Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm

01/17/2025

Woohoo! We've welcomed another participant for her "first lesson"! It was wonderful to see her bring such enthusiasm to the arena with Cricket! Additionally, a huge thank you to our fantastic high school volunteers, who faced the unpredictable weather this week to assist at our little farm. Your dedication and support truly make a meaningful impact in our community, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and commitment.

01/17/2025

After months away from riding due to an injury, Megan's journey back to the saddle is a powerful testament to bravery and empowerment. At Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm, we believe in the transformative power of personal growth and independence, and Megan's story perfectly encapsulates this ethos. With the steadfast support of her loyal horse, Dozer, Megan faced her fears head-on, showcasing her strength and the nurturing environment we strive to create for all individuals with disabilities.

As Megan worked through her initial jitters, Dozer remained a calm and reassuring presence, embodying the partnership that can flourish when we embrace challenges. The joy that erupted from the farm as Megan dismounted was palpable; there were tears of happiness, cheers of encouragement, and a community coming together to celebrate her remarkable achievement. That's what we call a "win, win!" 😊

01/16/2025

When you're the boss and need a comfy place to sit

01/10/2025

Wowza, what a Friday we had! 🎉 Today was nothing short of spectacular as our amazing volunteers truly stepped up to the plate, going above and beyond to ensure our beloved horses and critters are pampered and cared for. Their dedication is just heartwarming, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the kindness that flows through our farm family.

And let’s talk about Jon and Dozer! 🐴 After a bit of a break from riding, Jon was buzzing with excitement for his first ride back. There was a tiny little hiccup, but guess what? Jon and Dozer totally owned it and ended up stealing the spotlight! 🌟 It was such a proud moment to witness their bond grow stronger right before our eyes. We also had the pleasure of welcoming a wonderful young lady who's ready to join our volunteer crew! It's fantastic to see our little farm family expanding each day, and we can't wait to see the joy and energy she brings to our community. Happy Friday friends!

01/08/2025

To all of our amazing volunteers,
As this massive chill of winter wraps around us, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering dedication you show, even in the face of the cold. Your commitment to caring for our horses and supporting each other exemplifies the spirit of community that Opportunity Enterprises holds dear.
Just yesterday, we witnessed a truly touching moment when one of our volunteers, faced with biting temperatures, chose to stay and care for the horses instead of retreating to the warmth of her car. Her response—“The horses still need care even if it's cold, I’m staying”—is a beautiful testament to the love and compassion that fuels our mission. It brought tears to her eyes as she shared how being around the horses fills her with joy and purpose. This kind of courage and dedication is what makes our community so special.
We’re constantly inspired by the stories of volunteers who have never been around horses before, yet bravely confront their fears and find themselves walking a horse up and down the driveway. It’s a reminder that amazing transformations happen, regardless of the weather. Your willingness to face the elements not only benefits the horses but also enriches your own lives in truly profound ways.
We believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of support and empowerment in our community. Your involvement is what makes all the difference, and we’re so proud to have you as part of our family.
Thank you, once again, for braving the cold and showing up for our horses and each other. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and they are deeply appreciated. Together, we are fostering growth and independence, one hoofprint at a time.

01/03/2025

We feel incredibly fortunate to witness the progress riders make in their lessons! Each session goes beyond just learning to ride; it focuses on building confidence and essential life skills. Once again, Dozer has amazed us all with his commitment during lessons. Meanwhile, one of our riders excitedly displayed her new Christmas sweatshirt, reflecting the joy and sense of achievement that permeates our community. Katie and her faithful partner, Pixie, have become an exceptional team, showcasing how bonding with these magnificent animals can change lives. Our "littles" lessons are thriving, and we are thrilled to see our youngest riders' advancements. Recently, one little rider tried out our brand-new basketball hoop, a delightful addition that promotes movement and coordination. Observing them transition from nervously holding onto the saddle during their initial lessons to confidently shooting hoops and maneuvering on horseback is truly inspiring. These experiences enhance their core stability and establish a foundation for skills they will carry for life.

01/02/2025

Thanks to everyone who participated in last month's kindness activity dedicated to support appreciation! It was all about spotlighting those incredible folks who lift us up and the ones we've been lucky enough to support ourselves. This month we are holding our 5th annual sock drive! See the flyer for details and where you can drop off new socks!

01/02/2025

https://conta.cc/4gU49jQ

Email from Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. MAINELY OEI JANUARY NEWSLETTER MAINELY OEI JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER View as Webpage   As we step into the New Year, we at Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. are fi

01/02/2025

View the calendar below to see what's happening at the farm in January! RSVP to any farm event at [email protected]

01/02/2025

We had a great start to our lessons this week! Enjoy the photos!

01/01/2025

As we step into a brand new year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Happy New Year from the farm! This is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope as we celebrate the beginning of another chapter together. Here's to a year filled with kindness, growth, and connection!

12/30/2024

Last week at the farm was truly unforgettable! 🌾 We are filled with joy and pride as we reflect on Dozer's incredible journey. He has become a shining star in our community. 🌟 Transitioning from a dedicated Amish plow horse to a cherished lesson horse, Dozer has embraced his new role with grace and enthusiasm. His gentle nature and ability to connect with riders of all ages have made him a beloved figure at the barn. 🐴

We also enjoyed a wonderful end-of-year slideshow that celebrated our achievements and the bonds we've formed throughout the year. 🎉 It was a delightful occasion, during which we discussed our New Year's resolutions and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. 🎊 Happy New Year! 🥳

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at the farm! Lady can't wait to see everyone again after the holidays!

12/20/2024

We thank our dedicated volunteers who brave the chilly winter weather to ensure the farm runs smoothly daily. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and just like our horses, we appreciate your unwavering support! We are also delighted with the experience of our military veteran, John, who recently returned to the farm after a few weeks away. John was happy to be one of the first lesson-goers to partner with Dozer, and their lesson was magical! Just look at that radiant smile on John's face!

12/18/2024

Yesterday at the farm, the sun was shining, and our smiles were bright! Enjoy these magical images from our lessons.

12/17/2024

We are thrilled to share the wonderful progress made during our recent activities. From Dozer, a spirited horse embarking on his third lesson, to Tommy, who relished the joy of liberty work, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Our second "littles" lesson turned out to be a tremendous success, demonstrating the powerful connections formed between our horses and participants. These experiences not only foster the development of our equine friends but also empower individuals to grow personally and socially. The smiles, laughter, and sense of achievement during these lessons are a testament to our commitment to nurturing environments that promote joy and success. The partnership between our horses and participants is a beautiful illustration of our person-centered approach, where each interaction contributes to mutual growth and understanding. We celebrate the achievements of both our horses and the individuals involved, recognizing that it is the supportive community around us that fosters such accomplishments. This sense of belonging and respect is at the heart of our mission. We invite families, caregivers, and community members to join us in these enriching experiences. Together, we can continue to empower and uplift one another, creating a brighter future for all involved. Come be a part of our journey and witness the incredible transformations that occur within our community!