Ivy Hill is a state-of-the-art facility with top-notch care for both horses and riders. Every person is respected as a unique individual, the horses receive quality love and care, and the staff and volunteers are like a big family working toward a common cause: changing lives for the better through equine-assisted therapy.
Ivy Hill is an amazing therapeutic equestrian center!! It is a safe environment for riders at any level, where they can gain confidence and other life skills. IH has a warm and friendly staff, great programs along with clean and beautiful stables. Truly a great place to learn and grow!
The staff at Ivy Hill are incredibly welcoming and supportive, fostering an exceptional environment. Each horse is not only well-cared for but also displays remarkable temperament. Furthermore, the barn maintains impeccable cleanliness and organization. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at Ivy Hill and plan to continue doing so in the future.
Ivy Hill is an absolute gem in the field of equine therapy. Their staff is top notch and their facility is beautiful. Their horses are amazing and clearly well loved and cared for. It has been a joy to watch so many riders bloom mentally and physically in such a caring environment.
Ivy Hill is a wonderful facility for riders with special needs to achieve great accomplishments! Their wonderful instructors and staff members care greatly about the population they serve and it truly shows. Thank you Ivy Hill for all you do!
My son Matthew has been riding at Ivy Hill for 12 years. He has matured into a kind, caring, loving & compassionate man. Matthew has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, mild mental retardation, OCD, PTSD & ADHD. He has been through 3 very traumatic events in his life. With the support of the awesome instructors, owner & horses, he is healing. Ivy Hill is the best program in existence. Everyone is so caring, loving & patient, we are so grateful to be part of the amazing Ivy Hill family. We can never repay Ivy Hill for all they have done & continue to do. Matthew is a wonderful rider & competitor who takes great pride in representing Ivy Hill with his incredible horse Flash. I am a volunteer & a very proud mother. Thank you Ivy Hill for all you do & continue to do for us & all the children & adults that you serve & will serve. We love you Ivy Hill.
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a PATH certified facility offering the very best in equine therapy. The facilities are beautiful and clean, and the staff and program is friendly, accommodating and top notch.
I love Ivy Hill! They have excellent instructors that provide top notch care to the riders in our community. I’ve seen the effort put forth in pairing the rider with the best horse to meet the needs of the rider. Their PATH certification underlines the level of excellence that they display
I love all of the programs that they offer and they do great fundraisers to be able to continue to provide all of these wonderful services. The horses are beautiful and the grounds are kept up well. I would highly recommend anyone that enjoys horses or cares for animals to donate or go there if they want to do a family ride or know someone that would benefit from their offerings.
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is truly the best- The staff/volunteers are hard working, compassionate and kind to both horse and rider. The barn is organized, well maintained and safety is a priority. Management is top notice and Olivia takes incredible care of the horses. I feel very fortunate to be apart of this community!
I've been involved with Ivy Hill for the last several years, and I can definitely say that I am constantly impressed with the staff and facilities. They are always looking for ways to support the community and the staff is always dedicated to the mission.
My husband and I went to an event at this facility and were so impressed with what they do. I could tell how dedicated the staff is to Ivy Hill and the people they work with. They really make a difference in the community and the children they help.
Ivy Hill has been a pillar of the community for years and does important work for area children and veterans. While the grounds are beautiful and the barn is modern, there is an often unseen staff of people dedicated to the mission of Ivy Hill who care deeply about the people who come there and about the horses. This is a unique place doing special work.
I have been volunteering at Ivy Hill for over 3 years. It is truly a wonderful place! The staff is amazing! They truly care about the horses and the folks that ride them. It is so heartwarming to see the smiles on the riders faces! I love every minute I spend there.
I have been volunteering at Ivy Hill for more years than I can remember. I have watched riders bloom and grow from their horse being led in lessons to becoming totally independent riders. It is so rewarding to see the students succeed, and we celebrate their successes together. I love this place!
As the farrier for IVY HILL i cant express the amount of hard work and attention to detail that goes into the the care of the equines that are lucky enough to call that facility there home. From horses big to small they have them all to meet the needs of the students where they learn everything they need to be great equestrian and enough memories to last a lifetime
I've been riding with the Adult Class for over a year now and I look forward to it each week. The horses are so gentle and friendly. I started out on Big Sam (see photo) - he was very patient with me as I got reacquainted with riding after many years. I now ride Casper and we've developed a very close relationship. The staff is amazing - so patient and knowledgeable! If you're looking for a weekly outing in the country and enjoy horses, then I highly recommend our Adult Class.
Ivy Hill is a hidden gem in Bucks County. The facility is perfectly set up to cater to the needs of the riders. Everything from the special footing in the arena, the lower ceiling to lessen echo's, the giant fans to keep the horses and riders cool to the ramp and lift to enable riders to mount their horses. All of the horses are catered to and treated so incredibly well! The organization of the tack room is such a great way to enable the riders to be able to find and gather the tack they need for their lesson! I highly recommend Ivy Hill to anyone who would benefit from a therapeutic riding facility.
Amazing organization! I am impressed with the quality of the staff and the compassion they have for people and horses. It is a blessing to have this organization in this area.
My 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD recently. She has thrived at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. She is incredibly focused on the task and hand and her skills have greatly improved since she started to ride. We are so grateful to the Ivy Hill staff for helping her be her best self!
