Foxfield F.A.R.M. News

Print More

A 501C3 groundwork equine therapy program for veterans and first responders with PTSD and related mental issues

Foundation awarded a new polo pony

In July Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation was the fortunate recipient of a handsome retired Argentine thoroughbred gelding, “Leo,” to add to its equine groundwork therapy program  for veterans and first responders with PTSD and related mental issues. John Bennett, Jr. a UCONN Horse Unit Supervisor and owner of John Bennett Stables, Putnam, Conn., donated this former valued UConn polo pony in support of the charity’s curriculum. 

“One Call Away”

Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation participated in the “One Call Away” Celebration Day in Agawam, Mass. on July 21. The event drew a crowd of 200 veterans and the day included family amusement activities, a barbecue and motorcycle ride and demonstration. Susan and Bill Regan spoke to many of the military participants about the charity’s program and will follow up with those who signed up for further communication.

Yale University donates polo pony

In July, Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation was the proud recipient of a retired high goal polo pony from Yale University’s polo curriculum. “Gloria” is a 16-year-old Argentine thoroughbred mare originally owned by the Coca-Cola family team. She makes a superb addition to Foxfield’s equine therapy program (foxfieldrecoverymission.org). See caminorealpolo.com/All-about-Polo-Glossary-Terms-What-is-Polo-UK-Argentina.html for a comprehensive overview of this exciting game.

Congressman John Larson supports Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation

Susan Patricelli Regan, President of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation, was invited to speak at the Aug. 8 meeting of the 1st Congressional District Veterans/Military Advisory Council at the invitation of Congressman John Larson (a veteran himself) in support of all U.S. service men and women. This gave Foxfield F.A.R.M. the opportunity to reach many military primary contacts, extend their services and expand the opportunity for its long-range plan to have groundwork equine therapy included under the veterans’ health care coverage. 

Therapy Yorkshire terrier therapy companions

Foxfield Farm visits MeadowBrook Nursing Home in Granby with its AKC registered Yorkshire terriers to bring smiles, hugs and companionship to the elderly.

Patients often say that this dog therapy visit “is better medicine than anything that comes in a bottle”. On a recent visit, “Bella”, a two-year-old Yorkie bred and raised by the Regans, met with Ellie Katz, a MeadowBrook resident.

Bella and Ellie share a loving moment.

Foundation expands its reach

One of the major priorities for Susan Patricelli Regan and Bill Regan’s Foxfield F.A.R.M.’s equine therapy program was to develop a template that could potentially be utilized in other states to extend its benefits to veterans and first responders in other suitable localities. This is now becoming a reality as their close relationship with the nationwide polo community has opened up the doors to accessible facilities in North Carolina, The Villages, Fla. and Palm Beach, Fla. Polo horses are used in the program due to their generally affable nature and exposure to working as a team with a human partner in the demanding and physical game of polo. In the coming months, the Regans will meet with various contacts at each of the locations to develop a curriculum and continue their efforts to implement their second long-term objective to have equine therapy included under veterans health care coverage. 

A trusty partner in the game of Polo.

Materials donation supports U.S. veterans at Foxfield F.A.R.M.

Once again a local business became a generous supporter of Foxfield F.A.R.M., Iran Jackson, owner of JRJ of West Simsbury, provided the manual labor and machinery to improve and assure safety to the entrance to the veteran’s equine area and DMR Materials of Bloomfield again confirmed their support with a donation of all the materials required to complete the project. 

Patriots patio donation

Michael Krudwig, Winding Brook Turf Farm in Wethersfield donated 1,000 square feet of sod for the Patriots Patio area where U.S. veterans and first responders can enjoy the farm’s rural tranquility and relax after a therapy session. 

For more information and to donate, please visit foxfieldrecoverymission.org

Patriot’s Patio is located next to Foxfield’s indoor ring and barn, just outside the veterans’ indoor lounge.