August Newsletter

Dear HRHF Supporters,

August is drawing to a close, and with it, another remarkable summer at the farm. Our fifth year keeps unfolding — Lead from the Heart, Farm Forward, LUK, and our Equine Healing and Wellness Sessions have all wrapped for the season, closing out a summer full of growth, hands-on learning, and new connections. As fall approaches, enrollments are already coming in for what's ahead. We're taking a moment to celebrate everything this summer brought — and we can't wait for the next chapter.

Farm Happenings: Take a peek at what we've been up to at the farm

🗓️ Lunch & Learn: What an Amazing Success!

On Wednesday, August 19th, we welcomed friends, families, and community partners to the farm for a Lunch & Learn co-hosted with Heywood Healthcare School-Based Services. Guests met our herd, watched a live equine-assisted healing demonstration, and learned about our programs and scholarship opportunities — while connecting with Heywood's team about the school-based health services, youth mentoring, and family support they offer throughout the region. It was a wonderful afternoon of community, connection, and a shared lunch, and we're so grateful to everyone who came out to make it such a success.

🌱 Lead from the Heart & Farm Forward Program update

Lead from the Heart, our teen leadership apprenticeship, spent Monday mornings building young leaders, and Farm Forward, our vocational training program, had our Wednesday crew deep into hands-on projects around the farm. We celebrated Lead from the Heart with a Showcase on August 24th, with a great turnout of local leaders, community, and family, where participants received certificates of completion to mark their achievement. Farm Forward participants will also be receiving certificates to celebrate their hard work this season. 

We are so grateful to United Way of North Central Massachusetts for their support in helping make both of these programs possible — helping teens build real skills, confidence, and opportunity through hands-on learning.

🤝 Community & Partnership:  LUK Program: Finishing Strong

After a summer of Fridays spent between the horses, the woods, and the art table, our partnership with LUK wrapped on a high note. What began as a new addition to our summer lineup back in July became something the participants truly grew into — many gaining an experience they may not have otherwise had. Watching them connect with the horses and slow down to notice the in-between moments was a joy to witness, and by the end, it was clear how much they'd blossomed. Welcome to the herd, indeed — and thank you for finishing the summer with us.

🌿 Fall Sessions — Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

August means one thing for a lot of families: the return of routines, schedules, and the flurry of back-to-school season. For many kids and teens, that transition brings excitement — but it can also bring stress, new pressures, and a lot of change all at once. Fall registration is now open, and our sessions offer something a little different: a slower pace, time outdoors, and connection with the horses that can help ease the adjustment. Whether it's a first visit to the farm or a return to familiar ground, fall is a good time to build in a little steadiness amid the change. Interested in joining us this fall? Register today.

Volunteer Spotlight - The Team Behind a Successful Lunch & Learn

We partnered with Heywood Hospital School Based Services for a Lunch & Learn, welcoming approximately 35 guests along with the Heywood team. We shared what happens during sessions and the powerful connection between our horses and participants, with demonstrations led by Emi, our horse care coordinator, covering haltering, horse cues, and grooming. Guests left with a real understanding of the impact our horses have — not just on skill-building, but on confidence, emotional growth, and healing for the people who work with them.

None of it would have been possible without our volunteers. 

Lee set up the sound and microphone system so staff could be heard clearly. Lauren and Sally worked the check-in desk, welcoming guests and keeping everyone on schedule. Mackenzie, Katia, and Jonathan assisted Emi during demonstrations, handling the horses so guests could watch each one and see their different personalities, then safely brush them afterward.

Our volunteers keep events like this running smoothly, and we couldn't do it without them. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

🐴  Moments That Matter - Lead from the Heart: Six young leaders, one unforgettable season

This summer, six young women took part in the inaugural Lead from the Heart program, each nominated to join and paired with our horses to practice real leadership skills — patience through training, empathy through desensitizing exercises, and boundary-setting through hands-on work with the herd. Every session built toward something bigger: confidence.

On the final day, the girls presented tri-fold showcases of everything they'd learned, welcoming community members and local leaders to see their growth firsthand. They spoke with pride, introduced the horses to family and friends, and left no doubt about what the program meant to them — every single one asked to come back as a volunteer.

We're endlessly grateful to our program director and to Emi for making this program possible, and even more grateful to these six incredible young women for the heart they brought to every session. Here's to watching them lead. Read the full story

As summer winds down, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected to the farm. Here's how to get involved:

Make a Donation — As we head into fall, our herd's needs continue year-round, and every gift helps ensure no participant is turned away over cost. Take a look at our Amazon wishlist to see what's needed most. Donation page

Volunteer With Us — Fall programming is on the horizon, and we're already building our volunteer team for the season ahead. No horse experience needed — just an open heart. Volunteer sign-up page

📢 Spread the Word — Fall registration is open, and word of mouth is how most families find us. Share this newsletter with someone who might be ready to join the herd. Register today!

Five Years In. Still Growing.

As summer draws to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on everything this season brought — new programs, new milestones, and a community that showed up in a big way. Our fifth year is only picking up momentum, and we're excited for everything still ahead. Thank you for being part of it.

🐴🌿 With gratitude from all of us, 

Barbara and the High Ridge Harmony Farm Team

Contact Us

978-874-1261 | harmonyfarm01473@gmail.comwww.highridgeharmonyfarm.com |  Instagram | Facebook