This place is amazing! The staff and volunteers love the work they do which is why this organization is so great. Very welcoming and homey atmosphere.
Ivy Hill provides amazing opportunities for individuals to grow and prosper. They are a great member of our community.
My daughter has been riding, volunteering, and working at Ivy Hill now for years. She has gained such a sense of empowerment by forming relationships with the animals and their riders and owners. Interaction with everyone at the barn has helped her become more social and flexible dealing with and working around the horses moods, attitudes and personality and also recognizing and assisting with the needs of the people she is helping.
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I can’t thank Ivy Hill enough. My daughter has been struggling with an expressive receptive communication disorder and social anxiety since second grade. She has always been more introverted, and it takes her a bit longer to feel comfortable when meeting new people. She has always gravitated toward bonding with animals and we knew therapeutic riding would be a great fit for her. We initially tried riding lessons at another barn and while the people were knowledgeable, they lacked the ability to diversify their teaching in a way that made it easy for my daughter. Through word of mouth and a discussion with our pediatrician we stumbled upon Ivy Hill and couldn’t be happier. This is my daughter’s niche. She has formed friendships with peers and staff alike, has a sense of calmness when around her equine companions and now volunteers on a weekly basis. I feel like this experience, maybe better termed as a lifestyle for those who also have a love of horses, has given my daughter confidence and an outlet for her anxiety. I’d also like to think that life experience adds to our success as a person and that Ivy Hill has and will continue to offer positive life experience to aid in my daughter’s success.
I have been to some of the fund raising events where they have families speak about how they have been blessed by their program! It helps change the lives of children with special needs and gives their families hope!
This nonprofit is such a wonderful organization. The volunteers and board members are very much dedicated to this very important mission. I’ve heard stories from individuals who actually have benefitted from Ivy Hill. We support them and will continue to do so.
I first learned about this nonprofit organization about 5 years. I am have been to several events and I cannot say enough. What a wonderful place! This nonprofit organization works with a group of individuals who are limited. Ivy Hill puts a program together for each individual so they are given an opportunity to shine!! They are part of a family out side for their own family. The support, encouragement and love that each person is given shows on their face. Smiles are so big.
I got involved with Ivy Hill when I met the director while at a horse riding lesson with my daughter. We were invited to a fundraiser not knowing exactly what equestrian therapeutic riding actually was.
When I heard the testimony from the children and their parents I was in awe. To see their lives before and after Ivy Hill I knew I had to get involved. Little did I know how this event and the hope shared by this organization would impact me later.
Before 2016 I didn’t have anyone close to me who was physically challenged. That changed when my grandson was born. He was taken to CHOP soon after birth because of seizures. We would soon find out that he had had a stroke and cerebral palsy. The chances of him walking and talking was very slim. It made me even MORE motivated to get involved with Ivy Hill.
I have since involved my friends and coworkers in the fundraising for this amazing nonprofit. My only wish is that I could do more.
The staff, volunteers, parents and the riders themselves are all remarkable human beings and the horses are all awesome!
Ivy Hill is an inclusive space that always strives to serve its riders and their families in as many ways as possible. They take amazing care of their horses and facility, and they contribute so much to their community! I am proud to say I am a part of this organization and love seeing the work and care we can all accomplish together.
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Ivy Hill is an incredible organization to work with, and for! I started as a volunteer here several years ago, and eventually moved into the position of Volunteer Coordinator last month. The employees here make Ivy Hill a genuine and welcoming place, the volunteers reflect lifelong dedication and hard work, and the riders show determination, they radiate positivity, and they teach everyone here that anything is possible. As a volunteer I had the opportunity to work with one rider specifically who told me during our first lesson together in September that her goal was to get a first place ribbon at Special Olympics that spring. While I was internally doubtful at first, I watched her work so incredibly hard over the next six months, challenging her mind and her body, and eventually I got to hear all about her winning that first place ribbon! While the instructors and volunteers have a lot to teach our riders, our riders have even more to teach us about life, hope, and love. I could not be more grateful for my time at Ivy Hill, and I will not be leaving anytime soon!
After retiring as an Operations Leader of a global enterprise, I looked forward to making contributions at a local level. Ivy Hill Equestrian Therapy Center’s mission and vision attracted my interest given their focus of wellness, advocacy and purpose throughout the entirety of the community. Coupled with my interest in horses and small farm maintenance, I am thrilled to be volunteering with this non-profit organization by supporting the horses’ health and maintenance as they provide life-changing therapy for underserved children and adults with disabilities.
Although there are many documented testimonies and stories, I was able to see the impact or “beauty” of the entire Ivy Hill community (staff, volunteers, and children) as they came together this summer for weekly day camps. Witnessing the smiles and high engagement levels of the campers, the dedication and supportiveness of the volunteers and finally, the passion, organizational skills and expertise of the program staff was indeed a story of a strong dynamic and symbiotic process. I can’t express enough the benefits of the bond created between the horse and the camper … one literally sees the dynamics of increased confidence, fun, and learnings for the children of our community.
Kudos to Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center for successfully providing hope to our children and their families through the support of horses and love! Although this sounds like a basic formula, it’s a much greater complex effort requiring the focused management of internal operations and stakeholders. Ivy Hill has highly credentialed managers for the Program, Outreach, Volunteers and Barn Support and they mobilize the mission and inspire their staff, the volunteers and their donors. They lead by example and provide opportunities for others to engage with their cause. This non-profit is high-performing and I have no doubt that they will pursue and achieve even greater large-scale social impact.
