Little Brook Farm, established in 1977, is one of the oldest horse rescue/sanctuaries in the United States. They have rescued hundreds of horses over the years and currently oversees the life long care of 100 horses. They are never bred or sold, and the Farm maintains a strict “must return if…” policy when adopted.
Through the generosity of 6 landowners and their own 55-acre farm, they have access to a total of 125 acres available for the 65 horses they care for daily. Their rescue resources include 20 outstanding foster homes that provide for an additional 35 horses and donkeys. *They receive no government funding and have no paid employees.
Little Brook Farm is home to B.I.T.S. (Balanced Innovative Teaching Strategies, Inc.), a non-profit 501c3 through the NYS Department of Education. B.I.T.S. has been providing multi-faceted educational, vocational and therapeutic programs utilizing the rehabilitated animals of Little Brook Farm since 1986. The horses are the “working partners.” Little Brook Farm provides provide a wide range of safety-conscious programs at the facility, as well as other locations, to over 80 schools, agencies and organizations. Students’ success is achieved largely through the relationship with the horse: horses are non-judgmental, provide immediate feedback and, as subjects, offers unlimited possibilities to grow mentally, physically and emotionally.
Managing Director Sarah Stewart is a strong supporter of Little Brook Farm and Balanced Innovative Teaching Strategies. When Sarah’s daughter, Dana, was young, this program was key in Dana overcoming some neurological/muscular issues she had since birth. Dana is now a thriving student at Wells College in Upstate New York.
You can find out more about Little Brook Farm and Balanced Innovative Teaching Strategies here.