Wellspring Farm: experiential therapy for special needs

It's just another day of hippotherapy in the Magic Woodland Area.

But it's serious business for Jim and Holly Vogel at Wellspring Farm, where unconventional "farm therapy" is used to enrich the lives of adults and children with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

The Vogels started Wellspring Farm 12 years ago on a whim and without a business plan. Since then, their 15-acre parcel has been visited by thousands of special needs groups and individuals. There are horses, sheep, goats, an authentic Sioux teepee and even a “Magic Woodland Area” featuring wooden sculptures created by chainsaw artist Mike Higgins.

Wellspring provides a welcoming environment for a broad spectrum of special needs including autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and mental and emotional issues. Each student is assessed for specific programs including horse riding, mammal and plant study, outdoor adventures and behavioral therapy. Having the animals as the focus of a program allows students to learn about communication and use sensory integration, according to Jim.

“We develop life skill training here, utilizing the horse farm and environment as therapeutic tools,” Jim says. “This is opposed to verbal therapy, where you sit down and talk about things. But here, it’s all about activity, about action and using horses, learning and following directions. The physical component makes it more of a learning experience.”

The Vogels know about experience. Jim is the former director for the State of Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and has over 42 years in rehabilitation counseling. Holly is a former educator and small business owner. Together, they run Wellspring Farm with a handful of licensed clinicians and therapists.

Each of the nine purebred horses at Wellspring has her own “barn,” which is truly more like a classroom. There is a feeding shelter and “tack” (or leather) house nearby to limit the intimidation , according to Jim, that some of the children may feel when visiting a conventional barn.

These classrooms allow kids and adults to learn about the animals while offering a hands-on approach.

“We’re non-conventional, which is why it’s so effective,” Jim says. “A number of the kids say, ‘Hey, I’ve never had therapy with a horse behind me before,’ so that tends to bring a unique atmosphere for them. The kids are getting out in the woods, communicating, and learning about the world around them. And these are things they may have never experienced before.”

In addition to the farm and Magic Woodland, Wellspring uses nearby Eastover Farm and a forest sanctuary for environmental learning. Turtles, tadpoles and trees are the new tools for therapy here.

Wellspring is also a credentialed Massachusetts Certified Vendor and Mass Health Group provider in addition to being registered for state and private agency referral.

"Our approach as a credentialed, out-patient group practice allows the child to develop a true sense of purpose in his or her life," Jim says. "Everyone succeeds and the environment is so welcoming to provide a positive feel."

Above all, the greatest reward for the Vogels is seeing each person that visits Wellspring grow and learn.

“It gives them purpose in their life,” Holly says. “Just to see them come here and see their faces light up is a joy. We always get renewed when we see the children. At the end of the day, when you’re tired and a group is scheduled, you think, ‘How am I going to do this?’ Then you see the kids run up the drive way, and it’s just refreshing.”

Wellspring Farm continues to add new programs and facilities as more schools and institutions integrate them into curriculum.

“It’s our goal to do well and see the kids progress in everything, whether it be something medical or emotional,” Holly adds. “It gives us a purpose too.”