I have been a volunteer for many years. Over this time I have witnessed amazing results. Our riders have improved cognitively, physically and emotionally not to mention they have a whole lot of fun.
The staff and volunteers are exceptional. They truly care and you can feel it.
Volunteering my time is such a joy at Victoria Acres. Everyone from the staff and other volunteers to the riders and parents are so lovely and appreciative. And the horses! I’ve never met sweeter horses. No matter the order ability, there is a loving place for them at Victoria Acres where each person is truly celebrated.
What an incredible group of people and horses! This non- profit cares deeply about their work. Students benefit from horse engagement both riding and on the ground. Check them out to see what they offer knowing you have a great team supporting you.
Jacob who is 23 has been going to Victoria Acres now for over 3 years. Riding the horses has built Jacobs confidence. He looks forward to going every week. Also the volunteers and the instructors are wonderful people that are a big part of Victoria Acres. We love and appreciate Victoria Acres. Thank you ❤️
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For the past two months our 20 year old son, Jacob, looks forwards to riding Monty, one of the horses at Victoria Acers. Jacob who is shy and has Autism always wears a big smile when riding. The volunteers who work with Jacob are a wonderful group of people. They are passionate, caring, and patient. We are greatful to have found such a wonderful place, and hope others can experience it too.
I am a retired psychiatric social worker and I volunteer as a side walker at Victoria Acres. I have been very inspired by the people working there. Everyone is so knowledgeable and kind as they manage and teach the children with special needs who come for lessons. You can see the children’s eyes light up as the teachers and walkers give praise and encouragement. I have observed the special bond and connection between the children and their horse, as well as the teachers who guide them. An excellent program!
My son Tanner has been going to Victoria Acres for a little over a year now. The confidence he has gained in trying new things and working with others has been tremendous. The volunteers get to know him and work on building a relationship with him. They work in exercises while riding to help with his balance and build his core strength. They are encouraging and if he is nervous they talk him through it. He loves the time he spends there and we enjoy watching him learn and improve and continue to grow his skills.
I joined the volunteer team at Victoria Acres at a point in my life when I felt a little insecure. I was trained in my volunteer duties and I hit the ground running. Our team worked with adults and children with varying levels of ability and the amount of progress the programs provided astounded me. We saw kids and teens with little confidence progress into superstars with so many skills and determination. We saw so many nervous kids leave with smiling faces and self assurance. Victoria Acres is a home to so many clients, volunteers, friends and visitors. It becomes a place where people can go and learn to love themselves for who they are. The horses and other animals provide a service that people themselves cannot provide.
Several years ago I wanted to take my horse to a fundraiser at Victoria acres....I was a 48 year old lady with no self confidence and new to owning a horse. I wasn't a good rider, I wasn't fast, I just wanted to support them with my entry fee donations.
I left their event an entirely different person. No one knew who I was, only from my entry...but every one of their volunteers and staff screamed my name every time I entered the arena. They cheered me on, they encouraged me to not give up when I couldn't get my horse to participate... they helped me mount, they were just amazing. I left that event with so much that day...they gave me confidence and such a self esteem boost. I left with new friends...Erin, Peggy, Lisa, Kathy, Kara and Tiffany, just to name a few. I thought to myself...omg if they can bring out the smiles and confidence in a 45+ yo woman it's no wonder they do such amazing things with veterans, special needs adults and children. I left that day with ribbons and the biggest smiles..they became life long friends and I have, on several occasions done some fundraising for them. I don't think I could ever say enough good things about them and their programs...
I completed my fieldwork experience for Occupational therapy at Victoria acres and it is truly something special. Sessions are individualized and adapted to each rider's needs and truly work toward individual goals and progress. Instructors are knowledgeable in both the population of riders and the horses. Everyone is kind and compassionate . Would reccomend to anyone interested so many children and adults would benefit from this program.
