Yes, it's a breathtaking spectacle of power, grace, and speed to witness a horse in full gallop. They are spectacular animals, but the connection goes far beyond their physical abilities. A horse's intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature continue to make them cherished companions and partners.
There is also a healing quality to being present with a horse.
Equine Assisted Therapy and Equus Coaching are innovative approaches to emotional healing and personal growth that harness the power of horses. These modalities have gained recognition and popularity for their unique ability to facilitate self-awareness, improve communication, and promote emotional well-being.
Equine Assisted Therapy, often referred to as equine therapy or horse therapy, is a therapeutic practice that involves interactions between individuals and horses. It is particularly effective in helping people with emotional or psychological challenges, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Equus Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on personal development and growth. It involves working with a certified Equus Coach in a non-riding, experiential setting. Participants engage in exercises with horses that require them to be present, authentic, and self-aware.
The Heartland Haven Foundation of Apopka launched its organization for the sole purpose of offering Equine Assisted Therapy and Equus Coaching to those who may not have the means to obtain this support.
But next month, you'll have the opportunity to see the farm in a less clinical setting:
1st Annual Fall Festival at Heartland Haven Ranch!
Saturday, October 14th, from 11 AM – 4 PM
Fun for the whole family!
After a long hot summer, come enjoy a family-fun day at the farm! Our 1st annual Fall Festival will feature a Hay Toss Competition & Obstacle Course Challenge Fundraiser (participants age 16 & older), sign-up on the day of the event for your chance to win some great prizes!
Enjoy getting back to nature with us and come visit us during this exciting event, complete with the Heartland horses, live music by Jordan Mohr, food trucks & shopping with vendors, kid play zone & craft area, raffle baskets, a 50/50 fundraising cash raffle, & much more!
All proceeds benefit the Heartland Haven Foundation and its mission to provide Equine Therapy for emotional healing to those in need.
*Free Admission and parking (Doors Open at 11 a.m.)
Event Details
Barn Games Fundraiser
Looking for some fun with your friends? Want to support a good cause?
Enter the Hay Toss Competition & Obstacle Course Challenge to help us raise funds to support emotional healing in our communities through Equine Therapy/Coaching sessions & to help care/provide for our rescued/rehabilitated horses.
- Hay Toss (12 & 2pm)
- Aim to throw a bale of hay the furthest distance
- Obstacle Course (1 & 3pm)
- Tire jump
- Water bucket balance beam
- Wheelbarrow race to finish line
Participants must be age 16 & older.
All fitness levels are welcome!
Enter to Win Prizes
Compete to win some great prizes, including a $250 gift card & spa massage packages!
How to Enter:
- Sign-up at the arena on the day of the event/$20 to enter
Live Music by Jordan Mohr
Nominee for Rising Star of the Year, Music Video of the Year, & Best Performance in a Music Video for the 2023 Josie Music Awards.
Jordan will be attending the Josie Music Awards ceremony at the Grande Ole Opry House in Nashville on 10.22.23. We wish her the best of luck on her nominations!
Jordan is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Orlando, FL. She enjoys many different genres, but country music has captured her heart.
In October 2021, Jordan dropped her debut single “Haunted House”; cowritten with Michael and Caroline Walker. It’s a song about not knowing what happens behind closed doors. So often, we assume someone’s life is perfect, especially through the lens of social media, but when you pull back the curtain there can be a lot of pain and heartache. Jordan is so proud of this song and hopes that when people listen to it they can come away with a little bit of a changed perspective.
This song speaks right to the heart of the Heartland Haven Foundation’s mission—further driving home the immense need for enhanced mental wellness in our communities.
Performance Details
Live performance by Jordan Mohr by the arena (12:15pm – 2pm). You won’t want to miss it!
Check out Jordan’s latest single & video: Smoking Gun
Festival music & event MC provided by Mickey “J” Productions and sponsored by Mickey’s Wood Crafts. Be sure to check them out!
Get Social
Local Artists & Craft Exhibitors
Get a jump start on holiday seasonal shopping!
Be sure to check out our local artists & craft exhibitors around the farm.
Interested in Being a Vendor?
$50/per 10′ x 10′ booth space.
Tents are to be provided by the vendor. Please keep in mind that the festival takes place on a farm. You will be in a grassy area and not on the pavement.
To apply to become a vendor, please complete the vendor application.
For more information, please contact Carissa at cburlakos@heartlandhavenfoundation.org.
Registration will close on October 1st.
Day of Event:
- Setup for vendors will open at 8am
- Setup to be completed by 10:45am
- Vendors to remain for the duration of the festival which runs from 11am – 4pm
Visit with Heartlands’ Healing Horses
Winston Churchill is believed to have said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Come and experience the healing powers of these magnificent animals. All of Heartlands’ horses have been rescued, retrained, & transitioned into therapy coaches after doing jobs that no longer suited them. Some have had more difficult pasts than others, but now, through HHF, they have a purpose of helping people heal and live their best lives!
Photo Opportunities
Say Cheese! The Heartland Herd will be available for self-taken photos with a fall-themed scenic background. Our horses will be accompanied by a Heartland Haven Team Member.
Kid Play Zone
Enjoy kid-friendly barnyard activities & crafts! Our kid zone will include a miniature obstacle course perfect for the little ones. Other kid-friendly activities: horseshoes, sack races, an arts & crafts station, and much more!
Together, We Can Make a Difference:
Suggested donation of $5/per kid to enter the kid play zone. Your generous donation will help us in our mission to help those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities
Fall Festival Volunteers Needed!
Earn Community Service Hours for the Bright Future Scholarship or Volunteer Just for Fun!
Want to help us make the Fall Festival the best day? We are looking for volunteers (15 & older) to lend a hand. Several shifts & activities will be available.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Event Set Up (Day before)
- Vendor Coordinator
- Parking Attendant
- Welcome Table
- Barn Assistant
- Kid Zone
- Competition Referee
- Competition Assistant
- Event Breakdown
Interested in Being an Event Volunteer?
For any volunteer questions or to sign up to volunteer for the Fall Festival, please email us at cburlakos@heartlandhavenfoundation.org.
Please include preferred volunteer activity & shift times available. Volunteer hours are between 10am – 5pm. If you would like to volunteer for the entire time, please specify. Please also include if you are volunteering for Bright Future Hours. Each volunteer will receive an event T-shirt.