I highly endorse others to join the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian mission either through volunteering, donations, or enjoying their services!
When I first came to Ivy Hill, I immediately noticed the family-like atmosphere. Everyone is so kind and caring, professional, and accommodating. The horses are so gentle and understanding and make every rider feel safe. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly. The mission of this non-profit is very closely followed and everyone is treated with respect and compassion. I cannot say enough good things about this facility and its people.
I couldn’t be prouder to be working with Ivy Hill in their mission to create an inclusive environment committed to finding opportunities for impact within the special needs community.
We have been apart of the Ivyhill family for 11 years. My 2 sets of twins are special needs kiddos growing up Ivy. My 14 year old Severely Autistic son bonded with the horses and his instructor early on. All he has learned about communication has carried through to his everyday life. Same for my other son that is 14. He learned how to ride but also process information, build relationships with the horses and staff. My 2 girl Twins, 12, both medically struggle. One born with a severe heart defect, she endured many heart surgery and finally a heart transplant. She would always come back to the barn to physically and mentally recover from she had been through. She says she always feels better inside after her lesson. My other daughter, she has hearing loss, severe anxiety, enduring 12 reconstructive surgeries , and has recently become diabetic. She has learned confidence, trust, self esteem and love of horses from Ivyhill. Ivyhill has supported all of my kids and our family. They have given my children so much that they will carry forward. They have helped them learn, heal and feel safe while giving them independence. The horses, instructors and volunteers are super special and the board thinks of their horses and their riders and takes excellent care of both.
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My 4 special kids have grown up Ivy Hill. We are a special family made up of 2 sets of twins, each of the 4 children being diagnosed with disabilities. Our family found Ivy Hill when the boys were just 3 and that was the start of an amazing bond for my children with horse and teacher. The boys made a connection that was so inspiring to watch that when the girls were 3 they too became part of the experience. Alex and Aaron are now 12 years old. Alex is non-verbal severely Autistic, with sensory disorder and Aaron has ASD resulting in social struggle and focus. Abigail and Aleena are now 10 years old. Abigail has hearing loss, severe speech delay, severe anxiety and has under gone many surgeries for eye issues. Aleena was born with a heart defect, requiring many surgeries, the most recent in January 2019. As a result of her surgeries much damage has been done to the rest of her body and her brain, resulting in a ASD diagnosis as well. The girls look forward to riding every week and get very excited when we talk about the past years or plans for horse camp. They both get so much more out of it from a parent perspective, they find confidence in themselves, independence, responsibility and a sense of belonging. They also are strengthening their bodies while doing something they enjoy. They have a place to go where they are not judged on their abilities or made to feel different. They come home so proud of doing something new on the horses. They get a chance to really bond with the horses and there is so much to be said for a friend with hooves. Thanks to the fantastic group of staff and volunteers, the kids have bonded with the Staff and volunteers too, not just the horses. Our family is so grateful for this wonderful program and all those involved; we enjoy watching the children blossom with each year they attend. Currently, only 2 of the children are riding due to the financial cost of riding. Please consider this amazing program to help families offset the cost to give these truly special children and adults opportunity to benefit from this incredible program.
As a volunteer I will always remember my first day watching the kids ride in the arena. I felt I was in a dream. It was so beautiful just watching these very brave kids doing hard things. For a lot of them this is not easy they have a lot of things against them but seeing them conquer those things on the backs of the horses they love so much. Watching their amazing teachers help them reach their goals, taking time each week to meet them were they are at and watching the students grow and blossom under the love of their horses and the caring people of Ivy hill.
My name is Debbie Knouse. I am a volunteer & parent of a rider at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie, PA. My son Matthew is 27 years old & has been riding at Ivy Hill for 10 years. Matthew has PTSD, OCD, ADHD mild mental retardation & Autism Spectrum Disorder. Matthew has a very special relationship with all the horses, instructors, owners & fellow riders. Before Ivy Hill, Matthew was very shy & withdrawn. Since starting to ride he has come out of his shell, has done things with confidence, love & strength that comes from within. Ivy Hill has given me the wonderful, loving, kind & compassionate young man that he is today. Matthew loves competing at Ivy Hill & traveling to competitions at Penn State & Thorncroft. He enjoys showing everyone what he knows & can do. All this was unreachable until Ivy Hill. We found home when we found Ivy Hill. As a volunteer, I am in awe of all the horses that are so gentle, patient & so very full of unconditional love. They are the best therapists both mentally & physically. The instructors give their all & are awesome with the children. The owners are the best. You are not just a client you are family. Thank you Ivy Hill for all you do for me & Matthew. We love you.