I've been a volunteer at Victoria Acres for the past three years, both as side walker and lead walker. My initial motivation was to spend time with horses, after a long absence from them. I quickly learned that horses were just the beginning of my passion for this program. Getting to know and assist the children and adults who participate in the PATH program has been immensely rewarding and, over time, I have witnessed their challenges and progress. The instructors are supportive and creative, focusing on each individual's needs and quick to adopt a new approach if the current one isn't working. The volunteers are empathetic, positive, and work well together. The horses are well trained and cared for. And the bond between many clients and their special horse--wonderful to see!
I do not have special needs but I am more then happy to go to Victoria acres every week. I love seeing my friends and having lessons even sometimes at the same time as my friends! I have ridden multiple horses there but none of them have ever let me down I recently stopped taking lessons for about a month and a half because of a Play and my mental health was deteriorating my back hurt all the time but as soon as I got back to my bestie jingles my back and posture was better and my mental health improved tremendously. I recently started high school and victoria acres is getting me through each week each day being 1 step closer to my lesson. Victoria acres and the horses make me so happy and I am beyond grateful for my time here and what is to come - A very happy rider
My daughter has been riding here for nearly 3 years. The kindness, caring, and compassion of the team at VA is unparalleled. Always willing to do whatever it takes to help their riders get what they need.
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My daughter has tried lessons at a few different stables, and hands down, Victoria Acres has the best staff. You can see how much the riders enjoy their lessons, and how much progress they make, and you know that you've found an amazing non-profit when the volunteers almost get more out of it than the students! The caring, support, quality and skills of everyone involved at this program are not to be beaten and I would recommend this equine therapy to any parent or caregiver of a person with special needs. We only wish that we could attend even more often!
My son has taken lessons with this facility for several years intermittently as his health allows. They have always treated him with respect and dignity and allowed him to grow his abilities whenever we have been able to attend. Any time we return for lessons it’s like reuniting with old friends. He loves the staff and therapists and is always excited to be a part of the barn family.
I have been volunteering at Victoria Acres for several years now and how time flies. Erin has so many ideas and dreams for what to do and has been steadily bringing them to reality. We are attracting more volunteers and able to offer more programs, and it's amazing how big of a demand there is for what we offer. Victoria Acres is dedicated to our clients and you can sense that as soon as you step foot into the barn and arena.
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I have been volunteering at Victoria Acres for about a year and can’t say enough good about this organization. The staff are extremely devoted and capable. It’s amazing to watch the clients develop and grow from week to week. I had no idea how much help is needed and am amazed at the love and care that comes from the team here. It’s great to be a part of their work.
We were so lucky to have a spot with Victoria acres for my daughters therapeutic riding. The change in my daughter is unbelievable. I was crying with joy her first lesson. The horses and all the volunteers are simply amazing. She loves coming to her lessons/therapy. She loves the horses and all the animals at Victoria acres. It's incredible seeing her gain balance, confidence, muscle strength, and she is being empowered. Thank you for all you do words can not express my gratitude for the work you do.
There are not enough words to describe how positively impactful, accepting, understanding, challenging when needed, nurturing, etc. Victoria Acres is. I have been with Victoria Acres as a barn volunteer, horse care volunteer and most recently gala coordinator and I have had only amazing interactions with clients, their families, other volunteers and staff. Not to mention that the horses LOVE their job! Everyone is dedicated to the success of the clients. You cannot ask for a better place to be to get the therapeutic benefits of riding a horse than what is available at Victoria Acres. Want to volunteer? Go to the Victoria Acres website and fill out an application under Ways to Help>Volunteer. It will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make in your life.
My son Adam started riding a couple of years ago at Victoria Acres. Since he came to Victoria Acres, I see his sensory system improving along with his communication skills, gross motor skills and his overall happiness! He loves riding Okie and Martha is his teacher. The minute he starts to ride, he is smiling and singing! Everyone is so helpful and friendly! We are always greeted with smiles from the whole staff! Thank you to Erin for starting this wonderful place, Martha who is an amazing and patient teacher, Barb in the office and all the awesome volunteers!
