Foxfield F.A.R.M (For A Recovery Mission) is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) not for profit charity that has been established to provide an Equine Groundwork Training Program for U.S Veterans with PTSD incurred through military service. Similar programs throughout the U.S. have proven to be successful in support of Veteran's transition from the battle field to the home front and an improved quality of life.
Our Foundation has also identified that First Responders are subject to similar PTSD effects due to the trauma they encounter on the job. Therefore, Foxfield F.A.R.M. will also incorporate participants from this service segment into this program.
* "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." - John Burroughs *
THE PROGRAM
Concentration is on the handling, feeding, maintenance and groundwork exercise involved in caring for horses. Practical work will also include trailer loading, body trimming, lunge work, stall maintenance, farrier care and the ability to recognize common ailments associated with equine health.
Our Foundation has also identified that First Responders are subject to similar PTSD effects due to the trauma they encounter on the job. Therefore, Foxfield F.A.R.M. will also incorporate participants from this service segment into this program.
* "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." - John Burroughs *
THE PROGRAM
Concentration is on the handling, feeding, maintenance and groundwork exercise involved in caring for horses. Practical work will also include trailer loading, body trimming, lunge work, stall maintenance, farrier care and the ability to recognize common ailments associated with equine health.
- Our program incorporates the "re-purposing" of rescue/retired horses and rehoming to new, responsible owners. The synergy of the work invested by the Veterans to aid in the recovery of these horses is equitably therapeutic.
- This approach is unique to Foxfield F.A.R.M., being the first to establish such a combined curriculum.
- This method can reduce anxiety leading to domestic violence relative to spouses, children, extended relatives and restore accord to the family unit.
- By addressing these challenges the risks associated with opioid addiction can be avoided using supplemental approaches through natural therapy related to the synergy of animal association and companionship.
THE BACKGROUND
This Foundation was established by the Founder, Susan Patricelli Regan, in memory of her father, Anthony Patricelli, who was a war correspondent under General Douglas MacArthur during WWII and in recognition of her son, Craig Regan, who served for 5 years as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Navy.
This Foundation was established by the Founder, Susan Patricelli Regan, in memory of her father, Anthony Patricelli, who was a war correspondent under General Douglas MacArthur during WWII and in recognition of her son, Craig Regan, who served for 5 years as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Navy.
Foxfield F.A.R.M. has now received a certification of trademark and registered in accordance with the laws of CT as authorized by Denise W. Merrill, Secretary of the State of Connecticut. This now identifies its leadership position in equine therapy programs as an alternate approach to alleviate the issues confronting Veterans with PTSD. While establishing the benchmark for professionalism in curriculum, instructional acumen, horsemanship, facility maintenance and business acuity; it provides a template to be instituted by other equine facilities whose goal is to provide a safe and successful program and whose objectives merit Foxfield F.A.R.M.'s recognition.
WALL STREET JOURNAL 10/26/19 - EQUINE PROGRAMS TO TREAT PTSD ISSUES
Once again, another major national publication has endorsed the benefits of equine programs to relieve the stress related to issues associated PTSD health challenges.
Clinical approaches typically supplemented by prescriptions such opioids which not only only minimally reduce patients’ anxieties but can increase health risks due to addiction and incur self-medication (alcohol abuse). Veterans and First Responders often want to avoid exposure to therapists, doctors and psychiatrists due to the white coat relevant to the stigma and shame of mental illness. Further, the unending length of these therapies without results can be excessively expensive under the participants’ health care coverage without any lasting success and actually ending in suicidal actions.
Organic approaches utilizing animals/equines are less costly, significantly more user friendly and more expedient in obtaining apparent successful results. Surveys with patients after participating in these less intrusive methods underscore these effects.
Click here to read the article.
Once again, another major national publication has endorsed the benefits of equine programs to relieve the stress related to issues associated PTSD health challenges.
Clinical approaches typically supplemented by prescriptions such opioids which not only only minimally reduce patients’ anxieties but can increase health risks due to addiction and incur self-medication (alcohol abuse). Veterans and First Responders often want to avoid exposure to therapists, doctors and psychiatrists due to the white coat relevant to the stigma and shame of mental illness. Further, the unending length of these therapies without results can be excessively expensive under the participants’ health care coverage without any lasting success and actually ending in suicidal actions.
Organic approaches utilizing animals/equines are less costly, significantly more user friendly and more expedient in obtaining apparent successful results. Surveys with patients after participating in these less intrusive methods underscore these effects.
