Veterans Art and Farm Therapy

Equestrian Facility in Suffolk, Virginia

(757) 553-62638544 New Rd, Suffolk, VA 23437View on Yelp
Veterans Art and Farm Therapy - equestrian in Suffolk, VA

About Veterans Art and Farm Therapy

Veterans Art and Farm Therapy is a nonprofit organization based in Suffolk, Virginia, that combines horseback riding with counseling and mental health support specifically designed for veterans and others who benefit from therapeutic experiences. Suffolk has a significant military-connected population given its proximity to Joint Forces Staff College, Naval Station Norfolk, and Langley-Fort Eustis, making this kind of community-focused service genuinely meaningful in the region. The organization sits at a rare intersection of equine therapy, art therapy, and mental health counseling. It's not just a riding program, it's a structured support system built around the healing potential of farm environments.

Services

Community Service/Non-Profit
Horseback Riding
Counseling & Mental Health

Services & Process

The core offerings include equine-assisted therapy sessions, where participants work with horses in structured activities designed to build confidence, emotional regulation, and trust. Art therapy sessions run alongside the farm program, using creative expression as another pathway for processing trauma or stress. Mental health counseling ties it all together, with licensed or supervised professionals guiding participants through individualized treatment goals. The nonprofit model means services may be available at low or no cost to qualifying veterans and community members, which is a significant advantage for those who face financial barriers to traditional mental health care.

Service Area

Veterans Art and Farm Therapy operates out of Suffolk, Virginia, and serves veterans and community members throughout Hampton Roads. The organization draws participants from Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and surrounding areas, providing accessible therapeutic services across a region with one of the country's highest concentrations of military families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a veteran to participate in the programs?
The organization's primary focus is serving veterans, but many nonprofit farm therapy programs also welcome active duty military, first responders, and community members in need. Contact the team directly to ask about eligibility.
What is equine-assisted therapy and how does it work?
Equine-assisted therapy involves structured activities with horses, often including grooming, groundwork, and guided reflection, supervised by a mental health professional. Horses are highly responsive to human emotional states, which makes interactions with them therapeutically meaningful.
Is there a cost to participate in the therapy programs?
As a nonprofit, Veterans Art and Farm Therapy may offer services on a sliding scale, at no cost, or through grant-funded programs for eligible veterans. It's worth calling to ask what's available based on your situation.
Do participants need any experience with horses?
No prior horse experience is needed or expected. Therapeutic horsemanship programs are specifically designed for people with no background around horses, and safety is carefully managed throughout.
How is this different from a standard horseback riding lesson?
The focus here is therapeutic rather than skill-based. Sessions are guided by mental health goals, not riding technique, though some participants do eventually learn to ride as part of their program.
Can family members or caregivers attend sessions?
Some programs encourage family involvement as part of the healing process, while others are structured for individual participants only. Ask the team at intake about their policy for family participation.

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