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My name is Debra Knouse & my son Matthew suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder, mild Mental Retardation, OCD, ADHD, Depression & PTSD. Matthew has been riding at Ivy Hill almost 8 years. He has competed in many home horse shows as well as the Handicapped Rider Division of Devon (Thorncroft) & has qualified for Special Olympics summer games at Penn State & has won many ribbons & medals. Before joining Ivy Hill, Matthew was very shy, introverted, poor posture & poor eye contact. Matthew met his first horse Sonny who he immediately fell in love with. Sonny carried Matthew through many shows & awards. Sonny has since retired so now Declan, Blue, Flash & the rest of the amazing horses of Ivy Hill has given him so much love, patience & understanding. Ivy Hill has given me my gentle, loving, kind, compassionate son back. His posture, eye contact & social skills have blossomed. Matthew had a very devastating life event, not related to Ivy Hill about 2 years ago. This event has knocked him down but with the love & support of the horses, instructors, volunteers, board of directors & owners he is starting to get back to himself. We can't imagine life without Ivy Hill & we are very proud to be part of the wonderful Ivy Hill family. In addition to being this wonderful young mans mother I am also a volunteer. I see first hand how these horses & programs change children's lives for the better.
I got to know Ivy Hill in 2020 through my volunteer work in the barn and at lessons. The care the foundation puts forth to the horses as well as the families / students is remarkable. The purpose of the foundation is at the core of every interaction, decision and touch point with each individual rider. I have been incredibly touched by this experience and would recommend to anyone seeking a therapeutic riding program or for anyone looking to 'give some time to a worth while cause. Early in 2021 I joined the board, and I have found this partnership to be one of an elevated caliber with truly inspiring people. The smiles are plentiful at Ivy Hill, it truly is the highlight of my day!
Ivy Hill had an amazing impact on shaping our son, Sean’s life. Sean was born with developmental delays back in 1996. We spent many hours at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia watching doctors perform neurological tests, genetic tests, and MRIs. Sean was poked and prodded so many times in the first three years of his life but nothing ever came back conclusive. He was put in the general category of delayed. We immediately began speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to try and help him reach his childhood milestones. He was also very shy and would stand off to the side to observe others until he was sure of them. His speech and low muscle tone hindered his social interactions the most. Sometimes his peers couldn’t understand what he was saying and it was too hard for Sean to keep up with his friends running and playing sports.
Around the age of 9, a neighbor mentioned Ivy Hill, a place where kids can learn to horseback ride as a therapy. This was one therapy where Sean didn’t even realize he was working because he was having so much fun! After a lot of training, Sean went to his first Special Olympics at Penn State in June 2006. Sean fell in love with competing and found a home with the horses where he could just be himself. As a parent, it was so comforting to see our shy little boy come out of his shell and gain self-confidence.
The instructors at Ivy Hill are all amazing, patient, and hardworking individuals. They treat our children with respect and teach them to push themselves to reach their goals. Sean has ridden so many different horses over the years which helped him improve both mentally and physically by leaps and bounds. Most importantly, horseback riding has improved his memory and processing skills. A rider has to learn to plan ahead and work with the horse together. They become a team.
Looking back at our pictures, one sees a boy who couldn’t sit up straight on the horse and steer for himself, but now one sees a young man sitting tall in the saddle with a huge smile on his face while holding all his blue ribbons. There is just no way to thank Megan and Janna, his two amazing instructors enough. Ivy Hill has helped turn our quiet, shy, uncoordinated young boy into a confident, smart, amazing rider. Ivy Hill also gave Sean his first job as an afternoon feeder and barn worker. Sean absolutely loved it all.
The guidance of Ivy Hill’s compassionate instructors gave Sean a strong foundation that he could continually build upon. In the fall of 2015, Sean took all his wonderful memories of Ivy Hill and started the next chapter of his life at college. In 2019, he graduated and now has a job working with animals. Ivy Hill is there when families need them the most. We will forever be grateful to them for all their hard work helping Sean realize his potential and reach for his dreams.
I had the good fortune of joining IvyHill in March of 2018 as a substitute instructor. Recently, I have moved into weekly instructor and volunteer coordinator roles. Everyone at Ivy Hill is welcoming and helpful. I have been so impressed by this organization! Having had experiences as an instructor and volunteer at other therapeutic riding facilities, I can say this is by far the most inclusive and family-centered organization I have encountered. Families are extremely grateful for the experience their children are receiving and show that by giving back as volunteers to the organization. I am grateful to have been welcomed into the Ivy Hill family and look forward to meeting many more wonderful riders and their families over the years. I would highly recommend Ivy Hill!
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is assisting help train many students from the Bucks County Intermediate Unit about the do's and don'ts of working on an ongoing basis. They learn practical information about working plus many soft skills and finer points of social interaction at a workplace. The Bucks IU truly appreciates this opportunity to move students forward as they transition to the workplace upon graduation.
I was first introduced to Ivy Hill Therapeutic Riding Center through my job. I ran the PSU Extension Master Gardener Program and one of the volunteers, who is also a Master Gardener, asked for support in adding a garden component to the program. Since my own platform in the Master Gardener program was Outdoor Classrooms for youth, I was very interested.
What I found was a wonderful opportunity to work with people who support those with varying disabilities. My own children grew up in the 4H Equine program, so a connection to that part of Ivy Hill's program was of great interest. I now have a grandson who is on the Autism Spectrum, so I feel even more connected. To help and be on the ground floor of the development of the horticulture aspect at Ivy Hill was just one more plus in their favor as far as I was concerned.
Since the beginning of the horticulture program, I have witnessed a steady growth in the development of that portion of Ivy Hill's vision. What started out with a few pots planted at the driveway entrance, has evolved into gardens around the front and side entrances of the building, gardens around a gazebo where clients may sit and take in the plants and wildlife they attract. A greenhouse to propagate plants for the gardens and a water retention feature to capture rain from the greenhouse roof. There is always steady progress with the horticulture program, that is visible with each growing season.
