Youth Empowerment Programs
  • After-school programs
  • Service Learning

  Intergenerational Programs
  • Youth and animal elder
    visitation program to
    extended care facilities
  • Family Farm Days, a special
    event for families living in
    transitional housing

Programs at Animals as Natural Therapy

Since 1999, Animals as Natural Therapy has been changing the lives of adults and youths, many of whom are considered "at risk" by social service agencies. At Windy Acres Farm, carefully planned and guided activities with horses and other animals help participants learn the give and take of respect. The youths and adults we serve learn the difficult task of developing trust between self and others; what makes an honest and trusted friend or leader; how our moods and behaviors affect others; and the necessity of clearly communicating what we want and need in order to be successful in any relationship.

The programs we offer are highlighted below. Please follow the links to view individual program pages, or check out our Program Offerings and Fees for more information on ANT's available programs.
Adult Programs
  • Equine-Facilitated Experiential Learning (Saturday workshops)
  • Horse lessons

Substance Abuse Recovery
(with partner agencies)
  • Parenting Program for mothers in recovery
721 Van Wyck Road, Bellingham, WA  98226 Ph/Fax: 360-671-3509
With the help of animal partners, human mentors, and metaphors, participants in ANT's programs learn to "read" and understand each other while discovering a lot about themselves. Through the special relationships built with staff and animals, our program participants practice responsibility and nurturing skills, and leave with a sense of accomplishment. This process significantly improves the health of our entire community by replacing dysfunctional and potentially abusive relationships with respectful, nurturing ones. To find out more, call us at 360-671-3509, or e-mail animalsasnaturaltherapy@comcast.net.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is now available in some of our youth lessons. Individuals can also set up a private EFP session by making an appointment with therapist Lorna Shepardson. To learn more about EFP, please read this article: "What is EFMH and EFL?"