Acres of Peace

02/03/2024

New horse just beginning therapy training.

Her name was Savannah shortened to Vanna. Now taking name suggestions because that will not do. So far suggestions are: Java, Endora, Enchantra, karma, and Beans.

Hopefully able to enter the program this summer. Fingers crossed. Thank you to Rebecca for doing the first training ride!

01/17/2024

Just a note to let you know Acres of Peace is dissolving our 501 C 3 status in 2024. We do not require donations for our free services. We use the resources of Heidi Henry's farm Woodland Meadows LLC in all of our programing. The paperwork for the minimal amount of cash on hand that we have to remain a 501 C 3 is ridiculous. We have to hire an accountant every year to do the books. So we are doing away with the books and status, but continuing the programs.

It's just paperwork and bookwork, the nuts and bolts of being a 501 C3, but since we only raised money once in our entire tenure, it seems silly to continue as a 501 C 3.

To be clear, our sessions continue and they remain 100% free of charge. We have always used Heidi's stuff and facilities, nothing changes except the paperwork and filings that we always seem to be late on.

We are looking for volunteers to programing especially an on site therapist to help out during sessions. We have not had one consistently since COVID. 99.9% of the time that is just fine, but it would be great to have one here when we reopen the clubroom later this year, A therapist with a military background would be AWESOME. But someone with good PTSD skills would be just fine. We are grateful for the help!

01/17/2024

We will have session 1-22-24 because it's warming up finally!

12/11/2023

Recent studies conducted by the Institute of Heart-Math provide a clue to explain the two-way ′′healing′′ that occurs when we're close to horses.
According to researchers, the heart has an electromagnetic field larger than the brain: a magnetometer can measure the energy field of the heart that radiates from 2.4 meters to 3 meters around the human body.
While this is certainly significant, perhaps more impressive than the electromagnetic field projected by the heart of a horse is five times larger than that of a human being (imagine an electromagnetic sphere around the horse) and it can influence straight into our own heart rate.
Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a "coherent′′ heart rate (heart rate pattern) that explains why we can feel better when we're close to them. Studies have found a coherent heart pattern or HRV to be a solid measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy-that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions.
A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adapt to stressful situations very efficiently. Many times, we just need to be in the presence of horses to feel a sense of well-being and peace.
In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits by interacting with horses, including lower blood pressure and heart rate, higher beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters acting as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, decreased feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, better social working; and greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience and self-efficacy.

12/09/2023

Tupac went to see Santa today! He asked for an accessible restroom for the farm!

12/04/2023

Because of Tupac's BAD behavior, He can no longer be turned out with goats Ben and Jerry. PLEASE if you see them together in the same paddock let me know immediately! Ben and Jerry will be moving next week to the chickens pen.

11/28/2023

I have had several people ask today about "Giving Tuesday" Yes, we are a 501C3 for now. But we rarely do any fundraising.

#1 We don't need anything because we use all of my equipment from Woodland Meadows LLC

#2 because we are self funded, I have been considering closing the 501C3, not the operation, but the bookwork and filings are a lot for such a small outreach.

We do have a bank account, so if you wish to give please make a check out to Acres of Peaces and drop it off or mail it in care of Woodland Meadows 2582 N 28th Rd Marseilles, IL. 61341

The money we raised this year through our camping unit raised the money for Ben & Jerry and Tupac & Biggie I pay for their upkeep and care from my own pocket.

Jerry, the black and white goat and a newly donated horse, Rica will both need operations in the next few months. And funds will be needed for that. So if you want to contribute any amount for those, that would be great!

Otherwise, we are stable and good pardon the pun. I do so appreciate you all thinking of Acres of Peace on Giving Tuesday.

11/26/2023

Ben and Jerry are learning about snow. 2Pac finally had to show them how to go outside. A little levity from the farm today.

Ben and Jerry are in our empathy and patience program. Those of you enrolled in those courses are really working with them on some difficult issues.

11/17/2023

The Woodland latrine is decommissioned until spring. Do not use it. Thank you.

11/15/2023

This is what we do here! Let us help. It's free of charge and we don't ask a lot of invasive questions. If you need help, if you are feeling blue, if you are stressed out, if you are feeling like you don't matter, if you need a friend and friends are hard to find, horses and the critters are always there for you.

The "Holidays" are the toughest so we have added extra appointment times and drop in days starting next Monday through mid January. Just call the farm (815)795-6596 to schedule a FREE and they are always FREE session

Or drop in Any Monday just to see the critters give a treat, take a project off the project board to do, groom or pet a critter friend.

Healing takes time, space and grace Give that gift to yourself.

Always here to help - Heidi

💯❤️🐴

11/09/2023

Here are the smaller animals we use in lessons and training every day. We do have large horses, but we use them for different purposes. The smaller animals do use for problem-solving and anger management. Every day is a good day to grow and find yourself here.

11/02/2023

A little levity before deer season.

93.5K likes, 409 comments. Check out Jason Lee's video.

10/31/2023

LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission. Advocating for Veterans & Their Families. Helping Veterans and families navigate VA system and apply for any benefits they may be eligible for.

10/29/2023

Campgrounds are closed for 2023. Deer stands are set and the last campfire is done.

Thank you one and all it was a rainy but wonderful weekend.

Hipcamp is our only fundraising arm for Acres of Peace and you help made our programs possible!