I feel very thankful to have been asked to support this program, even into my retirement. Horticulture programs are therapeutic, educational and may be tailored to the specific needs of the clients. They also do not happen overnight. The horticulture program involves living organisms that are dependent on things such as weather, sometimes favorable and sometimes not and commitment. The Ivy Hill staff, volunteers and clients are committed and I am happy to be a small part of their story.
Linda Hoade
Lukas started therapeutic horse back riding when he was 4 years old. This was one of many therapies we tried to improve his low tone and coordination disorder. We found Ivy Hill about 7 years ago and thats when “just another therapy” became so much more. At Ivy Hill, the interaction with the horse, grooming and tacking was new for him. The relationship between his instructors and the volunteers quickly became friendships. The opportunities to compete at Special Olympics became opportunities to grow socially and become independent.
Now as a volunteer he has the opportunity to be a mentor and a helpful part of his community. This makes him feel so very proud!
Ivy Hill has very quickly gone from “just another therapy” to a sense of accomplishment, pride and family.
It is very hard to put into words how much Ivy Hill means to our family, they have given Lukas so much! Lukas loves “his” barn, they have given him his place of belonging.
Horses+Love=Hope
I've seen first-hand the work that Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has done with their clients. Their staff and volunteers are top-notch and you can really see their passion in their work. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel as though you are part of the family. Whether you are staff, volunteer, client, parent, board member, etc., you can see how much care goes into everything they do.
After becoming disabled later in life due to several strokes, I have been so glad to find that Ivy Hill is pleased and able to provide riding instruction for seniors!
The staff is great! Everyone is knowledgeable, kind and fun.
It has been decades since my childhood riding days, so it is a joy to have the experience again, despite my disability.
Ken
Casey is a special needs, deaf volunteer with Ivy Hill and his experience has been nothing short of AMAZING! The staff and other volunteers are top notch and every single person goes above and beyond to make Casey feel included. Casey's "dream job" post-high school was to work with horses. Ivy Hill has made Casey's dream come true and given him a great purpose and feeling of accomplishment. His "work" days with Ivy Hill are some of his favorite and he wakes up every morning asking if he gets to go work with the horses. We are so thankful to the team and opportunity that Ivy Hill has provided to Casey and look forward to watching him grow with the organization for many years to come!
As a job coach with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22 for children and young adults with Special needs, I have had the opportunity to work at Ivy Hill with students of all levels. Ivy Hill is an exceptional and welcoming place. Our students can come here and gain the skills to make them competitive in today’s job market. Ivy Hill opens its doors to our students without any preconceived stereotypes of students with special needs and provides them an environment to grow into confident individuals. I have watched my students achieve so much after working at Ivy Hill. On a personal level, as a parent of a child with Special Needs, places such as Ivy Hill are hard to come by. They should be applauded for the wonderful work that they do. They give this Special Population HOPE!!
I have had an exceptional experience at Ivy Hill since I started working here in April of 2018 as the barn manager. The horses are all wonderful and have great temperaments. It is a beautiful thing to watch the way these patient and sweet horses interact with the riders, and the way the horses bring joy to everyone who interacts with them. Another thing that I appreciate about Ivy Hill is how inclusive it is. It is a place where anyone can come to feel safe and free of judgement, no matter what issues they may be working through. Ivy Hill is truly a place where you can go and see miracles happen right before your eyes.
Sincerely,
Kayley Erla
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit is very happy to be starting into the second year here at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center where many Bucks IU students have the opportunity to learn what it is like to have a volunteer work experience. These experiences in the past have helped greatly in leading to paid positions as students learn what work is about as a volunteer. They practice time management and learn specific skills that may help in gaining future employment. The many soft skills needed at all jobs are also put into practice here, getting to work on time, consistently, calling in if out sick which also leads to future success in the workplace. Thank you Ivy Hill for the opportunity here with our students!
Hi, my name is Stephanie Hamburger. I came to Ivy Hill as a volunteer in 2017 to help in my recovery from a traumatic brain injury that I had suffered in the summer of 2016. Little did I know that coming to Ivy Hill would change my life forever. When I first walked through the doors, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. Along with the staff, all of the horses have welcomed me into their family too. Here, at Ivy Hill, I have found a place where I feel loved and accepted, despite my limitations from my injury. As a result of my injury, I have had to adapt to a whole new life and during this process I had lost my sense of purpose. While volunteering, I have been able to create a completely new purpose for myself and my life. I have developed an entire new set of skills, goals, and aspirations for myself, which all include horses. Ivy Hill has helped reshape my life and has helped me find the courage to continue on in my journey called life.
Ivy Hill is the BEST! My daughter has been riding here since she was five years old and is now ten. The team at Ivy Hill was instrumental in strengthening Evie’s core which helped her to start walking sooner than she would have. My daughter has gained strength physically and emotionally as well since starting her lessons and we can’t imagine ever stopping! As a result of the training and support at Ivy Hill, Evie recently participated in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics and was awarded two Gold Medals! We are forever grateful to the staff at Ivy Hill and would highly recommend this facility..
