to Freedom Farm are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Can I volunteer without horse experience?
Volunteers must have horse experience; training is provided to ensure safety and program effectiveness.
How are scholarship funds used?
Scholarship donations cover $95 per lesson costs for teens and adults in our Hope & Healing program.
What is PATH certification?
PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification ensures instructors meet rigorous standards for equine-assisted therapy safety and quality.
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