(This article first appeared in January 2005) Healing Hearts Ranch is a therapeutic equine interaction facility located in the Aroostook County town of Mars Hill. Children with special needs travel to the ranch to interact with four Shetland ponies.

The program allows children to learn about horse safety, horse care, including feeding and grooming, as well as walking, and leading the ponies. Children also help with all the barn related activities such as cleaning stalls, stacking hay, maintenance of the building, property, and equipment.

Equine assisted therapy is an emerging field in which horses and/or ponies are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. The process has many proven benefits for at-risk children with a wide range of special needs. More...