As teachers working with children most of our adult lives, my husband and I sought to combine our love of kids with an opportunity to make a difference in our community, and if possible, tie that in with our affinity for animals! We began volunteering at Ivy Hill in June of 2017. Our volunteer work with Ivy Hill in the therapeutic riding program proved to be so much more than just a perfect fit.
Ivy Hill has an amazing staff; passionate, professional and talented. It is a beautiful thing to witness the instructors not just teaching their riders skills, but interacting with them in a way which gives them authentic experiences in sportsmanship, access to challenging equestrian tasks and provides them with essential life skills.
Riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to do their individual best in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere; yet there exists standards and expectations to follow and maintain. It’s difficult to imagine a more perfect inclusive therapeutic environment to build not only equestrian skills, but confidence, rigor and and self-esteem.
I can attest to this not only as a former special education teacher for 27 years, but as a new rider at Ivy Hill. I had a major fall in October of 2016 and suffered a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury. After more than a year of various therapies and major surgery, I was cleared to ride. What better place to start over? My doctors agreed.
Although I had ridden Western as a child and into my twenties, I knew I would enjoy the transition to English riding. What did surprise me were the strides I would make in balance, strength, confidence and coordination so immediately. And those were just the physical results; my husband and I are thrilled with my newfound confidence, self-esteem and a decrease in my anxiety. So much so that we decided to increase my lessons to six lessons per month. My volunteering experience has now come full circle and I could not be more excited for the future with Ivy Hill.
As a person who previously worked for 2 very successful non-profits, I welcomed the invitation to join the Board at Ivy Hill. After a period of being at home raising my children, I was pleased to be involved with an organization with a mission such as Ivy Hill and excited to rejoin the non-profit world. Of course, initially there was a period of sitting back to understand and grasp what the organization did and comprehend the operations. I am so pleased to say that this organization is as true as it initially appeared to me. This is a groups of committed people who are striving to enhance the lives of every person they work with through pure love and equine therapy. It has been privilege to be a part of such a kind and true charity. Observing the lessons and activities at Ivy Hill speaks for itself. I would encourage anyone reading this to schedule a visit and see for yourself. It will speak volumes!
Throughout the past fifteen years of my life, I have traveled to every corner of Bucks County riding at any and every barn, and Ivy Hill was practically famous in this county. I started out as a young girl with a dream: become an equestrian. I began riding at the age of seven, and I was fortunate enough to cultivate my passion for horses and helping people into a life-changing and extraordinarily rewarding career. After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I was hired here as a trainer and a Volunteer Coordinator. I can honestly describe this place as being one of a kind. Each student is viewed as an individual and they set their own goals, which allows each lesson to be tailored directly to them. The freedom our riders experience during their lessons is unmatched. I am fortunate enough to witness miracles happen and lives change day in and day out. The people I have met here are relentless in giving to others and I am constantly inspired by all of them. I wouldn't trade the friendships I have discovered and the lessons I have learned for the world. In simple terms, Ivy Hill truly is a Great Nonprofit.
I work at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie PA. I am the janitor. My duties include but not limited to cleaning the offices, viewing area, the conference room and the bathrooms. My schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm.
I enjoy working there because the people I have met are friendly and supportive of me. The atmosphere is kind and friendly, we all work together to make the riding experience carefree and positive.
I have seen people improve their self-confidence, posture and strength. I have seen kids that never smile come in and smile while on the horse and after riding. I have also seen kids come running to get on their favorite horse and hug their assistances.
Ivy Hill makes you feel like family. Whether you are a currently working volunteering, riding or a past worker volunteer or rider you are welcomed with open arms.
Two of my children started riding at Ivy Hill this year. My daughter is blossoming at Ivy Hill right before my eyes. She is growing in confidence, gaining new critical thinking skills, and enjoying socialization in a safe and welcoming environment. I've truly never seen inclusion done so well. No matter what mood my daughter walks into Ivy Hill with she always leaves happy and calm. Equine therapy has become a huge blessing to us!
My 4 year old son was recently adopted from China and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He had only been walking for about a year when we started lessons and I've seen him gain the core strength necessary to run, jump and start to swim this summer. Every week his instructor and I celebrate the milestones he is now meeting. Hippo therapy is truly changing his life!
What makes Ivy Hill stand out is the inclusive, innovative nature of the program and staff. Ivy Hill uses the equine experience to support anyone who could benefit from it. Their programs reach out to people of all walks of life and truly bolster the community in any way it can. This non-profit is always improving-they are not afraid of change but embrace it. This is because that is what their therapeutic program is designed to do- constantly support and improve the lives of it's clients. Ivy Hill is an integrative family- the donors and clients and volunteers and staff all work with each other in a way where there isn't isolation between the groups. This is important because integrating these facets of a non profit leads to more effective and efficient learning for all.
I worked and volunteered at Ivy Hill for two years and I still stay connected with them. Ivy Hill is equine therapy at it's finest.
As a parent ,we strive to do the best for our children. As a parent of a Special Needs child it seems that we always have to fight for everything, health care, education,special equipment. How far from that grind was the program we found at Ivy Hill.
This therapeutic equestrian center has proven to be a God send. The instructors, the HORSES and everyone involved is just awesome everyday.
The center is welcoming ,informative and trained to perfection.