I have been a volunteer grounds keeper at the facility for the past 3 years. The children they serve shine bright when interacting with the staff, volunteers and therapy horses. Seeing the kids and parents smiling from ear to ear makes all the hard work worthwhile...
I can't say enough about Victoria Acres!! I have gotten to know Victoria Acres both as a Mom and a Volunteer. In both capacities I am in awe with each session time I get to spend there. The work done at Victoria Acres has enriched our lives in many ways.
My son has Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and Autism. He has been riding there for a year now. The growth I have seen in him is incredible. My son is non-verbal and he has one particular horse that he loves to ride named Jingles. When I ask him each week if he "is ready to go see Jingles" it doesn't matter if he is having a meltdown or what he is doing, he drops everything and runs to the door clapping, jumping and vocalizing happy noises to show his excitement. Once there his smile says it all! I really believe this has been so success for him because of the calm atmosphere as well as knowledgeable and loving care of the staff and volunteers. When we first started this process I was convinced that he wouldn't even attempt it, but they were able to get him on the horse and a year later he is holding the reigns and occasionally will say "whoa" (which the staff taught him) when it is time for Jingles to stop walking.
As a volunteer you get an up close view of the dedication of everyone involved in helping to keep Victoria Acres running. The dedication to the clients as well as the care for their horses is outstanding.
This is a wonderful place that truly cares about it's clientele! I was assigned this location to complete my Masters degree in Occupational therapy and I was so glad I was. The staff and volunteers are so dedicated and are very open to ideas and approaches to insure the riders have a better productive ride. The experience is awesome, I have seen real growth in my short time that I was there and I have seen my genuine happiness from the riders when they unite with "their" horse. Its magic in a bottle and I highly recommend them
My daughter, Adrienne, has been taking therapeutic riding at Victoria Acres for about 4 years now. This place is incredible! We had been using another facility before coming here and from the very first session I was amazed at the difference. The staff and teachers here are extremely knowledgeable and take a whole person approach. My daughter is having the best time, on her best girl Ellie Mae, not even realizing how hard she is working on her balance, core strength, fine motor and language skills! It makes us all very happy just to be there and I look forward to what else VA has in store!
My daughter had been anxiously waiting for her time to horseback ride and Victoria Acres did not disappoint! In fact they far exceeded expectations! They are helping her conquer her fears all while developing coordination, strength, and social skills! For a girl who deals with significant anxiety she adapted immediately in this trusting environment and couldn’t be better cared for and understood by trainer and volunteers alike. Thank you!
Our daughter has been riding here a little over a year and we have seen so much growth in her during that time. Not only has she strengthened her core and posture but her confidence has grown as well. I literally watch her self esteem rise as she tackles each new challenge they give her. All the volunteers are incredibly affirming towards her and some of the kindest and helpful people I've ever met. She is never discouraged while here. I see this confidence stay with her as she goes about her week. She has a newfound sense of peace about who she is, and a strong sense of determination that she can master whatever comes her way. We are so grateful for this program!
Our daughter, Elisabeth, has been taking horseback riding lessons for about two years at Victoria Acres. We both absolutely love it! Beth has Down Syndrome, and very much benefits from strengthening her core muscles while riding her horse, Winnie. The therapists also incorporate activities which work on Beth's speech and cognitive development.
Everyone at Victoria Acres has been overwhelming kind and welcoming to our daughter and us.
What a blessing!
Victoria Acres is the best therapeutic riding center for individuals with special needs. My son, David, is 19 years old and has been to other stables over the years, but none seemed to be a good fit for him. The staff and volunteers at Victoria Acres are so welcoming, accommodating, patient, and understanding. We started there after an injury that I was sure would keep David off of a horse for a long time. We were encouraged to come in, look around, meet the horses, watch other riders, everything and anything to ensure we were 100% comfortable with David riding again. I am so thankful that we found them! His physical ability, balance, and posture have improved! I have seen such a positive change in my son as well! We can't say enough good things about Victoria Acres!
