In 2024, we joined two amazing businesses, Finding Feathers and New Leaf Farms. Crystal and Melissa met in 2023 and instantly connected over ethical treatment of horses and humans in their practices. Finding many similarities in their modalities, it was only natural to start working together. Like any great pairing, Melissa and Crystal balance each other with different strengths, which benefits all their clients and animal partners.
New Leaf Farms is born of dream that everyone should feel safe, welcome and respected while pursuing learning and healing with horses. The team welcomes all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds to come and experience the healing environment here.
Do you identify as a bit of a mess sometimes? This is the place for you! New Leaf Farms is full of perfect imperfection. Horses who can't carry a rider, a goat with only one horn, a hen with rooster tendencies... there is value and worth in all the things that make make you different. New Leaf Farms welcomes you as you are, not as your should be.
You will find that the teaching shared at New Leaf Farms encompasses many modalities. Music and somatic movement are mixed with social skill enhancement and self-regulation skills. Energy work is a part of our curriculum as well. Focus is placed on mind, spirit and body.
Melissa Hillier is the owner and operator of New Leaf Farms. Founded in 2017, she created New Leaf Farms to offer a safe and accepting space for children and adults to explore and learn about themselves through interaction with animals.
Melissa spent the first 15 years of her social work career working with women and children escaping domestic violence. She left her job after the needs of her son became more than could be addressed while working 40 hour weeks. While seeking services to support her son who is diagnosed with ADHD and ASD, Melissa saw a need for spaces where he could openly be himself. She decided to create a space for him and others like him. A safe place to openly stim, ask a thousand questions and connect deeply with all sorts of animals. A place to feel safe, accepted and encouraged.
Melissa's son is now a young adult, but her passion for working with children continues. She also enjoys empowering women and those who identify as neurodiverse. Melissa is proudly neurodiverse herself and embraces all the amazing attributes that brings to the table.
Crystal Dunbar is the founder of Finding Feathers to help and heal her clients with love and understanding. Crystal has over 19 years of personal and professional experiences with equines, energy therapy, the foster care system, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, mental health support, trauma recovery and healing.
Her experiences (personal and professional) have taught her that no two healing journeys are the same. Crystal enjoys learning about each of her clients and exploring what makes them unique.
Crystal co-facilitates many of our group events and works with her own clients at the facility.
Jamie started as a project to be trained for sale in early 2021. He is a 10 year old, beautiful Bashkir Curly horse. Even his eyelashes have curls! We sent Jamie (formerly Sunny) off for training and soon learned he had a more complicated past than we expected. He was treated roughly as a youngster, resulting in high reactivity and anxiet
Jamie started as a project to be trained for sale in early 2021. He is a 10 year old, beautiful Bashkir Curly horse. Even his eyelashes have curls! We sent Jamie (formerly Sunny) off for training and soon learned he had a more complicated past than we expected. He was treated roughly as a youngster, resulting in high reactivity and anxiety.
Jamie may never be a riding horse, but his talents are not defined by his ability to carry a rider. He is an awesome teacher of boundaries and has a loving, playful spirit. There is much more value in what he can teach, rather than what he can physically do.
Artemis, fondly referred to as Arty, is an 11 year old thoroughbred mare. She came to us after travelling through several homes and careers. She tried her best to be a broodmare, trail horse and pleasure horse but was somehow always found to be "not quite good enough". We were happy to welcome this kind, gentle little mare to our family.
Arty is still settling in with us. She can't quite believe she's staying with us forever. She is working through some hoof and back issues and will hopefully be comfortable enough to try riding at some point.
Peter Parker is our very fancy 8 year old leopard appaloosa. People are often attracted by his distinctive spots, but his true beauty lies is his sweet and quirky personality.
Peter spent the start of his life alone in a field. After a few homes he was rescued by a kind woman who paid to have him trained, gelded and vetted. Perter has a co
Peter Parker is our very fancy 8 year old leopard appaloosa. People are often attracted by his distinctive spots, but his true beauty lies is his sweet and quirky personality.
Peter spent the start of his life alone in a field. After a few homes he was rescued by a kind woman who paid to have him trained, gelded and vetted. Perter has a connective tissue disorder that makes all of his joints loose and wobbly. For this reason he is not a riding horse.
Peter is a quirky horse. He only interacts with those who "get" him. You will have to meet him to find out if you do!
Andis is our ageless senior gelding. He has always been a leader in the herd, though these days he's taken a step back to allow Spirit to handle some of the more energetic horses.
He is is a master at groundwork and loves to do some tricks... as long as there are rewards promised!
Andis is enjoying his retirement after teaching countless
Andis is our ageless senior gelding. He has always been a leader in the herd, though these days he's taken a step back to allow Spirit to handle some of the more energetic horses.
He is is a master at groundwork and loves to do some tricks... as long as there are rewards promised!
Andis is enjoying his retirement after teaching countless new riders the basics. He is a steady, kind horse. He loves connecting with people.
