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C H R O N O F H O R S E . C O M S U M M E R 2 014 133 behavioral, learning, physical and mental disabilities, from very young children to World War II veterans. "We found they become less isolated and more willing to socialize when they have the beauty of the farm around them and something to talk about," Hogan said. "Horses aren't without baggage sometimes, and they react if they get startled. at can be a wonderful learn- ing tool with people who might be a little bit brusque." Kittredge passed away in 2010 at the age of 86, but she "was determined to use horses to challenge those with disabilities to realize their potential,'' said her son, Charles Kittredge, who serves on Win- drush's Board of Directors today. at mission is continuing through programs that use equine therapy to help people discover freedom, mobility and emotional healing. With 28 horses on site, PATH-certified instructors, hun- dreds of volunteers and more than 195 acres of land to explore, the program is only improving with age. In 2009, Windrush also joined forces with the nearby towns of North Andover and Boxford and the Trust for Public Land to raise $3.5 million to purchase and preserve an additional 160 acres of land around the core 35 acres of the farm. Windrush now maintains the miles of trails that traverse the property, which are free and open to the public. "Windrush has a lot of history, and I think what makes us different is we still are a working farm," Hogan said. "Maintaining trails, haying fields—with the experienced staff and the incredibly trained horses, we've been able to reach out in many different ways to our clients and respond to the community needs around us." For many visitors, a trip to Windrush is more than just a chance to pet or ride a horse—it's an increasingly rare opportu- nity to connect with nature. "So many people don't have the opportunity to visit with animals, learn about their behaviors, be exposed to the wonderful wildlife that's out here," Hogan said. "For somebody who has not had the opportunity to get out into the woods or get out into a beautiful field and observe nature, a horse gives them four good legs to get out there and do what they want and see what they haven't been able to see. And that's the beauty to what we do." >> LEARN MORE: Visit the Windrush website at windrushfarm. org. >> GET IN TOUCH: Call the office at (978) 682-7855 or email info@windrushfarm.org. >> GET INVOLVED: Windrush is always looking for good therapy horses, monetary donations and on- site volunteers. Visit their website for information on how to contribute to the organization's 50th anniversary celebration. "For somebody who has not had the opportunity to get out into the woods or get out into a beautiful field and observe nature, a horse gives them four good legs to get out there and do what they want and see what they haven't been able to see," explained Win- drush Farm Executive Director Mandy Hogan.

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