Arion Therapeutic Farm

Posted by Paul Cleland

on Jan 30, 2013

Lance Macdonald introduced Heather Henderson, the Executive Director of Arion Therapeutic Farm. She moved from Bermuda in 2006 and was involved in competitive horse riding until a fall caused a back injury that meant she could no longer ride. She began instructing and coaching competitive riding and she eventually developed an interest in autistic children and felt there must be some sort of connect here.

Founded in 2009 by Heather, the Farm was originally not a farm at all. It all began with a small therapeutic riding pilot project advertised through the Parkinson recreation guide and staged on rented property with a couple of donated horses. By 2010 Heather was cutting the ribbon on the newly formed not-for-profit charitable society's very own East Kelowna Farm and launching the epic journey to this magical haven.

Heather opened her presentation with a video of slides of some of the participants and activities at the farm which was accompanied by the moving "You Lift Me Up"

Arion is a 12.5 acre oasis nestled in its own valley and filled with up to 300 people per week. Some 22 employees now work on the property assisted by 200 dedicated and capable volunteers. They offer 13 programs for those with disabilities and those who simply want to learn about and enjoy farm life. In addition, the farm is home to seven people in living quarters certified by Community Living BC as cluster housing where adults with disabilities can share in the magic of the place.

Programs

Therapeutic riding
Club Arion
After-School Program
Behavior Intervention
Horsemanship Course
School Group Program
Equine Healing
Occupational Development
Silver Saddle Club
Farm Discovery Group Outing & Birthday Parties
Day Camps
Student Horse Boarding
Supported Housing

There are also program options for autistic children.

Vision

To become the main recreation destination for equine and animal facilitated therapies for special needs individuals to share with their families in the Okanagan area.

Mission

To give people of all ages and challenges the opportunity to learn without boundaries, expand physical and mental abilities and improve quality of life through the healing power of animals, recreation, fitness and the serenity of nature.

"From 5-year-olds to 95-year-olds and beyond"

While it now has a petting farm and hosts birthday parties, first and foremost Arion is a therapeutic riding facility. Their youngest participant was a 3-year-old and the oldest a centenarian. Riders might have physical ailments or mental health issues, genetic disorders, developmental disabilities or autism. Arion is here to help with a smile. There are now over 400 families in their database. Other non-program activities include a walk through nature to enjoy the calmness and serenity that is conducive to healing. There is also the healing power of being near the animals. A new program is a per-vocational learning experience for young adults with mild developmental disorders. These people have some skills and abilities and the training is aimed at preparing them to enter the work force.

They have formed a partnership with the Capri Rotary Club who have contributed money and in-kind assistance. Along with the Kelowna Club they have applied for a District Grant of $15K which translates to $30K which funds will be used to furnish the planned covered arena. This project is set at $100K and to-date they have raised $52K through fundraisers and contributions. Other Rotary clubs and individuals are encouraged to consider contributing to the cause.

The farm is located at 2457 Saucier Road in East Kelowna. See their web site at 222.arionfarm.org. Phone 778-477-1006. Email arionfarm@shaw.ca