About Us
Our Story
Our founder, Amanda Balon, is a fifth generation farmer who had a desire to help others, a passion for animals, and an idea allowing Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc. to come to life. Since 2015, the farm has become a place where people can engage positively with our equines through therapeutic riding, our mini horse program, books in the barn, summer camps, and more.
What we do
We offer positive equine interactions for children and adults who are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged. Interactions happen through riding, on ground horsemanship skills, reading, and more!
Everyone Deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves
Here at BMFNT we work with individuals to discover the right program for them so that they can accomplish their goals.
We work with a philosophy to keep costs low for all our participants by being an all volunteer organization. The volunteers are dedicated and enjoy helping the individuals succeed.
Meet Our Team
Shawna
Shawna is a 23 year old Quarter/Draft Cross. She stands at 15.2 hands high and loves to show her attitude, but don't let it fool you! She might act tough, but she LOVES little kids.
Shawna does well with youth and adults needing to learn how to express emotions. She often times knows our emotions before we do. She is excellent at giving back feedback and allowing the rider to learn and
Tagen
Tagen is a 23 year old quarter horse. She stands roughly at 15.1 hands and has the most calming personality. She is oftentimes patient and understanding with the riders.
Tagen often works well with our riders who need time to grow and learn at a slower pace. She enjoys having a leader with her to help guide her through the learning process with a new rider.
"Little" Fiona
Fiona is a 12 year old mini horse who loves attention. She was brought to the program after the needs in her previous life changed. Fiona has had no formal training or up keep in the two years before coming to BMFNT. .
We recently found out that Fiona is partially deaf and we have been amazed to see what she offers our students.
Donkey
Donkey is a 4 year old mini donkey that came to our program after his life situation changed and him and his two friends needed a new home.
Donkey is a gentle soul who just loves attention. He has the willingness to learn and is always trying to play with things when he isn't eating.
Donkey loves listening to stories in our books in the Barn program and being a part of our mini programming
Snickers
Snickers is a 4 year old donkey who loves her people. She is very attached to certain people and is willing to please. Snickers was adopted in march of 2022 and since then we have been working to build her trust and get her used to the routine of the farm. She has made lots of progress and we look forward to what she offers our programs in the coming seasons.
Sunshine
Sunshine is a 20 year old pony that was recently purchased from auction by the program. Sunshine has found a soft landing here at BMFNT and she is a calm and quiet pony that is slowly learning the riders here at BMFNT.
We are excited to see what she has to offer the program in coming years.
Show More
Services Offered
Therapeutic Riding Lessons/Liberty On -Ground Horsemanship Lessons
Therapeutic Riding/Liberty Lesson is skill-based instruction for children and adults with disabilities. The focus of these lessons is skill development and progression by learning horsemanship skills all while improving the participant’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills.
Hour Lesson
40
Half Hour Lesson
30
Mini Horse Programming
Mini Horse Programming will allow students to take their horsemanship skills to a new level. Youth will be able to learn about caring for horses, leading, learning new skills, and communication. At the end of the season Youth will get a chance to participate in an end of the year Mini Horse Show to show their skills.
The Mini Horse program will focus on engaging youth with their equines in a different realm than riding. Youth will have lessons in Groups and this will be a great time to socialize, work together to learn about horses, and accomplish new skills.
Cost: $40 for 1 hour and $30 for 1/2hr
Books in The Barn
Youth that are learning to read can often be hesitant and unsure about what they are saying. Our Books in The Barn program will allow youth to come in and for a half hour sit with their favorite mini and read a book. Youth can pick from the Barn Book library or bring a book from home. This non-judgemental environment will allow youth to feel accepted no matter what they are reading on the page.
Horse Powered Reading Lessons
Horse Powered Reading is an Experiential Learning process that focuses on the learning process for the individual. During these lessons the horse becomes the "book" and the students learn to connect through text and challenges.
After School HorsePowered LEsson
40
Throughout the school year (April, May, Sept, & Oct.) an afterschool Horse Powered reading club will be meeting. This is a group setting and is limited. These lessons will only be offered Wednesday and Thursday.
The farm is passed by buses from the Ridgway and Johnsonburg schools. This would be a great opportunity to get youth inspired and build confidence in their reading.
Horse Powered Reading Lesson
40
Looking to get your child and some friends involved in a weekly activity together?
Check out our Horse Powered Lessons. These can be done as a group. There is limited space so if you're interested contact us and book your time block today! All Horse Powered Lessons are 1 hour in length.
Donkey Snuggling
Did you know that snuggling helps raise your serotonin levels and decrease depression and anxiety? This world we live in is so fast paced, why not take 30 minutes and come out and snuggle a donkey? Our Mini Donkey "Donkey" is ready to snuggle you.
Donkey Snuggling
15
Donkey Snuggling is designed for one person to spend time with our Donkey for 30 minutes. During that time you will be able to pet and just spend time with the Donkey.