10/29/2023

He’s home! Introducing our new therapy guy ( no name yet) He is a 6 year old mule 46” tall we will be using him I. Problem solving, solutions, driving therapy, backwoods adventuring and all around fun!

He is beginning training Monday!!!! He is super sweet. And we will be having a naming bee so send your name ideas in!!!

10/13/2023

Let’s get signed up!!!

09/22/2023

As our Camping season comes to and end, I want to thank everyone for coming to Friends and Family Weekend. We had such a great time!!!

We will begin preparing to close the campgrounds for the year and set up the deer stands for our Bow Hunt Bivouacs

Upcoming schedule:

October 21 & 22 we close up the campgrounds, we have to store all of the tables, dig out the campfire pits and put all the materials in the shed. Volunteers can camp out while we work!

October 29th all deer stands should be in place, we will do some brush clearing as we set things up to make our hunts more successful.

November 25 and 26 is our first Bow Hunt Bivouac. Camping will be allowed including RV's in my farm yard. We will have AOP "Family Dinner" November 25th at 6:30 PM Remember you have to RSVP for the day(s) you are attending.

06/22/2023

Reminder there are no session scheduled 6/26. 7/3, and 7/10 due to our yearly Fireworks closure.

Therapy dog "Skipper" is available for local home visits if you need him or me to drop by for a Mom Hug and some puppy love! Please stay in touch with your therapist or case worker. Remember to turn up the TV volume, close the curtains and try to get some good sleep.

Turn into our live feed video channel to see how your favorite horse is doing.

Nurse Sara sends a reminder to meditate and to do your breathing and visualization exercises. And do not spend your time alone. Gather with friends and family for quiet time.

06/22/2023

Our Father's Day weekend camp out was such a great way for our veteran families to reconnect and attend Freedom Run in town. A big thank you to everyone that came out, camped out and had a great time!

Our next family camp out is the July bivouac July 21- 23 be sure and reserve your spots now! Sand volleyball tournament, bags and horseshoes will be our scheduled activities. Plus the Saturday night S'mores get together.

06/18/2023

Mission: To advocate for veterans and their families.

06/06/2023

Recent studies conducted by the Institute of Heart-Math provide a clue to explain the two-way ′′healing′′ that occurs when we're close to horses.
According to researchers, the heart has an electromagnetic field larger than the brain: a magnetometer can measure the energy field of the heart that radiates from 2.4 meters to 3 meters around the human body.
While this is certainly significant, perhaps more impressive than the electromagnetic field projected by the heart of a horse is five times larger than that of a human being (imagine an electromagnetic sphere around the horse) and it can influence straight into our own heart rate.
Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a "coherent′′ heart rate (heart rate pattern) that explains why we can feel better when we're close to them. Studies have found a coherent heart pattern or HRV to be a solid measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy-that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions.
A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adapt to stressful situations very efficiently. Many times, we just need to be in the presence of horses to feel a sense of well-being and peace.
In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits by interacting with horses, including lower blood pressure and heart rate, higher beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters acting as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, decreased feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, better social working; and greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience and self-efficacy.

By: Alejandro Pascual Puig
CEO en E&C CONSULTING CEO en E&C CONSULTING
The artist is Valerie Eric. The copyright holder is Sarah Barnes, HeartMath certified practitioner. The image was inspired following a riding lesson on heart connection.

05/28/2023

Excellent Friends and Family camping weekend underway! Family volleyball this afternoon and the famous "mud slide" to the creek race!

Mark your calendars for our next weekends July 21-23, August 18 - 20 and September 8 - 10

03/16/2023

02/02/2023

Hello everyone, our winter break is coming to a close and it's time to enroll!

It's so easy to do! Message us here or call the farm (815)795-6596 and schedule your FREE session.

At Acres of Peace we offer riding therapy, Equine Assisted Learning(problem solving), quiet time with the horses, nature therapy, rustic camping in the Illinois wilderness, peace, quiet and a place to heal.

You work at your pace with purpose. For Veterans and AD.

Monday's are dedicated just to Acres of Peace at our Farm, but other days can be scheduled. Each session lasts about a hour however many prefer to stay and would like to just hang out, take a hike, have a bonfire, work with the horses, work around the farm. Your session is private. We look forward to hosting groups in the club room again later this year.

We offer the healing power of horses here.

We do not photograph nor use your name or image to promote our services. Release form must be signed prior to the start of your appointment.

01/09/2023

Accepting new clients. Please message or call (815)785-6596

11/25/2022

Reminder this weekend is Bow Hunt weekend. If you have not signed up yet , you still can until 9 pm 3 spots left

11/11/2022

Happy Veterans Day and God Bless our Veterans!

Here is my favorite Veteran is my dear Pops.

Reminder, if you know a Veteran that is struggling, Acres of Peace the equine therapy program I opened in honor of my Pops is here to serve, free of charge! We offer equine therapy, including both riding and ground work, rustic camping, family weekends, bow hunt weekends and the Club room. We use the Healing power of horses for mental and physical wellness. Veterans or social worker, Sargent, family, neighbor, can call the farm to schedule (815)795-6596

It is hard to take that first step. But we are here to serve those that served.

08/18/2022

A Huge thank you to Steve Tremper for filling in today at the Veterans Health and Wellness Fair in Peru!!!!