Want to learn about the farm and the programs here at BMFNT? Check out this recent TV appearance on Kaleidoscope the Series. This sums up everything that is Big Maple Farms.
Our founder, Amanda Balon, is a fifth generation farmer who had a desire to help others, a passion for animals, and an idea allowing Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc. to come to life. Since 2015, the farm has become a place where people can engage positively with our equines through therapeutic riding, our mini horse program, books in the barn, summer camps, and more.
We offer positive equine interactions for children and adults who are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged. Interactions happen through riding, on ground horsemanship skills, reading, and more!
Here at BMFNT we work with individuals to discover the right program for them so that they can accomplish their goals.
We work with a philosophy to keep costs low for all our participants by being an all volunteer organization. The volunteers are dedicated and enjoy helping the individuals succeed.
Shawna
Shawna is a 23 year old Quarter/Draft Cross. She stands at 15.2 hands high and loves to show her attitude, but don't let it fool you! She might act tough, but she LOVES little kids.
Shawna does well with youth and adults needing to learn how to express emotions. She often times knows our emotions before we do. She is excellent at giving back feedback and allowing the rider to learn and
Tagen
Tagen is a 23 year old quarter horse. She stands roughly at 15.1 hands and has the most calming personality. She is oftentimes patient and understanding with the riders.
Tagen often works well with our riders who need time to grow and learn at a slower pace. She enjoys having a leader with her to help guide her through the learning process with a new rider.
"Little" Fiona
Fiona is a 12 year old mini horse who loves attention. She was brought to the program after the needs in her previous life changed. Fiona has had no formal training or up keep in the two years before coming to BMFNT. .
We recently found out that Fiona is partially deaf and we have been amazed to see what she offers our students.
Donkey
Donkey is a 4 year old mini donkey that came to our program after his life situation changed and him and his two friends needed a new home.
Donkey is a gentle soul who just loves attention. He has the willingness to learn and is always trying to play with things when he isn't eating.
Donkey loves listening to stories in our books in the Barn program and being a part of our mini programming
Snickers
Snickers is a 4 year old donkey who loves her people. She is very attached to certain people and is willing to please. Snickers was adopted in march of 2022 and since then we have been working to build her trust and get her used to the routine of the farm. She has made lots of progress and we look forward to what she offers our programs in the coming seasons.
Sunshine
Sunshine is a 20 year old pony that was recently purchased from auction by the program. Sunshine has found a soft landing here at BMFNT and she is a calm and quiet pony that is slowly learning the riders here at BMFNT.
We are excited to see what she has to offer the program in coming years.
Therapeutic Riding/Liberty Lesson is skill-based instruction for children and adults with disabilities. The focus of these lessons is skill development and progression by learning horsemanship skills all while improving the participant’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills.
Mini Horse Programming will allow students to take their horsemanship skills to a new level. Youth will be able to learn about caring for horses, leading, learning new skills, and communication. At the end of the season Youth will get a chance to participate in an end of the year Mini Horse Show to show their skills.
The Mini Horse program will focus on engaging youth with their equines in a different realm than riding. Youth will have lessons in Groups and this will be a great time to socialize, work together to learn about horses, and accomplish new skills.
Cost: $40 for 1 hour and $30 for 1/2hr
Youth that are learning to read can often be hesitant and unsure about what they are saying. Our Books in The Barn program will allow youth to come in and for a half hour sit with their favorite mini and read a book. Youth can pick from the Barn Book library or bring a book from home. This non-judgemental environment will allow youth to feel accepted no matter what they are reading on the page.
Horse Powered Reading is an Experiential Learning process that focuses on the learning process for the individual. During these lessons the horse becomes the "book" and the students learn to connect through text and challenges.
Throughout the school year (April, May, Sept, & Oct.) an afterschool Horse Powered reading club will be meeting. This is a group setting and is limited. These lessons will only be offered Wednesday and Thursday.
The farm is passed by buses from the Ridgway and Johnsonburg schools. This would be a great opportunity to get youth inspired and build confidence in their reading.
Looking to get your child and some friends involved in a weekly activity together?
Check out our Horse Powered Lessons. These can be done as a group. There is limited space so if you're interested contact us and book your time block today! All Horse Powered Lessons are 1 hour in length.
Books in the Barn For Feb. will be held during World Read Aloud Day!
On Feb. 7th & 8th readers can come to the barn from 4pm-5:30pm.
During this time we will have books for kids to take home, a reading contest with prizes, and a create your own book station!
Don't miss out on this awesome Event! Cost is $5 a child.
Thank you to the Ridgwa
Books in the Barn For Feb. will be held during World Read Aloud Day!
On Feb. 7th & 8th readers can come to the barn from 4pm-5:30pm.
During this time we will have books for kids to take home, a reading contest with prizes, and a create your own book station!
Don't miss out on this awesome Event! Cost is $5 a child.
Thank you to the Ridgway Moose for Sponsoring January and February Events.
Books in the Barn For March will be held during Ag Literacy Week.
On march 19th & 20th readers can come to the barn from 4pm-5:30pm.
During this time Readers will get to engage in reading ag correct books along with the 2024 Ag Literacy book! They will also get to have a STEM project related to the book and of course snacks!
Cost is $5 per child!
Our volunteers have many different skill sets and come to us for many different reasons. Its ok to be afraid of horses and still volunteer with us! No talent goes unused here! We need volunteers in the following areas:
Lessons (Leaders/Sidewalkers for Therapeutic Riding)
Barn (feedings and stall cleanings)
Sessions
Fundraising
Picture taking (as often as possible)
Fundraising Projects
Board of Directors
Committee Volunteers
Marketing
and so much more!
We also have great incentives! Learn how you can be a volunteer by Contacting Us TODAY!