"Donkey" loves to be pet and snuggled and works hard to help you raise your serotonin levels. You can register for a visit here: https://calendly.com/bigmaplefamilyfarm/donkey-snuggling
Books In the Barn Events
October Books In The Barn Event
November Books in the Barn Event
November Books in the Barn Event
October is National Book Month so bring your favorite book to read to the animals and win a prize. Join us Oct. 20th to celebrate National Book Month.
Cost is $5 per child
Children will get to read to the animals, engage in a STEM project, snack and more.
Event runs 5-7, come and go as you are able.
November Books in the Barn Event
November Books in the Barn Event
November Books in the Barn Event
Join us November 17th in the barn as we celebrate family literacy month.
Cost is $10 per family. Come read stories together, engage in literacy escape room challenges, and partake in a family STEM challenge.
Event Runs 5-7pm, come and go as you can.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteer Today
Our volunteers have many different skill sets and come to us for many different reasons. Its ok to be afraid of horses and still volunteer with us! No talent goes unused here! We need volunteers in the following areas:
Lessons (Leaders/Sidewalkers for Therapeutic Riding)
Barn (feedings and stall cleanings)
Sessions
Fundraising
Picture taking (as often as possible)
Fundraising Projects
Board of Directors
Committee Volunteers
Marketing
and so much more!
We also have great incentives! Learn how you can be a volunteer by Contacting Us TODAY!
Help Our Cause
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
If you would like to mail your donation, Please make your check payable to Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies (BMFNT), and mail to PO Box 172, Ridgway, PA 15853.
A timely receipt for your tax-deductible gift will be mailed out.
All donations are Tax Deductible. BMFNT is a registered 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your gift.
All donations to this all volunteer organization help provide program services.
Current Fundraisers
Holiday with Horses
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
We were able to schedule Santa this year in his busy schedule to join us in the barn this year.
Come visit Santa, snag a picture with the Christmas Donkey, Read Christmas Stories with Fiona, and more.
Donation requested at the door to help us raise money for our Carrie's Trail of Dreams Fund.
We will also have other unique gifts for sale
We were able to schedule Santa this year in his busy schedule to join us in the barn this year.
Come visit Santa, snag a picture with the Christmas Donkey, Read Christmas Stories with Fiona, and more.
Donation requested at the door to help us raise money for our Carrie's Trail of Dreams Fund.
We will also have other unique gifts for sale. Come find some creative things and join us in the barn this holiday for a unique experience.
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
Do you love homemade Cookies? Now is the chance to purchase those homemade Cookies perfect for those holiday parties, family gatherings, or just for you to enjoy over the holiday.
Cookies are $10/dz and we offer Three different kinds.
Cookies will be baked the weekend of Dec. 14th and ready for pickup around 5pm at the Ridgway Fire Hall
Do you love homemade Cookies? Now is the chance to purchase those homemade Cookies perfect for those holiday parties, family gatherings, or just for you to enjoy over the holiday.
Cookies are $10/dz and we offer Three different kinds.
Cookies will be baked the weekend of Dec. 14th and ready for pickup around 5pm at the Ridgway Fire Hall or you can have them delivered for a fee.
Ordering is easy. Just click the button below and place your order now.
Remembering A Great Friend & Advocate: Carrie Hildersheim
Carrie had a passion for horses and she never let her disability stop her from the many things she loved.
Carrie always felt that where there was a will, there was a way for her to ride the horse or be around them.
Carrie could be described as small and mighty and it was truly the truth. Carrie had a passion for our mission and what we did here at BMFNT and reflected from her constant support and willingness to volunteer where she could.
Not only was Carrie involved with BMFNT but she was an avid volunteer in our Community. She was a leader for Cub Scouts, Stride for Stride 4H Club, and active in the boy scouts with her son Leland. Carrie had exciting plans for the future of BMFNT, her horse passion, and the 4H Club.
Carrie was not only a big advocate of our mission but she was a friend. Her presence, advice, & encouragement are truly missed. We are working on a BIG way to remember her here at BMFNT and our community. We hope that you will join us in remembering Carrie not only today but everyday!
We have established a fund In Carrie's Memory that will help continue her advocacy and dreams.
Join Us
In Remembering Carrie Today
Carrie had many dreams and goals for our program and what it could do to help people. Join us in remembering her through Carrie's Trail of Dreams Fund @ the Elk County Community Foundation (Indicate fund name in Donation form). Donate to the Fund today and help us continue Carrie's Dreams of our Program Alive!
Other Ways to Help
Clothing Order
Join us For Events
Join us For Events
Show support for Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc by wearing some of our gear!
You can schedule a purchase and when the order hits minimum we will finalize the order with our AWESOME shirt designers at XtremeWear!
Cost are as follows:
T-shirt: $12
Long Sleeve: $14
Sweatshirt: $28
Colors are as shown in the picture.
Join us For Events
Join us For Events
Join us For Events
Want to experience positive animal interactions and have a family outing?
Join us at some of our yearly events.
We host an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festival, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter to learn when upcoming events are!