Victoria Acres has help our daughter very much, very helpful and caring staff. We recommend anyone with children with disability to try it, we did and now we are very happy with the result.
My experience as a volunteer with Victoria Acres is best described as welcoming with immediate inclusion into the team! There is ample training and initial shadowing provided which allows one to be very comfortable when asked to step into the assigned role. The management is non-demanding of my time but instead gratefully acknowledging my participation after each and every day. The schedule is easily accessed with great communication between staff members.
The staff of instructors are exceptional in their ability to provide innovative techniques using the gentle and well- trained horses as the modality to instill confidence, improve and increase social, physical, and cognitive skills for their clients.
As an Occupational Therapy Practitioner, I have witnessed the smiles, the joy, and the great rapport with the whole team which is essential in the improvement of each client. As a veteran horseman, the wonderful horses which are cared for with love and respect, must be mentioned as the stars that they are in attributing to this wonderful organization.
Susan McCreary
My daughter Alyssa is 15 and has cerebral palsy. She has been in Victoria Acres Pathway therapeutic riding program for four years. Though she is ambulatory her balance is unsteady at times. Riding has helped with her balance and gait stability strengthening her core of muscles. Her self confidence about her body and mind has increased. She is so excited about riding every week . She demonstrates an eagerness to ride , happy and so relaxed after the lesson. As Alyssa has said," I feel so powerful and strong when I ride. My legs feel nice and loose not tight after I ride. I love my horse and have a strong connection with him and the wonderful people who care for me while I ride". I'm so grateful for all the good work all these people provide at Victoria Acres for people with disabilities. As a parent, it feels FANTASTIC to see my daughter so happy riding. Maureen O'Connor
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My daughter Alyssa ,age 13 has Cerebral Palsy. This is what she wrote about her therapeutic horseback riding experience to her teachers in an" All about Me" project this past September. "Besides kayaking, I love to swim but even more I love my therapy horseback riding. I made a deep connection with my friend horse Okie. When I ride Okie , I feel confident and powerful. When I ride I feel calm,peaceful, focused and balanced. When I get off the horse I feel rubbery and stretchy.I don't feel tightness in my legs and I am more centered. I feel so happy"
I've volunteered at Vic Acres for 4+ years and love it. The honest care the workers, loads of them volunteers, show for the clients as well as the animals is a beautiful thing. All the teachers are knowledgeable, patient and kind, wanting the best and the most for all who enter. I like, admire, and respect them all!
Victoria Acres has been such an amazing place for me to really bond with the horse I ride, and the people who make VA what it is. Everyone who works and volunteers there is passionate about what they do. And it shows!
Our son Simon rode at Victoria Acres for several years, and still would be if we hadn’t moved outside of the area. The volunteers and staff are kind, thoughtful, supportive and above all make safety the number 1 priority for each participant. Riding horses has helped Simon build his confidence and the PATH instructors provide guidance in fun ways. This is truly a special place and Simon continues to talk about his “horse friends” and about going to horse camp last summer. If you’re looking for the right charity to donate your time and/or money to, look no further. Sincerely, a proud Autism mom.
My grandson has ridden many times under the PATH program at Victoria Acres. He suffers from multiple health issues but when he is on one of the horses all you see is smiles and hear giggles. He hasn't been able to ride very much lately but would like to get back into it so funding, donations and community involvement is critical.
My daughter and I are crazy about Victoria Acres! Jocelyn is 8 years old and has been riding at Victoria about 8 months, and we have only had positive experiences. The love and commitment from every teacher and volunteer is tangible. I would recommend Victoria Acres to anyone who has a love for horse and guarantee that their experience would be incredible.
Erin, Amy, Lauren, & all the instructors & volunteers whose names I’m yet to learn are fantastic & dedicated to the gorgeous horses at Victoria Acres & the experience of each rider.