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
If you would like to mail your donation, Please make your check payable to Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies (BMFNT), and mail to PO Box 172, Ridgway, PA 15853.
A timely receipt for your tax-deductible gift will be mailed out.
All donations are Tax Deductible. BMFNT is a registered 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your gift.
All donations to this all volunteer organization help provide program services.
With programming related to Reading with our Books in the Barn Program & Horse Powered Reading, BMFNT has celebrated Read Across America Day in a fun way!
Come out and read all the Dr. Seuss books, do some crafts related to Dr. Seuss, have some birthday cake, and some other fun activities. You won't want to miss this event in the barn as
With programming related to Reading with our Books in the Barn Program & Horse Powered Reading, BMFNT has celebrated Read Across America Day in a fun way!
Come out and read all the Dr. Seuss books, do some crafts related to Dr. Seuss, have some birthday cake, and some other fun activities. You won't want to miss this event in the barn as we work to celebrate and encourage reading.
Cost is $ 5 per person and event will be from 10a-2pm
We work hard to keep all the costs low for our riders and participants by maintaining an all volunteer feel.
In order to do that fundraisers and donations are something we must work at. Why not make the superbowl a little extra fun this year by taking a chance on on a score block or two for your chance to win some $.
To purchase a bloc
We work hard to keep all the costs low for our riders and participants by maintaining an all volunteer feel.
In order to do that fundraisers and donations are something we must work at. Why not make the superbowl a little extra fun this year by taking a chance on on a score block or two for your chance to win some $.
To purchase a block please contact our Executive Director at bmfntinc@gmail.com or 814-335-0804.
Horse Care can be expensive and our horses all require some sort of additional care such as medicine, supplements, and feed. In order to cover these costs well keeping costs low for individuals coming to enhance their daily lives, we engage in fundraisers.
We will be collecting Mariana Hoagie orders throughout March.
Delivery will be Ap
Horse Care can be expensive and our horses all require some sort of additional care such as medicine, supplements, and feed. In order to cover these costs well keeping costs low for individuals coming to enhance their daily lives, we engage in fundraisers.
We will be collecting Mariana Hoagie orders throughout March.
Delivery will be April 4th which is right in time for Fishing Camp! So order extra and have some great food while on the river banks on Saturday!
To order Contact Amanda or another board member!
Carrie had a passion for horses and she never let her disability stop her from the many things she loved.
Carrie always felt that where there was a will, there was a way for her to ride the horse or be around them.
Carrie could be described as small and mighty and it was truly the truth. Carrie had a passion for our mission and what we did here at BMFNT and reflected from her constant support and willingness to volunteer where she could.
Not only was Carrie involved with BMFNT but she was an avid volunteer in our Community. She was a leader for Cub Scouts, Stride for Stride 4H Club, and active in the boy scouts with her son Leland. Carrie had exciting plans for the future of BMFNT, her horse passion, and the 4H Club.
Carrie was not only a big advocate of our mission but she was a friend. Her presence, advice, & encouragement are truly missed. We are working on a BIG way to remember her here at BMFNT and our community. We hope that you will join us in remembering Carrie not only today but everyday!
We have established a fund In Carrie's Memory that will help continue her advocacy and dreams.
Carrie had many dreams and goals for our program and what it could do to help people. Join us in remembering her through Carrie's Trail of Dreams Fund @ the Elk County Community Foundation (Indicate fund name in Donation form). Donate to the Fund today and help us continue Carrie's Dreams of our Program Alive!
Show support for Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc by wearing some of our gear!
You can schedule a purchase and when the order hits minimum we will finalize the order with our AWESOME shirt designers at XtremeWear!
Cost are as follows:
T-shirt: $12
Long Sleeve: $14
Sweatshirt: $28
Colors are as shown in the picture.
Want to experience positive animal interactions and have a family outing?
Join us at some of our yearly events.
We host an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festival, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter to learn when upcoming events are!
Amanda is first a wife to Anthony and mom to Garrett, Logan, & Connor. Along with being a wife and mother, she also is Co-Owner of Big Maple Family Farm, LLC which she operates with her family and parents. She was named Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Outstanding Woman in Ag for 2020 and is a 5th generation farmer. Amanda was raised right on the farm that BMFNT is able to call home. As a generational farmer, Amanda sees the opportunities during transitional periods and the struggles within the process.
As the Executive Director/Founder of Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc., Amanda is able to bring her passion for agriculture out through the form of therapeutic horseback riding, on ground horsemanship lessons, & creating positive interactions with animals.
Creating positive agricultural experiences for the community has allowed for many youth to gain a new love for agriculture. Amanda's passion for the agriculture industry doesn't stop there. because as the co-owner of Big Maple Family Farm, LLC; she has developed creative ways to encourage people in the community to eat farm fresh food. Diversifying their family farm has allowed many unique opportunities for the local community to benefit from farm fresh food through a delivery program, on the farm store front,
and social media marketing. Together with her husband, parents, grandparents, and kids the
family is able to farm over 80 acres of land and create opportunities for the community to learn about agriculture. Amanda also is very active in her community sitting on her local county farm bureau board, the Family Resource Network Board, and sits on the PA Farm Bureau State Ag Promotion Committee.
Amanda graduated from the American Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee
Communications Boot Camp in 2022 where she learned ways to effectively communicate about agriculture. Amanda enjoys teaching what she has learned and passing it on to the next generation by running youth camps on the farm, presenting at local schools, and
more. Amanda believes in the next generation of agriculture and enjoys sharing her passion
with those she comes across.
Want to get your loved one started in our Therapeutic Riding Programming or Riding Lessons? Download Registration Forms here:
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Today | By Appointment |
Copyright © 2024 Big Maple Farm's Natural Therapies, Inc - All Rights Reserved.
Tax ID # 47-3247221