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Passion
Compassion
Purpose
💜
Our mission is to offer equine-assisted therapy and activities, both at our farm and through mobile visits to local communities, for children and adults of all ages and abilities.
By bringing horses and humans together, we create joy-filled, safe, and positive interactions that support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the individuals we are privileged to serve.
While Equine Assisted Therapy has existed in different forms for nearly three decades, it's take time and scientific proof to convince traditional mental health professionals to open up to the idea. Numerous studies have resulted in a collection of literature that supports the therapeutic value of the human-animal bond and our resulting interactions. We know that immediate and long term benefits can include:
1
Building Trust
2
Reducing Anxiety & Depression
3
Decreasing Feelings of Isolation
4
Cultivating Mindfulness
5
Building Confidence & Self-Esteem
6
Improving Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication Skills
7
Encourage Social Interactions & Meaningful Connections
8
Help with Setting & Maintaining Boundries
9
Developing Assertiveness
“You were made for the place where your real passion meets compassion, because there lies your real purpose.”
Ann Voskamp
Canadian Author
We love all the people we get to visit with on the road and at the farm!
Our family is beyond thankful for our weekly visits to the horse barn. It is such a peaceful, inviting and wonderful place where very special moments happen and memories are made. Dr. Stilson has such a beautiful gentle soul and is so kind and generous to share her joy and love for these horses with us as well as her incredible knowledge and experiences. Our teenagers have learned so many things at the barn about horses and their care. They have learned to feed the minis dinner and fill hay pillows. They have cleaned up the barn and stalls, learned to groom the horses, helped with lots of training and experiences and much more. Our time with Kory and Selena has been a gift for each of us and taught so much including responsibility and caring for others. From giving the horses treats, to trying to take selfies with Kory and Selena, to taking walks with the horses around the neighborhood, all the way to scooping manure in the stalls… these are a few of our favorite experiences. I love the joy that we all feel with the horses, the laughter and smiles we have, the curiosity that grows watching these sweet horses, the caring and responsibility that comes with the time. Carousel of Hope provides such a special and unique opportunity for our family that helps reduce anxiety, promotes positive mental health and well being, encourages laughter, learning and joy. We are forever grateful for Dr. Stilson and her accepting, inclusive heart that leads with kindness and care and, of course, we are thankful for sweet Kory and Selena that fill our hearts with wonder, joy and hope.
The Ferguson Family
Jen, Dan, Lucas, Wren and Maris
Certified through Seven Oaks Farm Therapy Horse Program!
Types of Programs
Horse Therapy Visits
Our miniature horses have been on indoor visits to senior living facilities, rehabilitation centers, memory care, veteran centers, grief therapy groups, hospitals, schools, and even private home visits.
Community Service
Our horses welcome supporting the community and participating in local events and organizations.
Farm Visits
Aside from their road trips, Kory and Selena also enjoy hosting individuals and very small groups at their farm, The Raven's Nest, located in Linden, Michigan. These pre-arranged hourly visits offer one-on-one interactions with the minis where participants can learn the basics of proper grooming and handling or simply enjoy a nice walk in the company of the sweet and amusing therapy minis.
About founder Nicole
With her love for horses, her passion for helping others and caring for animals, and here deep desire to share the benefits of the equine human bond driving her vision, Dr. Nicole Stilson, DVM founded Carousel of Hope Miniature Therapy Horses in May 2022.
Nicole's efforts to bring horses and humans together in safe, positive, joy-filled interactions are helping to improve the physical, mental, and emotional lives of those with whom she has had the privilege of connecting. Being a horse lover her whole live, Nicole, has long understood the benefits of the connection she and other horse people share with their equine companions.
