Our Programs
The Gentle Barn is both a sanctuary for animals and humans, and we offer many programs to help the community. Once our animals have been rehabilitated, have chosen to forgive, have learned to trust, and have been given sanctuary with us for the rest of their lives, we partner with them when they are ready to help humans recover from the same stories of trauma. Every animal has much to teach us and many gifts to share with us, and each animal offers something unique that benefits us all.
Cow Hug Therapy
Cow hug therapy offers a chance to heal and find hope in the embrace of one of our gentle giants. While resting your face against the cow’s warm frame, your mind is cleared of worry, you are centered and grounded in the present time, your heart slows down to the beat of the cow’s heart, and your body gently rises and falls with their breathing, and you feel vulnerable, humble, open, and full of infinite possibilities. Cow hug therapy is a rare opportunity to feel like a newborn against a large, protective, and loving frame. It is where healing starts. Each Cow hug therapy session is an hour long, is perfect for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, or who simply needs a good hug, and can be used either in tandem with or outside of traditional talk therapy.
- Donation: $200
- 2 people max (Only ages 14+ allowed)
- 1-hour sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Time slots: 12p-1p or 1p-2p
- This visit DOES NOT include time with any other animals on the property.
The Gentle Barn's staff or volunteers are there to facilitate the connection and provide safety between you and the animals but they are NOT therapists, and in no way offer medical or mental health advice themselves. In the event that additional mental health support is needed, The Gentle Barn recommends reaching out to a licensed mental health clinician.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy allows us to practice confidence and leadership skills. Through a specific Gentle Barn technique of grooming horses, you will become aware of your own body language and that of the horse and connect deeply. Afterward, you will take your horse on a walk and immediately get feedback from the horse as she or he trusts and follows you. In the horse world, no two horses are the same; one is the leader, and one is the follower. The same is true when we are in the company of a horse. In this program, you will learn how to hold your body, transmit your intention, and convey your energy to become a gentle leader. Each equine therapy session is an hour long, is perfect for anyone looking to expand their inner strength, courage, leadership, and voice, and can be used either in tandem with or outside of traditional talk therapy.
- Donation: $200
- 2 people max (Only ages 14+ allowed)
- 1-hour sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Time slots: 12p-1p or 1p-2p
- This visit DOES NOT include time with any other animals on the property.
The Gentle Barn's staff or volunteers are there to facilitate the connection and provide safety between you and the animals but they are NOT therapists, and in no way offer medical or mental health advice themselves. In the event that additional mental health support is needed, The Gentle Barn recommends reaching out to a licensed mental health clinician.
Barnyard Therapy
Barnyard therapy is a safe place to check your life at the door, interact with small and delightful animals, and realize that no matter what you have gone through, you can move forward and find joy. Many of us have had to grow up way too soon and carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. In this program, you will cradle chickens in your arms, cuddle turkeys, give pigs belly rubs, pet goats and sheep, flirt with emus, kiss llamas, and surround yourself with rescued animals who have gone through trauma and have recovered to find love, create families, and find their happily ever afters. They will bring out your inner child and remind you to laugh, smile, and keep moving forward toward joy. Each barnyard therapy session is an hour long, is perfect for any individual looking for hope, joy, fun, and connection, and who wants to feel lighter, and can be used either in tandem with or outside of traditional talk therapy.
- Donation: $200
- 2 people max (Only ages 14+ allowed)
- 1-hour sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Time slots: 12p-1p or 1p-2p
- This visit DOES NOT include time with any other animals on the property.
The Gentle Barn's staff or volunteers are there to facilitate the connection and provide safety between you and the animals but they are NOT therapists, and in no way offer medical or mental health advice themselves. In the event that additional mental health support is needed, The Gentle Barn recommends reaching out to a licensed mental health clinician.
@popsugar 10/10, we definitely recommend hugging a cow at @The Gentle Barn. #CowHugs #FarmLife #CowsOfTikTok #Wellness #MentalHealth #FarmTok #TherapyTok ♬ Sia - Xeptemper