Jasper Ridge Farm

HorseHeroesThis is an adaptive horseback riding program created to serve Veterans, disabled Veterans and active military, who participate along with a VA staff Recreational Therapist. Veterans benefit physically through horseback riding, which requires balance, coordination and core strength. They benefit emotionally through learning new skills and overcoming challenges, which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, and they benefit socially from participating in a group of their peers, where they encourage, motivate and support each other.Total served in 2024: 96

Animals Helping Children This program connects a farmyard of gentle therapy animals with the most vulnerable children in our community including those who are facing life-threatening illnesses, homelessness, at-risk, underserved, or living with special needs. The animals accept the children unconditionally and provide comfort. For those children who are unable to travel to the farm, our mobile unit can bring goats, sheep, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens and miniature horses to them!Total served in 2024: 842

WellnessBuddiesPartnering with mental health organizations, clinicians and school therapists, this programs goal is to improve the mental well-being of youth in our community. Therapists utilize Jasper Ridge Farm animals in their sessions, which significantly improves the effectiveness of the sessions because the animals put the children at ease, and help the children open up more willingly. This approach is also uniquely helpful in children for whom English is a second language. This program creates a safe atmosphere and incorporates animal interaction into the therapy sessions to improve mood and reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Sessions can take place on the farm or at an offsite location.Total served in 2024: 2099

Animals Helping InmatesThis unique program connects with incarcerated women at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, California. A farmyard of gentle goats, sheep, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens and miniature horses provides weekly virtual interactive programming and also travels to the correctional facility. Interacting with groups of incarcerated women, provides them with the opportunity to experience the comfort, affection and unconditional acceptance of the animals. Total served in 2024: 437

Animals Helping PeopleThis program connects a farmyard of gentle therapy animals with the most vulnerable adults in our community including those living in retirement facilities, or those with disabilities. The animals accept the adults unconditionally and provide comfort. For those adults who are unable to travel to the farm, our mobile unit can bring goats, sheep, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens and miniature horses to them!Total served in 2024: 519