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http://www.challengeunlimited.org
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Categories: Animal, Community Service, Disabilities, [ view all ]
Challenge Unlimited Charity Profile
Ironstone Farm was founded in 1960 by owner Richard Donovan as a breeding, training, and rehabilitative facility for thoroughbred performance horses.
The non-profit Challenge Unlimited was created out of the Donovan family’s desire to share Ironstone Farm with people whose lives have been challenged by disability. Located on 14 beautiful acres in Andover, Massachusetts, the property consists of pasture, woodland, ponds, and is home to 35 horses, donkeys, and a variety of wildlife, making a visit to the farm a memorable
experience for all ages. In 2001, after a two year capital campaign, Challenge Unlimited purchased Ironstone Farm so that the property and programs will be preserved for generations to come. Employing horses in a working farm environment, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm provides beneficial therapy for people with a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. The two primary programs are Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Therapy – both using the horse’s unique ability to enhance a person’s movements and touch a person’s heart, inspiring strength, hope and encouragement. The farm’s professional staff of over 20 licensed instructors and therapists work with 35 program horses and
150 volunteers to serve 450 to 500 children and adults each week, year round. Coming from more than 90 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, participants enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the farm while receiving valuable therapy in collaboration with other service providers to best address their physical and emotional needs.
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Challenge Unlimited Volunteer Information
Volunteers play an important role in the success of the programs offered at Ironstone Farm by assisting therapists and instructors during each riding session in a safe and structured environment. Without the assistance of volunteers, Ironstone Farm would have no programs to offer!
We are interested in all who are willing to give us some of their time in exchange for a fun and rewarding experience. Minimum age to volunteer is twelve years old.
No experience is needed. In fact, many of the volunteers at Ironstone Farm have had no previous experience working with horses.
Volunteers assist the therapists and instructors by walking alongside or leading the horses, grooming and tacking, and offering support and guidance to the clients. Additional chores may be requested as needed. You will find that there is always something to do on the farm!
Our program is very accommodating. We require no minimum or maximum hours to be fulfilled weekly. We are sensitive to your busy life and time constraints, therefore, we welcome any hours that you can give to the farm.
We need volunteers Monday through Saturday at all times during the day and early evening.
Aside from being fun, volunteering provides the opportunity for rewarding personal experiences and a chance to develop lifelong friendships.
Volunteering at Ironstone Farm can lead to additional opportunities for any individual who is interested. Currently, the farm offers the following: a feeding program, working student program and apprentice instructor program. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact the office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Challenge Unlimited
