Alabama Bright Lights: Storybook Farm provides hope, healing for children with physical, emotional challenges
The view from horseback can lift spirits at Storybook Farm. (Karim Shamsi-Basha/Alabama NewsCenter)
Above: The view from horseback can lift spirits at Storybook Farm. (Karim Shamsi-Basha/Alabama NewsCenter)
Storybook Farm offers an escape in Opelika from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
The sky was clear in Opelika, but a rainbow of magical colors hovered over Storybook Farm. Somehow, the feeling that we were entering a children’s storybook became a reality.
The place is a perfect rendition of pages with little fingers tracing the colors, shapes and the names of the farm’s horses. Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Mr. Smee are three of 16 horses the farm provides for courageous children to ride and enjoy a respite from their emotional and physical challenges.
The farm sits on 25 acres and is surrounded by striking trees and broad landscapes. Auburn students and volunteers, instructors and mentors help the children ride and forget the difficulties they face every day. The volunteers implore the children not only to ride, but to accomplish and connect and conquer and become more confident and brave.
“It’s an awesome privilege to be with these kids and their families and to learn from them,” founder Dena Little said. “You start a place like this and you think you’re giving back to them, but in fact they give to me. I’m able to devote my time to a cause that I can see in action. I see the smiles on the kids’ faces. I see them achieve victories and accomplish things that they would not be able to accomplish without the back of a horse.”
The children come from all backgrounds, and parents are always calling and asking if their child’s particular condition will qualify for riding at Storybook. Little welcomes all, whether their needs are physical, mental, social or emotional.
“We have 16 horses who provide their backs and their legs and their bodies and minds to help these kids succeed and find hope and healing. I’m an equestrian from childhood and have always loved horses. I really wanted to give back to the community,” Little said.
The magical place has received many honors in the past decade. In 2005, the Lee County Rotary Club recognized Little for her contributions to the community. In 2009, Storybook Farm was named “Farm of Distinction” by the Lee County Farm City Committee. In 2011, Storybook Farm received “The Partnership of the Year Award” from the East Alabama Governor’s Committee and a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for work with individuals with disabilities. In 2013, Chick-fil-A recognized Storybook Farm with the “Community and Character Counts” award.
Next time you feel like disappearing in a children’s picture book, take a drive to Storybook Farm in Opelika and watch a rainbow appear across the deep purple sky.
No rain is necessary.
For more information, visit: http://www.hopeonhorseback.org.
Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning photojournalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at karimshamsibasha@gmail.com.