My daughter & son are new riders in the PATH program & they absolutely love the experience! They’re excited for their weekly rides, meeting new horses, & learning new techniques. My son, was reserved at first, despite his love of animals-he quickly changed his mind & it delights me to see his confidence increasing. My children wouldn’t have these opportunities if it weren’t for the wonderful staff, volunteers, & donors!
~A VERY grateful mom
I donated my horse to be a therapy horse, and djuring one of my visits I watched kids interacting with the horses. Most of them were petting them over the fence, but one boy about 10 was hiding behind hius mother, very shy and afraid. Later, he watched with interest the action of other kids who were in the arena with the horses, leading them around. After a few minutes, he was begging his mother to let him go in! A therapist took him in, and within a short time, this shy fearful boy was leading a huge draft horse around, and having a great time! The difference was amazing! After seeing that, I'm convinced that this facility can make a great difference in the lives of thos receiving this therapy. I donate, and I hope you do too!
I came to victoria acres back in April when work became overly stressful. Im a teaching assistant at a school for kids with disabilities, coming here everyday and seeing all the different kiddos happy and working with all the amazing volunteers makes my days a lot less stressful. I’m very thankful for the amazing people here and the wonderful horses.
I am a volunteer at Victoria Acres and enjoy everything about this facility. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, showing a genuine concern for the well being of their diverse group of clients. The horses at Victoria Acres are well cared for, which is evident in their gentle temperament. And - the volunteers work as a team to make the riding experience as beneficial and pleasurable as possible for our clients.
As a volunteer at Victorian Acres i have had the opportunity to witness how transforming the lessons are for the clients. It’s amazing to watch them grow confident, strong and independent! Victorian Acres is an incredible place filled with wonderful people and horses, which are very well taken care of.
I am a volunteer with Victoria Acres and fully enjoy working with the clients and other staff. The staff are knowledgeable and professional and treat the horses and clients with love and respect. Safety is always their first concern. I would highly recommend this riding facility to family and friends.
My granddaughter, who has a learning disorder, started going to this facility for riding lessons this summer. The staff are gentle and kind with clients and the animals. Eve, who is 10, has gained so much self confidence from working with her instructor and the rest of the staff. Erin does a great job keeping everything running smoothly. I’m very glad we chose Victoria Acres.
I started Volunteering here, most amazing people I’ve met. I clean Stalls, feed, water, help out anyway I can, and I just Can’t be happier being able to be here as much as I can. I love The people, the horses, donkeys, and goats. Everyone have respect for everyone, no matter age, color, disability, anything. This is one of the most professional and amazing place I’ve ever been able to be a part of. I’m so grateful and thankful for this opportunity.
When I was looking for a position before we moved to NY back in 2016 I posted an ad in a horse forum. I got a quick response from Erin, Executive Director, that they were looking for a PATH Intl registered instructor to teach adults and children with disabilities. I was immediately interested as that's what I had been doing for the past year! After moving I scheduled a time to meet Erin at Victoria Acres and learn more about them. I started the summer of 2016 and fell in love with the people (staff, riders, volunteers) and the environment! It's so peaceful and just a great place to be. I have continually worked there on and off for the last 4 years and I always manage to find myself back here. It's a sign! There's nothing better than doing what you love with wonderful horses and people. Even my daughter loves being there and she's only 1.5! If you're looking for a great place to be, whether that's to ride, volunteer or become an instructor then you're in the right place!
I absolutely love this facility! All of the people that work at Victoria Acres are so welcoming and kind. The facility is clean and well taken care of, and the riding lessons are great for everyone! The kids learn so many valuable skills that they can use in their everyday lives.
Victoria Acres is a beautiful facility. The volunteers are simply amazing and love what they do! Clients enjoy their experiences so much! The horses are beautiful and so loving and gentle!
Our son, Aran, has been riding for several years now at Victoria Acres. From day 1 we have been welcomed, and Aran has been treated like family. He is given the appropriate structure for his stage of development and more support than could ever be wished for. The staff is unbelievably friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make sure the kids are having the best experience possible. Safety is key, and there are no measures taken lightly. We are so proud to have our son ride at Victoria Acres!!