My daughter Holly started riding here 4 years ago at a time when she really needed to find something for herself , something that she could do all on her own. Ivy Hill has allowed her the independence to explore her love of horses and better yet ,to learn how to ride. More importantly, riding independently ,something I never thought was possible has had such a dramatic impact on Holly sometimes I just sit back in awe.
People would tell me wait and see she will change. Therapeutic riding will help her walk and talk improve her strengths and her social graces. Yeah , right , at 30 years old I didn't think so. After all I am her mom and I know everything!
Well MOM guess what, Holly's strength has improved her mobility and her speech has improved , most of all her independent thinking has improved. I have no one to thank but Ivy Hill and their exceptional team.
Would I recommend Ivy Hill,? In a New York second! They should be applauded for their dedication, knowledge and patience for each and every rider who walks through the barn doors. No one is turned away. If you are 8 to 80 just do it . You won't be sorry.
Sincerely
Jeanne mctamney
MOM
What a wonderful place! My 3 daughters love going to horse camp here! The staff is friendly and the facility is well maintained and very nice. I would definately recommend it.
The excellent instructors at the farm helped get one of my girls to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles! Because of their excellent instruction she not only became a more accomplished rider but also became more confident and outgoing. While at the Olympics she won a Gold and two Silver medals!! She has gone on to give numerous speeches about her experiences at schools, Olympus Camera, other farms.. she has even been in parades! Her next appearance will be at Lifepath's annual golf outing fundraising event on August 8th. I can't say enough about how great Ivy Hill is!!
I've been working with Ivy Hill for over 10 years! The work we do is truly amazing and the horses are miracle workers!
I starting helping a bit with some events for Ivy Hill and I am so impressed with the good that working with horses does for the clients! The staff at Ivy Hill are so caring. I recommended that a coworker see if it would be helpful for his child and have really seen this little boy blossom since he has been riding.
Being an intern for Ivy Hill has been an amazing experience. Working with people who are so passionate and caring about the role they have for this foundation is very inspiring. I really feel like the work I am doing is important and I feel that helping the facility and the horses really makes a difference for the participants of Ivy Hill. Getting to see the summer camp in action and the lessons happen really helps me focus because I know the work I do here is helping so many people. This opportunity for me to see how Ivy Hill operates has been one I'm very grateful for.
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is FANTASTIC because of its holistic approach to its mission. They use hippo therapy in so many applications, and continue to look for more applications. People of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can feel comforted by the staff and horses alike. How do I know this? I spent 40 hours a week for 10 weeks at this facility last summer as a camp counselor and volunteer. This summer I am working as an Intern focusing on making Ivy Hill a more environmentally friendly place. Our collaborative project includes rainwater harvesting, manure management via composting, and a summer produce garden. Just another way to show that at Ivy Hill, we care about positive change, including our environmental impact!
Ivy Hill is supported (in part) by the VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn for its program, "Silver Reins and Golden Saddles". Having worked with numerous programs to support the elderly and disabled over the years, I can vouch for the difference made in the lives of older and disabled adults, when Ivy Hill's program reached out into the community to touch the lives of many in senior centers, senior housing, and adult daily living centers. For those older adults, the special connection and therapy of relating to their new equine friends generated more than just smiles, but provided an increased sense of well-being, and a connection to life in a new way. Having witnessed this program and the difference their equine therapy provides, I want others in the community to know that the programs at Ivy Hill have made a significant difference to those served!
Joanne Kline, VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn
I am an Activities Director at a Nursing and Rehab Center in Warminster and I was fortunate enough to be able to experience the joy that Ivy Hill and their horses brought to our residents. A family member of one of our residents put us in touch with this wonderful center and from the moment I talked to them I knew we were in for a special treat. Our facility has a wide range of seniors including long-term residents, rehab patients, and residents with cognitive impairments and it was really amazing to see the way that they reacted to seeing these beautiful horses. Their eyes lit up and it sparked so many memories for them. It did not matter if they had some memory impairment or if they were cognitively intact, there was something about this experience that really touched them all. The families that were visiting their loved ones watched and their eyes welled up in tears in seeing how their loved one interacted with the horses. We really appreciated how the staff worked with our population with such kindness and patience. We are so grateful to have been put in contact with such a fantastic organization. We really look forward to our next visit and value the relationship we have built.
My daughter Sophia has Diplegic Cerebral Palsy and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Sophia was delayed in all major milestones, crawling, sitting, walking and so many more. We were told more then once she would never talk, or walk with out assistance. She has low muscle tone, and tires easily, her leg muscles are especially tight, her trunk is weak and the list goes on. In addition to these physical disabilities she also has a learning disability that causes her to face life with many challenges. So learning in the traditional sense is difficult for her. Despite all this we have always encouraged Sophia to have as normal a life as possible because she is so really so much more then what her medical records or IEP shows. She is smart, sassy, funny, brave, stubborn, happy and confident. And Ivy Hill is a big reason why.
We brought Sophia to Ivy Hill at the encouragement of my Mother about 10 years ago. She had read about the benefits of Therapeutic riding and thought is would be a great fit for us. . At the time Sophia was completely non-verbal and her hearing was just coming back. She communicated through Sign language and an aug board. I couldn’t imagine how this was going to work. But the moment she walked through the barn doors none of that mattered anymore. You see the great thing about horses, is that they don’t discriminate. She made instant friends with her first ride Bean and they bonded on a level I don’t think I can explain. In fact Bean became one of her first words when she began speaking. And she named everything “Bean”. I even have an Uncle whose name has since become Uncle Bean. The connection made between rider and a horse is one of acceptance and understanding.
