Offering a safe and positive rural environment where children are met with success and acceptance while learning valuable life skills through equine activities.

The Child's Haven facility is located on a peaceful, quiet farm on eight acres in the Independence/Salem area. Our activities are child-focused and are implemented through interactions with our ponies who have been especially trained to work with children. We offer equine-assisted activities and equine-facilitated learning through our Child/Family, Youth Development, and Community Outreach programs.

Equine Facilitated Learning is constructive interaction between individuals and equines. It is a practical learning methodology that takes participants out of their "normal routine". In a safe and stimulating environment, through facilitated equine activities completed on the ground, participants increase their understanding about themselves and others. This approach involves the whole person -- body, mind, and soul -- and results in increased clarity of purpose, self-awareness, and effectiveness in all aspects of one's life. Each training experience is customized based on the participants' desired outcomes. Through facilitated activities using ponies, participants are provided the opportunity to 'experience' their behaviors through a new, fresh perspective. This experiential methodology is about 'learning by doing' which is a process that includes reflection and discussion regarding the broader application of the initial learning.

Through equine interaction, children with special needs and children who are “at-risk” learn about responsibility and discipline. They reap the benefits of goal setting, teamwork, and cooperation. They also discover how to more effectively handle anger and frustration. Improved self-control and conflict resolution are natural results of equine involvement, as are better social skills, communication and increased self-confidence. Our facilities provide a fun, safe haven where all children can experience the personal satisfaction of real-life accomplishments.