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.
Home School HorsePowered LEsson
200
Join us for a 6- week session of Horse Powered Reading designed for the homeschool student.
Limited spots available and great for youth 5-10.
Cost covers the entire session and youth will learn through on hands learning and challenges to complete with their horse and as a group.
Two groups offered
Wednesday or Thursday Mornings from 10-11am
To register contact Amanda @ 814-335-0804
Horse Powered Reading Lesson
200
Join us for a 6 week session of Horse Powered Reading Lessons
Limited spots available and great for youth 5-10.
Cost covers the entire session and youth will learn through a hands on approach and challenges to complete with their horse and as a group.
Group will meet Wednesday evenings 5:30p-6:30p
To register contact Amanda @814-335-0804
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
Join us for Horse Powered Reading
Books in the Barn will be back in August 2025
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
Cutest Farm Animal Contest
Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies presents our newest fundraiser. As part of our ongoing initiative to raise funds for animal care and regular farm necessities, we're launching this "Cutest Farm Animals Contest." We are featuring nine of our very own farm pets (our goats are a two for one).
For $5, you can vote for your favorite pet
Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies presents our newest fundraiser. As part of our ongoing initiative to raise funds for animal care and regular farm necessities, we're launching this "Cutest Farm Animals Contest." We are featuring nine of our very own farm pets (our goats are a two for one).
For $5, you can vote for your favorite pet! [A family of 4 could donate just $20!] Be sure to specify your name and our pet's name when you vote. The people who have voted towards the animal with the MOST VOTES will be entered into a drawing to win a free 30-minute riding lesson here at our farm! Please go to our Facebook/Instagram to participate.
If you comment elsewhere (besides our main post to vote), be sure to tag @ Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies to ensure that we will see your vote. Voting will run from April 25th til May 9th. The winner will be drawn on May 10th. Your donation can be sent to our PayPal- bigmaplefarmtherapy@gmail.com -OR- Venmo us @Amanda-Balon-2 Thank you in advance for your support towards our farm! Happy voting to all!
Let's See who the cutest animal on the farm is
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!
We now have T-shirts available here at the farm for sale!
Cost are as follows:
T-shirt: $20
Sizes range from youth to 2xl
Shirts are black with our logo on front and our favorite quote on the back.
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!