Testimonials

Arion Therapeutic Farm has been such a success for our residents at Mountainview Village Retirement Home. The benefits have been so obvious to us as we chat happily away on the bus home about how wonderful it was and all the great memories that return to our Dementia residents. The fresh and exercise help all of us to feel good about ourselves and others. We really appreciate all the support that you and the great volunteers give to us. From helping us on a horse to helping us find music to enjoy our poolside picnic. The accessibility to your clubhouse and barn are greatly appreciated throughout the whole year. Our residents often refer to Arion as “Our Second Home”

Laurisa Sherman

Recreatuib Therapy, Mountainview Village

My son has autism with extremely challenging, unpredictable, potentially dangerous behavior. He began therapeutic riding at Arion Farms in 2011. It took eight weeks just to get him to sit on the horse because he was so scared. I was worried that the staff there would be intimidated by his unpredictable behavior. They never gave up on him and constantly tried new and different ways to help him be successful. Now he is confident on the horse and is learning to steer independently.

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My son has autism with extremely challenging, unpredictable, potentially dangerous behavior. He began therapeutic riding at Arion Farms in 2011. It took eight weeks just to get him to sit on the horse because he was so scared. I was worried that the staff there would be intimidated by his unpredictable behavior. They never gave up on him and constantly tried new and different ways to help him be successful. Now he is confident on the horse and is learning to steer independently. Apparently there is more to riding than just sitting on the horse. He has to tack and untack his horse – sequencing and fine-motor skills. He has to groom the horse – caring, nurturing and gentleness. He also participates in chores around the farm – responsibility, helpfulness. As a small, single parent, his participation in chores has been extremely helpful to me. He has learned that he has the strength and capability to follow through. Now when I ask him to help me lift or carry something he can do it. Prior to his attendance at the Farm he would lift something for about 5 seconds and then drop it. These may sound like minor accomplishments but they have made a significant positive impact on his quality of life. He has learned more skills and become more competent and capable as a result of his time at the Farm than all his time in school combined. Because of his unpredictable, extreme behavior he has been banned from the Parkinson Recreation Centre. There are no other community programs in which he can participate. The atmosphere that Heather and her staff have created at Arion Farms is welcoming, accepting, supportive and celebratory, no matter who you are or what your abilities are. I strongly support her vision to expand the services and programs offered by the Farm. If this initiative were to move forward it is possible that my son would be able to participate in a broader scope of programs in an environment where people are already familiar with him, understand his needs and how best to respond to him. Currently, his options for being involved in the community and for connecting with new people are limited to Arion Farms. I am excited to envision the new possibilities for him should this endeavor move forward. Imagine what it could mean for the rest of Kelowna’s community.
Heather Ross

Student's Mother

My friend and I were working on Arion this summer. We really enjoyed working there. Especially because you know that your work is appreciated and part of something great. Even if your impact seems small compared to the work Heather and the other farm members do, it makes you feel really good at the end of the day. The farm is a very special place where everyone is doing its best for the farm and cares about the welfare of the animals. They show that animals are here with us, not for us, that they deserve love and no one is more important than anyone else. Furthermore, they do a great job working with the kids from the summer camp - it was so much fun giving a little hand at the camp sometimes! We highly recommend this place and would love to work there again, if we come back to Kelowna one day. We miss being at the farm already and would’ve loved to stay longer. Arion was the best farm we’ve been to on our trip and is uncomparable to the other farms we‘ve been to. Also, a big “thank you“ to Heather. She was treating us very nicely, is a very warm-hearted person and was always concerned about our well-being. AND she makes awesome vegan food!

Amy Wolff

WWOOF Canada

What a wonderful place to visit! The kids (all under 5 y.o.) enjoyed petting the animals, having snacks in the shade and running around at the playground. There was no one but the three of us, moms, and our kids, so we got a private tour around the farm.

Ekaterina Quist

Such a great place to take kids. They educate the kids while giving them the chance to interact with so many different animals. We did the farm tour and It was an amazing experience and so affordable.

Brianne Ulvaan

We had a great birthday party for roughly 10 under 5 kids and Parents in the creative room. We did pony rides, crafts, lunch, and cake ( Colossal Cakes ) and it was perfect!

Carly Gunn