Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about visiting, programs, animals, access, or getting involved? Start here.
Visiting & Participating
Do I need experience with horses or farm animals?
No.
Most Hidden Pastures programs do not require previous horse or farm experience.
Participants learn appropriate skills and expectations as part of the experience.
For riding and horsemanship lessons, instruction is adjusted to the participant’s current experience and ability.
Will I always get to interact with animals?
Not necessarily.
Hidden Pastures is a working farm, and animal wellbeing always comes first.
Animal interaction may vary based on:
- health
- comfort
- weather
- workload
- temperament
- current farm needs
Some experiences may involve direct interaction, while others may involve observation, care tasks, groundwork, or other farm activities.
Specific animals or activities cannot always be guaranteed.
Can I just visit the farm?
Hidden Pastures is not open for unscheduled drop-in visits.
Visits happen through scheduled:
- programs
- private farm tours
- camps
- events
- riding lessons
- volunteer opportunities
- private experiences
If you want to visit for the first time, a Private Farm Tour is often a good place to start.
What should I wear to the farm?
Come dressed for a real working farm.
In most cases, that means:
- closed-toe shoes
- clothing appropriate for the weather
- clothes that can get dirty
- water during warm weather
Depending on the program, additional requirements may apply.
Riding lessons and some horse-related activities may have specific footwear or safety requirements.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Farm activities are affected by weather and changing conditions.
Hidden Pastures may adjust:
- activities
- animal participation
- location
- timing
if needed for safety or animal wellbeing.
If weather requires a cancellation or schedule change, participants will be contacted according to the policy for that program or event.
Do parents or caregivers stay during programs?
It depends on the program.
Some programs are specifically designed for a child and caregiver to participate together, such as Little Farmers.
Other programs are designed for participants to attend independently unless the program specifically states otherwise.
For All Abilities Farm Day, caregivers remain responsible for the support needs of the person they attend with.
Check the individual program page for the expectations for that experience.
Do you offer programs for people with disabilities or sensory differences?
Yes.
All Abilities Farm Day is specifically designed as a flexible, sensory-friendly experience for children and adults with disabilities, developmental differences, sensory differences, and other support needs.
Many neurodivergent children also participate successfully in programs such as Farm Club, Cultivate, and Seasonal Farm Camps. Hidden Pastures offers a hands-on learning environment with movement, animals, practical tasks, predictable expectations, and room to participate in different ways.
We welcome children who may learn, communicate, regulate, or engage differently. While Hidden Pastures does not provide 1:1 personal care, therapy, or clinical support, we work to create an environment where participants can feel comfortable, settle into the rhythm of the farm, and learn through real experience.
The farm itself includes uneven terrain, animals, weather, and working-farm sounds and smells, so some programs may be a better fit than others.
Advance communication helps us determine fit before you register.
Programs & Services
Do you offer programs for adults?
Yes.
Adult opportunities include experiences such as:
- Adult Farm Club
- Women at the Farm
- Private Equine-Assisted Learning & Wellbeing sessions
- Volunteer Farm Hours
- Riding and horsemanship lessons
- Selected events and community experiences
Availability and schedules vary.
How do I know which program is right for me or my child?
Start with Programs & Services.
The site is organized by experience type, including:
- Youth & Family
- Horsemanship & Riding
- Adult Programs
- Private Experiences
- Camps
- Volunteer opportunities
If you are still unsure, contact Hidden Pastures and tell us a little about what you are looking for.
What is the difference between Volunteer Farm Hours and a farm program?
Volunteer Farm Hours
- Real farm work
- Current farm needs
- Service and contribution focus
Farm Programs
- Structured learning
- Guided activities
- Planned participant experience
Examples of Volunteer Farm Hours work include animal care, property maintenance, gardening, cleaning, organization, event preparation, and special projects.
Can I book a birthday party or private farm tour?
Yes.
Hidden Pastures offers:
Private Farm Tours
One-hour guided farm and animal experiences for families and small groups.
Birthday Parties
Private two-hour farm celebrations with animal experiences and optional horse-focused packages.
Both require advance booking.
Does Hidden Pastures bring animals off-site?
Yes.
Hidden Pastures offers animal visits including:
- Goat-Grams
- Community Animal Visits
- Event Animal Visits
Availability depends on location, animal suitability, weather, transportation, and event needs.
Access & Support
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes.
The Hidden Pastures Access Fund helps reduce financial barriers to participation when funding is available.
Assistance is not guaranteed and may vary based on:
- available funding
- the program
- timing
- the individual request
You do not need to wait until you are unable to participate to ask whether support may be available.
Can I apply to the Access Fund more than once?
Yes, repeat requests may be considered.
Support depends on current funding and program availability, so previous assistance does not guarantee future assistance.
See the Access Fund page for current details.
How can I volunteer?
You can participate in scheduled Volunteer Farm Hours or help with specific current volunteer needs and community projects.
Visit Get Involved for current opportunities.
How can I support Hidden Pastures?
There are several ways to help:
- Make a general donation
- Support the Access Fund
- Sponsor an animal
- Volunteer
- Support a current campaign
- Connect Hidden Pastures with useful resources, businesses, organizations, or partners
How do I contact Hidden Pastures?
Use the Contact page if you have a question that is not answered elsewhere.
Phone: 949-390-0387
Email: info@hiddenpastures.org
Still Have a Question?
If you cannot find what you need here, send us a message and we’ll help point you in the right direction.