New Growth: The Next Chapter at Gilfillan Farm

It’s still winter as I write this—snow blanketing the fields and sheep stepping out onto white pastures without hesitation. They don’t seem to mind the cold. In fact, there’s something almost joyful about them as they nose through the snow in search of hidden grass. They know what we all know: spring is coming.

At Horses with Hope at Gilfillan Farm, this season has been one of quiet preparation. Over the past year, we’ve been thoughtfully planning our next chapter—one that preserves the heart of Horses with Hope while honoring the legacy of the Gilfillan family in our community. This unique partnership has offered both the opportunity and the inspiration to build something meaningful for the next generation.

As summer approaches, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our school programming. Our volunteer teams are preparing to welcome students for a hands-on history experience rooted in place. Our goal is to give students what we like to call a “mental bookmark”—a sensory rich, lived experience that anchors historical concepts in their minds and bodies. When they later encounter those ideas in a textbook, the learning feels familiar and alive.

Alongside our school programs, we are also developing opportunities for independent learners. These experiences are designed to cultivate practical job skills such as time management, project planning, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and a strong work ethic. As we move toward a more student-led ecosystem, participants will take increasing ownership of their work and contributions.

Like the sheep on snowy pasture, we are moving forward with anticipation. Spring will bring new growth—not only in the fields, but in the lives of the students and families we serve.

Kirsten Kisling
Program Coordinator
Horses with Hope @ Gilfillan Farm