Welcome to New Leaf Farms: A Safe Space for Everyone

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Jamie is our 12 year old curly horse. He will distract you with his long curly lashes and then search you for treats. He is a funny and somewhat stubborn horse. He definitely demands a lot of attention and consistency when working with him, but he will happily show you all of his tricks for a few scratches.

Jamieès history is a bit unknown, but we do know he suffered an injury early in his life that has left him with some physical limitations that making being ridden uncomfortable. For that reason, Jamie is a groundwork only horse.

Andis is our barn senior. We dont actually know his age, as his history was spotty. We do know he originally came from Kentucky, where he worked as an extreme trail horse in the mountains. His bravery in unmatched. When he was still riding, there was nothing Andis wouldn't do for his rider. He was the leader of the herd until he stepped down to allow Spirit to reign. 

At age 27+, Andis is now retired from riding. He still greatly enjoys working with clients and showing off his trick skills. He is incredibly loving, and can make any day feel better in just a few minutes of being in his company.

Artemis, affectionately known as Arty, is a 12-year-old thoroughbred mare who has made her way to us after experiencing several homes and careers. Despite her efforts to serve as a broodmare, trail horse, and pleasure horse, she was often deemed "not quite good enough." We are thrilled to welcome this kind and gentle mare into our family, as we believe in the potential of animal therapy, especially for individuals with Autism and ADHD. Arty is still adjusting to her new environment and can hardly believe she will stay with us forever. She is currently addressing some hoof and back issues, and we hope to have her comfortable enough to engage in equine therapy sessions, contributing to our mission at New Leaf Farms to support neurodiversity.

Jake is a 10-year-old gelding with a history that remains somewhat of a mystery. He is trained for riding but shows signs of past physical abuse. At New Leaf Farms, we are dedicated to slowly gaining his trust and demonstrating the compassion that kind humans have to offer him. Already, we can see the loving and curious spirit of Sirius emerging. We believe that with the right support, including animal therapy, he can thrive and contribute to the understanding of neurodiversity, particularly in areas like Autism and ADHD. We are excited to be part of his journey and help him discover his true potential through equine therapy.

This beautiful mare, Elora, came to us from the Mennonite community. She arrived with road shoes and harness sores from her hard work as a family's main form of transportation. At about 10 years old, Elora has been given a few months of downtime to adjust to her new life as a therapy horse, specifically in the realm of animal therapy. During this time, her body is slowly healing, and her heart is opening up to the love of humans. Elora is a very strong-willed, smart horse who presents a challenge for those working with her. She demands respect and commitment from her handlers, but in the right hands, she becomes an amazing partner, especially for individuals seeking support for Autism and ADHD through equine therapy. At New Leaf Farms, we believe in the power of neurodiversity and the unique bond that can be formed through this therapeutic process.

Veya is one of the biggest personalities at New Leaf Farms. At age 10, she should be settling down, but there are only 2 speeds for Veya: sleeping or crazypants! Veya came to our family for a year in 2020 after completing a short racing career. She was trained at our farm and went off to start showing. Three years later, Veya suffered a back injury while competing and had to be retired. She happily returned to us. Being a little busy-minded, Veya needed a special home with lots of outside time, friends, and patience. We were delighted to bring her back home and rehab her injury. Veya truly embodies neurodiversity, as she exhibits symptoms often associated with Autism and ADHD. We love her unique personality! She's always fun and a great partner for learning, making her a wonderful addition to our animal therapy programs.

Zach is our 21-year-old Percheron-Friesian cross and a gentle giant who plays a significant role in our animal therapy programs at New Leaf Farms. Despite his size, Zach is a sensitive soul who thrives on quiet conversations and enjoys being brushed. He came to us as a gift from his previous owner, who faced unexpected challenges and wanted to ensure her longtime pet found a safe, loving home. We were more than happy to oblige! Zach has a friendly disposition and gets along with every horse in the herd, showing remarkable patience even with the cheeky Chance. His calming presence makes him an ideal companion for those benefiting from equine therapy, particularly for individuals with Autism and ADHD, reinforcing the importance of neurodiversity in our therapeutic practices.

Sorcha is our newest addition at New Leaf Farms. She is a 12-year-old paint mare with a mysterious history. We know she was born in Alberta and eventually made her way to Ontario.

Sorcha is an even-tempered, patient mare, making her an excellent candidate for equine therapy, especially for individuals with Autism and ADHD. She is extremely smart and willing to please, which is essential for effective animal therapy. On top of that, she is an absolutely beautiful horse, embodying the spirit of neurodiversity and the healing power of animals. She truly has it all!

At 8 years old, Chance is the baby of the farm. Orphaned at just 3 days old, Chance exemplifies how even the most significant struggles can be overcome, often with the help of animal therapy. This cheeky, mouthy little character thrives on human interaction, and his playful nature can sometimes lead him to unzip, unsnap, and tug at clothing. As a cuddlebug, he’s a joy to be around, especially for those exploring neurodiversity, including Autism and ADHD. Just be cautious of those teeth!

Amy is our 12-year-old "good mini" and stall-mate to Chance. She joined us as a friendly companion for Chance when he was a foal, with the hope that she would teach him manners. It turns out that she was just too nice for that! 

As a master of tricks, Amy will do pretty much anything for a treat. This spunky little mare has a gentle nature, making her a perfect fit for animal therapy, especially for children with Autism and ADHD. She loves interacting with everyone who works with her at New Leaf Farms, providing a nurturing environment that supports neurodiversity through equine therapy.

Griffin is our largest resident. He spent his life serving the Hamilton Police Service as one of their police horses. He had a celebrated career patrolling parks and events, visiting schools and keeping order. At age 20, he is now retired.

Griffin arrived at New Leaf Farms having missed out on an average horse experience. He has often stabled, only let outside by himself and did not really have any friends. It was a tough first few months here, but Griffin has thrived. He now loves to play and explore the property with the herd. He loves wrestling with the other geldings. Through it all, he remains the sweetest, most cuddly giant around!