Click here to read the article.
In May of 2019, Victoria Becotte, a masters student at Salve Regina University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. conducted exploratory research on the use of equine-assisted therapy and activities.
Click Here to read the paper.
Click here to read Participants surveys.
Click Here to read the paper.
Click here to read Participants surveys.
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Susan's Interview with Gary Byron on Veterans Day 2019
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So why horses and not other animals?
Horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are social animals, with defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods; an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses are a lot like us socially - when we work on our relationships with them, we in turn are learning how to improve our relationships with others.
Horses respond with unique insight into exactly who we are in the moment. They are profoundly gifted reflectors of our true selves because their very survival depends on reading us right.
Because they can read and respond to the nonverbal messages we are always sending, they begin to act in ways that feel familiar to other relationships or dynamics in our lives. They become our spouse, partner, colleague, children, dreams, fears, addictions, etc. and begin to act out these very dynamics in our lives. This gives us a chance to work through those relationships and issues in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
The lesson is that by changing ourselves, the horses respond differently. They provide this immediate feedback to real changes that we make - not what we just talk about.
For some reason, even when we feel stuck or hopeless, the horses move and make changes in the space, which in turn helps us become "unstuck." Participants repeatedly report that the horses seem to act and be exactly what is needed in the moment.
We have to trust the horse and the horse has to trust us It builds a bond and a connection that has been shut off for a long time.
Horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are social animals, with defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods; an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses are a lot like us socially - when we work on our relationships with them, we in turn are learning how to improve our relationships with others.
Horses respond with unique insight into exactly who we are in the moment. They are profoundly gifted reflectors of our true selves because their very survival depends on reading us right.
Because they can read and respond to the nonverbal messages we are always sending, they begin to act in ways that feel familiar to other relationships or dynamics in our lives. They become our spouse, partner, colleague, children, dreams, fears, addictions, etc. and begin to act out these very dynamics in our lives. This gives us a chance to work through those relationships and issues in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
The lesson is that by changing ourselves, the horses respond differently. They provide this immediate feedback to real changes that we make - not what we just talk about.
For some reason, even when we feel stuck or hopeless, the horses move and make changes in the space, which in turn helps us become "unstuck." Participants repeatedly report that the horses seem to act and be exactly what is needed in the moment.
We have to trust the horse and the horse has to trust us It builds a bond and a connection that has been shut off for a long time.
CONNECTICUT 1ST CO. GOVERNOR'S HORSE GUARD
One of our most important affiliations is with the 1st Company Governor's Horse Guard in Avon, CT. They will provide an extension of our program for those who would like to expand their equestrian experience in learning to ride and the opportunity to apply for membership with the Guard.
One of our most important affiliations is with the 1st Company Governor's Horse Guard in Avon, CT. They will provide an extension of our program for those who would like to expand their equestrian experience in learning to ride and the opportunity to apply for membership with the Guard.
Donations, Grants And Foundation Awards Are Used For The Following Areas For Foxfield F.A.R.M.
- Rescue horse transportation/release and re-home placement fees/feed/hay/bedding/vet and related facility maintenance/equipment costs
- Veteran's equine cleaning/grooming equipment/t-shirts, gloves, hats
- Veteran's instruction manuals for safety, program curriculum, graduation events/materials, lounge activities related to dog therapy and convenience
- Veteran's research, legislative and legal activities,
- Fundraising/PR events, development of marketing/merchandising materials, media (TV, radio, print) production and distribution essential in building public awareness critical to the support of meeting PTSD challenges, reducing domestic violence and families at risk from the malady and related opioid dependence
- Administration of the foundation's overall management to meet stated mission, corporate financial expectations and federal non-profit status requirements
- Capital campaign for facility and major equipment purchase and upgrades/expansion, operating maintenance, insurance coverage, related clinical staff requirements and assessments.
- Volunteer training and materials, support costs
- Professional membership fees to relative program associations.
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We welcome tax deductible
Donations to support our Mission Please make your check out to: Foxfield F.A.R.M. Corporation Mail to: Foxfield F.A.R.M. 62 Hungary Rd. Granby, CT 06035 
Did you know that an unwanted car makes a wonderful gift?
It does if you give it to Foxfield F.A.R.M. If you have a car or truck that you'd like to get out of that driveway, donate it to Foxfield F.A.R.M. and you'll be supporting US Veterans and First Responders here in your own back yard. Click on the car to go to the donation form. |
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