Hinchinbrook Farm

Therapeutic Riding Centre & Horse Boy Method™

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HELP!! We need a BOAT THAT WON’T FLOAT

THE POWER OF THE INTERNET.  With an ad on Kijiji, we were able to get a boat donated to the Farm in ONE DAY!
2016gravelboat

Here is the original post…..

Yes, that’s right.  If you know anyone who has a boat that is of no use on the water, we desperately need to replace our gravel-filled play-boat on our woodland trail.

SandBox

It is a favourite place for our young people to play with trucks and shovels and pails, digging in the gravel and building future cities.  The boat we now have, which is so popular with the kids as a mid-way place to stop their horse and do some creative expression, is rotting to the point of disappearing and is crying out to be retired.

So, if you know anyone with a BOAT THAT WON’T FLOAT, please get in touch.  You can find our e-mail and telephone information on our CONTACT page.

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Project – Phase 2

TD FEFPhase 2 of the pathways project was again funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.  It as completed on time and on budget this past summer and resulted in two more pathways opening up.  One of them was through the eastern wetlands area of the Farm and was constructed with gabien rock to allow free movement of the water in the wet season while giving riders and volunteers and solid, dry base on which to walk.  We also constructed an observation platform at the west end of the pathway network and it overlooks the creek (and the zip line runway).

Wetland Path2016-trail-bog-filledLow spot on the trail2016 Pathway Project StartedZip Line Platform

Sponsored Summer Camp

3 day sponsored camp for families with autism — July 8, 9 & 10, 2016

Horse Boy summer camp

 

Sensory Input | Movement | Horses:

  1. An autism friendly environment where children are allowed to choose activities
  2. Each kids has a mentor who helps keep it safe
  3. Sensory experiences provided by activities and games, toys and critters are designed to help easier processing.
  4. Back riding or long lining with the horses or any rocking movement which produces the joyful hormone oxytocin and eliminates the melt-down hormone cortisol.
  5. Movement Method of learning by doing (instead of teaching) while playing games and doing crafts.
  6. Perception Taking – Theory of Mind games and discussions around the campfire, in the woods, on the trampoline or while riding.
  7. Self-advocacy practice at all times with trained mentors so children can learn to speak up for themselves.

What to expect and what to bring

    • Nutritious snacks and meals prepared on site with the families and staff.  Any special diets require that the parents bring their own food.
    • Some Camping gear provided if necessary otherwise families are expected to bring their own tents sleeping gear and personal effects.
    • Use of screen devices is discouraged but understandably required at times for communication with staff on the property and the outside world.
    • Activities include water play, Springfree™ Trampoline, Painting or chalk art, memory and sensory games, climbing, swinging, music, crafts, bread making, horseback riding, goat herding, campfires and what ever the kids come up with.
    • Special Guest Chris Ulmer from Special Books by Special Kids will be visiting and taking interviews.

You might know him from this video (or the Facebook page he created for his students.)

He is also the keynote speaker at this year’s National Autism Conference.

Autism is not a Problem it is an adventure

Hinchinbrook Farm programs are designed to work with a few autistic families at a time on a small 10 acre hobby farm on the South Shore of Nova Scotia in Lunenburg County. This sponsored camp is maxed with three families.

 

Summer Camp Registration

ParticipACTION Teen Challenge

Hinchinbrook Farm applied for a Teen Physical Activity Grant through the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge.

Horse Boy play dates are a great way to keep moving – unless the weather doesn’t cooperate, all Horse Boy play dates are held outside and allow the kids and volunteers to reap the benefits of the great outdoors!

Here’s a link to the story we submitted to the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge: http://www.participaction.com/teen-challenge/story/130413/

Please read and share!

Silent Santa offers safe space for kids with special needs

silentsanta.dec16_smHinchinbrook Farm organized another Silent Santa at the Bridgewater Mall this past Sunday.
12 kids and their families came and enjoyed a peaceful visit with Santa,  Snoopie, a dwarf bunny, and Kelly, a Newfoundland dog.

Silent Santa provides a comfortable space for kids on the autism spectrum to meet Santa on their own terms.

It was great seeing you all there!

Read the full article here: LighthouseNow – Silent Santa offers safe space for kids with special needs

Silent Santa Hinchinbrook Farm