My son Simon is autistic and around 2 years ago I started looking for a therapeutic riding center that would help boost his confidence and provide him with a physical activity. The volunteers, instructors and executive director are kind, friendly, knowledgeable and above all, create both a positive and safe experience for all riders. Simon loves going to the horse farm to see his “horse friends” and loves his lessons. He leaves each lesson happy, talkative and with a freeze pop!
Some people consider Disney World a magical place. Well, I consider Victoria Acres to be the most magical place on earth. Clients are educated, empowered and encouraged.
I have witnessed first hand the progress clients make during equine therapy at Victoria Acres. It is amazing! And, the smiles on clients' faces will melt your heart.
Victoria Acres has a special place in my heart. My partner Scott and I have been working closely with with Erin to offer hippotherapy services. We love everything about this barn. Erin and her staff treat both horses and clients with love and respect. Erin works tirelessy to match each client with the perfect horse. Horses are only allowed to work three hours per day. Their pastures and stalls are immaculately maintained. The horses are treated with the respect that they deserve - after all THEY are the reason the clients come. They are the magic behind this barn.
On a personal level I love Victoria Acres because for soothing my daughter's broken heart. Just recently my eighteen year old daughter and I had to put our beloved dog to sleep. We got our Java when my daughter was only two years old, my daughter never knew life without her. After the vet appointment, I put my grieving daughter in the car and just told her to trust me. We were on our way to Victorial Acres. She found the solace she needed grooming the horses, petting them, loving them - and found humor in the goats.
At Victoria Acres every human and animal is treated with respect and love. I am very grateful to have them in my life.
The passion of the staff and volunteers is evident when you are at this facility. The horses receive top notch care and the clients are treated with compassion and respect.
The horses here get treated like royalty. They are so loved and doted on. Not only do they stay up to date on yearly veterinary physicals, dental, and routine work, these lucky horses also get body work, acupuncture, and cold laser therapy when they’re sore or need a tune up.
Victoria Acres has a great bunch of people all working toward one goal- providing a safe, effective, and fun environment for therapeutic riding. It has been a very rewarding experience for me as a volunteer for the past 2 years. I am always amazed to see the progress clients have made over time. I think people of all abilities could benefit from this program.
My son goes to this program and it is excellent. It is very individualized to client needs while emphasizing strengths . My son loves going and the staff is very knowledgeable, friendly , and personable.
They have the greatest program for therapeutic horse back riding. The staff and facilities are excellent. My 9 year old son has autism and he's benefited very much from their wonderful programs. We plan to keep going here for many years to come.
I am an instructor at Victoria Acres and I feel that each lesson I teach is a gift to me! This is a very special place where healing, learning and love grow exponentially.
I WOULD NOT recommend this facility to anyone. Most of the horses used for the program are lame, and should be retired. Beware, this facility is just out to get your money, the welfare of the horses definitely does not come first.
My son has been going to Victoria Acres for 5 years. He has autism but now participates in the able bodied program, which is generally for people without disabilities. The staff and volunteers have done an amazing job working with him as he was once one of the most challenging clients they had. Now he looks forward to going every week and has a variety of horses he is able to work with. If you have a family member or loved one who you think may be too challenging for equine therapy, think again. They will work with you to make the program work and possibly give you suggestions of things to try at home. Erin, Bonnie and Martha have all done a great job helping my son along the way.
I volunteer at Victoria Acres and love it. The clients and staff are all great, kind, and caring people. I love horses and that was my incentive for volunteering, but the longer I'm there the more I love the interaction between the horses and clients. It's a beautiful thing to see people overcome all sorts of difficulties and move forward, even incrementally, with the help of the wonderful horses and staff--be it the instructors or volunteers. It's a wonderful place!
Our son is doing better than we ever expected. His riding ability is improving and so is his confidence.