Therapeutic Riding provides benefits you may not even be aware of and is not limited to children or young adults. In fact my mom who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, starting riding here the same time as Sophia and she was in her 60’s. Let’s talk about the physical benefits we saw first. Both their balance and trunk strength improved. I saw this instantly with Sophia and still see improvement while she’s riding and after her lessons. With my mom this would last several days. She would notice the ability to control muscles she hadn’t felt prior. Tighten muscles were stretched and used in ways to help overall stability. So the entire body is becoming more controllable through therapy because their body is synching with the rhythm of the horse. No other therapy we’ve had has this much effect during and after a session for either my mom or my daughter.
Additionally therapeutic riding can help increase focus and attention. Following instructions, putting your horse’s needs before your own and trusting your horse as much as you are asking him to trust you. Listening behaviors, communication skills, and sensory issues the list goes on and on. The impact of this type of therapy cannot be under estimated.
But there is something else happening here in this program, something beyond the horses and what they give our riders. Ivy Hill has something that we have never encountered before or since, something that makes them unique. And that is the staff. The people involved in a program like this can either make it or break it. They have to be passionate about the riders, the horses and the mission. They have to be accepting, patient, and understanding. They have to be invested! Some how we hit the jacket pot. My Mom rode with both Janna and Rachel. They treated her with respect and dignity. They understood her limitations and fears, and they made the experience wonderful for her. Sophia has had a lesson from almost everyone here at one point but her primary instructors are Megan and Janna. These ladies were the number one draft picks for Soph. For us they are honestly a huge part in what takes this program from good to exceptional. They are game changers; in fact for us they have reinvented the game. We often say we have the best in both worlds with them because they each have a unique approach to Sophia and that works. I’ve heard many other parents speak of their instructors here the same way, because when someone is “all-in” with you it’s hard to loose. We have watched Sophia grow from a shy non-verbal little girl to a confident young lady, who will be happy to talk your ear off if given the chance.
All parents want their child to grow up and live a “normal” life. We are no different. We want our kids to forge their own path and our job is to do our best we can to make that happen. We have tried to raise Sophia to know no boundaries. Her body and her mind play tricks on her and set limits for her every second, of every day and we don’t need to add to that. We need to find ways to work through that and they do.
Ivy Hill treats Sophia like Sophia.
Janna and Megan believe in our daughter as much as we do, and they have become among of the most important people in her life. They push her when she needs it, they pick her up when she falls, they encourage her to make goals and support her attempts to reach them and they celebrate with her when she succeeds. They are her friends, her teachers, her role models and her biggest supporters. To us, to Sophia they are Ivy Hill.
Riding at Ivy Hill has changed Sophia’s life, and I can’t imagine where we would be without this team
My son Evan is a rider at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. He has grown in so many different ways since he began horseback riding in the supportive community and encouraging environment that is Ivy Hill.
Evan has been riding at Ivy Hill since August of 2015. Prior to his first lesson, he participated in two years of outpatient therapy, with a combination of intensive occupational therapy and physical therapy. But Evan needed more. My husband and I were looking for additional support and opportunities for Evan to grow and thrive. We wanted something for Evan that allowed him to feel good about himself, to gain an experience that he could carry with him throughout his life and for him to know pure joy.
Then, Evan started riding at Ivy Hill.
In the two years that he has been riding, he has learned the rules of the barn, the routine of how to care for the horse before each lesson, the way to use reins and how important it is to listen to his instructor. He has developed greater balance on and off of the horse. He has gained self-confidence, especially in the barn and while riding. His core muscles have grown stronger and his posture has improved on and off the horse. He continues to learn how to listen and follow complex instructions. Evan does not have a clear diagnosis. He continues to have challenges related to sensitivity processing issues as well as a difficult time focusing on multi-step instructions. Even without a clear diagnosis or obvious physical delay, he is welcome at Ivy Hill and continues to grow within the program and therapeutic offerings.
Today Evan describes Ivy Hill as being ‘like home.’ He does not realize that Ivy Hill is a place for children with challenges or health issues. He knows that Ivy Hill is a place where people smile and love. He knows that Ivy Hill is a place that has some awesome horses and great people who love the horses. He knows that at Ivy Hill he can learn and grow, at his own pace. He also knows that at Ivy Hill he is accepted for who he is, not for what he can or cannot do.
I believe that at Ivy Hill, Evan experiences pure joy and for this, I am truly grateful. What more can a parent want for their child?
I have served on the Ivy Hill Board of Directors for approximately 10 years. My role is to support the mission of Ivy Hill which is help individuals with disabilities gain strength, independence, confidence, and a sense of achievement through equine therapy. We serve approximately 180 riders and their families. We respect the dignity of each individual and through love and compassion we offer a safe and stimulating environment where skilled therapists help young and adult alike make positive gains in their lives. Each June, Ivy Hill sends about 20 riders to Special Olympics at Penn State University. The Ivy Hill staff and riders have shown such devotion to Special Olympics that the past few years Ivy Hill has just about run the equine program! Ivy Hill believes in our riders, our mission, our staff and our community. We help people lead better lives!