Joell and the team as Square Peg are magic. Rarely does one find a group of people and an organization that gives so much to those who deserve it. Thank you Square Peg for your tireless work and love.
When we moved to Northern California last year, I looked for a place where my daughter, who adores riding and horses, could both volunteer and ride. Moving a teenager is difficult, and The Square Peg Foundation was an answer to my prayers. At Square Peg, my daughter has had the opportunity to volunteer with children that she has fallen in love with, and at the same time she's had the chance to clean stalls, groom horses, and learn to ride from the best trainers I could imagine. Now both of my daughters volunteer at Square Peg, and driving up the ranch is the best part of our week. I have immense respect and admiration for all the staff at Square Peg, for I can see that they create an environment for children and families that is warm, loving, and healing to all who come. At Square Peg everyone fits. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is loved. Square Peg is a haven and a sanctuary. When I feel down and discouraged, I come to Square Peg and "feel the love" in the children's faces, in the eyes of the horses, and in the warm welcome of the staff. I am grateful to Square Peg and support their mission with a full heart.
Our dear friend Becca Knopf, an instructor at Square Peg, invited my daughter and I to tour the facility and learn more about Square Peg. What an extraordinary place! First off, Becca is a bright, intelligent, fun young woman who is deeply devoted to--and extremely knowledgeable about--horses. Her infectious smile and lively personality make her a delight to be around, and I'm sure that is conveyed when working with clients and their families. The ranch is truly impressive--beautiful and well tended, yet relaxed and friendly. The horses and other ranch critters are the stars--all wonderfully interactive and curious. We loved meeting every horse, goat, cat, and dog, and hearing Becca share tidbits about their histories and individual personalities. What a remarkable place. I'm so glad it is their for all creatures--two- and four-legged, furry and not.
I leave this place with a huge smile on my face. The environment is relaxed and low stress. The facility is well run. The horses are bright, healthy and love to interact--they are not shut down as is the case with some equestrian facilities. Joell Dunlap is amazing. Everyone is welcome. She works equally well with horses and people in just about any capacity (an unusual gift). I hope I can find time to volunteer there on a regular basis. I feel like I will take more than I can probably give.
We just recently started riding at Square Peg. My son is five and has autism. We'd participated in horseback riding for children with special needs before we moved here from TX and my son absolutely loved it, so I knew we needed to find a nurturing environment to continue that love here in CA. Joell and her volunteers are amazing! Joell is so calm, kind and patient with my son; and a great new friend for this Mom who is definitely in need of some adult conversation! I am so happy to have met someone who accepts my child and his difficulties without judgment, but instead with compassion and the desire to help him connect with these amazing animals she has rehabilitated. We're thrilled to have found Square Peg!