Jones County equine therapy program helps veterans, children and people with disabilities find healing
Photos: Submitted by Trail of Faith Farms for Neuse News.
Growing up, horses were more than just animals for the founder of Trail of Faith Farms — they were a lifeline. Introduced to riding at 6 years old by her grandfather, she says the “horse bug” never left. Years later, after her father passed away, she reconnected with her aunt and witnessed something that would change her life: a boy who could barely form sentences steering a 1,200-pound horse on his own during a therapeutic riding lesson.
“It was a miracle to see such independence and confidence from someone who’s considered disabled,” she said. That moment inspired her to earn a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (P.A.T.H.) International instructor certification and develop her own program in Jones County, with a special focus on veterans.
Trail of Faith Farms offers Western discipline riding with specialties in roping, cattle work, ranch work, and natural horsemanship. The program includes “Operation No Longer a Number,” pairing veterans with mustangs to train together, as well as sessions for individuals with disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and amputations. The farm’s wheelchair ramp and adaptive equipment help riders of all abilities mount safely.
The founder holds an associate degree in agriculture with a minor in horse training, has trained under industry leaders like Pat Parelli and Lynn Baber, and continues to study with elite reining and cutting horse trainers. Horses in the program are carefully evaluated for temperament and training before working with clients.
She’s witnessed countless breakthroughs, from nonverbal children speaking their first words to adults gaining confidence that carries into daily life. One memory stands out — a 10-year-old blind and partially amputee student who, while grooming a draft cross horse named Cashmere, accurately described her as “very fat” after feeling her side. “She may have been blind, but she could see far better than most,” the instructor said.
Looking ahead, Trail of Faith Farms hopes to make most services free for participants through donations and sponsorships. The current fundraising goal is a covered arena, which would allow lessons year-round and provide shelter for horses, livestock, and people during disasters. The facility is part of the Jones County disaster relief program, and the arena would also support that mission.
Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
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