Veya is one of the biggest personalities at New Leaf Farms. At age 9, 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. 3 years later, Veya suffered a back i
Veya is one of the biggest personalities at New Leaf Farms. At age 9, 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. 3 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 happy to bring her back home and rehab her injury. If any horse has ever exhibited ADHD symptoms, it's Veya. We love her neurodiversity! She's always fun and a great leaning partner.
Zach is our 20-year old Percheron-Friesian cross. He is a big boy, but don't be fooled by his size! Zach is a gentle, sensitive soul. He loves quiet conversations and being brushed.
Zach came to us as a gift from his old owner. Life had taken some unexpected turns and she was looking for a safe, loving home for her longtime pet. We were o
Zach is our 20-year old Percheron-Friesian cross. He is a big boy, but don't be fooled by his size! Zach is a gentle, sensitive soul. He loves quiet conversations and being brushed.
Zach came to us as a gift from his old owner. Life had taken some unexpected turns and she was looking for a safe, loving home for her longtime pet. We were only too happy to oblige!
Zach is friends with every horse in the herd. He is even patient with cheeky Chance. What a saint!
Spirit is the heart of New Leaf Farms. She is the herd leader and one of the oldest horses. At 20 years old, this quarter horse has had quite the life.
Spirit came to us in 2017, right at the beginning of our journey. She had been through 6 homes in 18 months, and the damage was extensive. It took several years of extensive work to help S
Spirit is the heart of New Leaf Farms. She is the herd leader and one of the oldest horses. At 20 years old, this quarter horse has had quite the life.
Spirit came to us in 2017, right at the beginning of our journey. She had been through 6 homes in 18 months, and the damage was extensive. It took several years of extensive work to help Spirit achieve the confident, kind demeanor she now exhibits.
As one of our eldest horses, Spirit has slowed down considerably in her workload. She is wonderful with everyone she works with and is a total barn favorite. We are keeping a close eye on Spirit and listening closely to her cues, as she suffers from arthritis. Her long and busy life has taken its toll on her body. Our priority is her comfort and quality of life.
Sorcha is our newest addition. She is an 11 year old paint mare. We don't know a lot about her history. We do know she was born in Alberta, and somehow made her way to Ontario.
Sorcha is an even-tempered, patient mare. She is extremely smart and willing to please. Added to that, she is an absolutely beautiful horse. She has it all!
At 7 years old, Chance is the baby of the farm. Orphaned at 3 days old, Chance shows us that even the biggest struggles can be overcome with help.
Chance is a cheeky, mouthy little character. He loves people, but sometimes gets overexcited and tried to unzip, unsnap and pull off clothing. He is a cuddlebug, but watch out for those teeth!
Amy is our "good mini" and stall-mate to Chance. She came to us as a friendly companion for Chance when he was a foal. We thought she would teach him manners. Turns out she was too nice!
Amy is a master of tricks and will do pretty much anything for a treat. She is a spunky little mare, but loves children and and is very gentle with everyone who works with her.
Our barn cat team is as varied as can be.
Damien (buff) is the friendliest cat you've ever met. Famous for his snuggles and ability to be carried for entire lessons, he was born for his job.
Alfred (grey) is a mostly friendly guy. He lives head and shoulder pets, but if you touch his tail, be prepared for battle!
Ryan (brown and black) is
Our barn cat team is as varied as can be.
Damien (buff) is the friendliest cat you've ever met. Famous for his snuggles and ability to be carried for entire lessons, he was born for his job.
Alfred (grey) is a mostly friendly guy. He lives head and shoulder pets, but if you touch his tail, be prepared for battle!
Ryan (brown and black) is our very shy cat. He can be seen zooming under horses on his way to the food bowl.
Maurice is our silkie rooster. Unlike many, our Maury is respectful of humans. He never chases or scares barn visitors. His focus is always on keeping his lady-friends safe.
Lacey is our friendly hen. She will happily pack corn out of your hand- but watch out! That beak can be sharp.
We ask that visitors never chase, pet or try to pick up o
Maurice is our silkie rooster. Unlike many, our Maury is respectful of humans. He never chases or scares barn visitors. His focus is always on keeping his lady-friends safe.
Lacey is our friendly hen. She will happily pack corn out of your hand- but watch out! That beak can be sharp.
We ask that visitors never chase, pet or try to pick up our chickens. We respect their space, and they respect our 6-piece McNugget choices.
As his name suggests, Brian runs our Human Resources Department. He is involved in every interaction at the farm. Brian interrupts all scratches and petting session with other animals to appraise your skills.
Brian From HR is a sweet, though pushy, Alpine goat. His one horn will charm you right into an unpaid petting internship!
Sweet Barbara is our female goat. She is happy to follow you around the farm for pets and snuggles. She dislikes rain, cold and wind, prefering stead to live a comfortable life of stealing chicken food and nibbling the choicest hay inside.
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We are moving to Georgetown, ON April 2025