Our Programs
Interested in requesting a program? Please fill out our Program Inquiry Form to help us learn more about your needs, and we’ll get back to you soon regarding availability and scheduling.
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Help us share the benefits of animal-assisted therapeutic visits for people in need.
New for 2026: Summer Camp at the Farm
New for 2026: Summer Camp at the Farm
A full-day summer camp for incoming 6th–9th graders, centered on nature-based learning, wellbeing, and hands-on experiences.
Improving Lives Through Animal-Assisted Connections
Improving Lives Through Animal-Assisted Connections
The programs we offer improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of our clients through therapeutic animal-assisted activities. Through programs at our peaceful farm and mobile visits throughout the community, our animals offer unconditional acceptance and comfort.
Interested in requesting a program? Please fill out our Program Inquiry Form to help us learn more about your needs, and we’ll get back to you soon regarding availability and scheduling.
Youth and Teen Programs
Youth and Teen Programs
WellnessBuddies
WellnessBuddies
Partnering with mental health organizations, clinicians, and school-based therapists, our WellnessBuddies program focuses on improving the mental health of children in our community. Our support animals are integral participants, incorporated directly into therapy sessions.
Goals:
Create a safe, comfortable, and accepting environment
Improve mental well-being by improving mood and reducing anxiety
Teach mindfulness techniques
Improve interpersonal/social skills
HorseBuddies
HorseBuddies
This is a unique experiential learning program where horses provide the mode of learning for special needs students in San Mateo County.
Working directly with Adapted Physical Education staff, classes of special needs students participate in two consecutive sessions.
Goals:
Increase the physical activity of students: Horseback riding and horsemanship activities require movement, balance, and coordination.
Improve the emotional well-being of students: Learning new skills and overcoming fears and challenges improve self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improve the social well-being of students: Participating in a group of their peers is a shared experience and a team-building experience during which students encourage, motivate, and support each other.
Animals Helping Children
Animals Helping Children
We provide healing animal experiences for vulnerable children facing illness, trauma, special needs, and poverty. Programs can take place at our 3-acre farm in Portola Valley and through mobile visits to Ronald McDonald House, special-education classrooms, and community partners.
"I never imagined that animals would be so open and accepting -- it really helped my son engage in the moment and feel cared for without conversation, or added pressure." - Parent, KARA Grief Support
Youth Impact Team
Youth Impact Team
Since 2009, our youth volunteers have played a significant role at Jasper Ridge Farm, supporting animal care, feeding, grooming, exercising and socializing, as well as helping with facility maintenance and events. Through hands-on service, youth experience the impact of contributing to something larger than themselves.
Goals:
Foster compassion, empathy, and social responsibility
Provide meaningful opportunities for service and community engagement
Build leadership through real responsibility and teamwork
Develop job readiness skills including communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking
Teach goal setting, collaboration, and independent work habits
Youth Impact Team is for youth ages 8 to 12 (Juniors) and 13 - 17 (Teens).
Adult Programs
Adult Programs
Animals Helping Adults
Animals Helping Adults
We serve adults including clients from Kainos program, seniors in retirement homes and memory care units, and post high school adults in the TRACE program.
Jasper Ridge Farm programs exist to enrich the lives of people living with difficult challenges through interactions with animals that provide unconditional acceptance and comfort.
Animals Helping Incarcerated Persons
Animals Helping Incarcerated Persons
This unique program serves incarcerated women at Elmwood Correctional Facility by bringing a variety of animals to them virtually. Many participants ask about the animals’ daily routines and favorite foods, and those who have been participating for a long time often check in on our older animals, asking how they are doing. These thoughtful connections reflect the meaningful bonds formed through the program.
Our Programs Director, Nicole, connects weekly with the women at Elmwood Correctional Facility for a special virtual visit. Using her mobile phone, she brings the farm directly to them. From the quiet chirping of guinea pigs to our hens in the coop and sheep in their stalls, these animals provide a chance for connection.
Veteran Programs
Veteran Programs
HorseHeroes
HorseHeroes
Therapeutic adaptive horseback riding program for Veterans, including disabled Veterans, those with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury or Polytrauma. This program partners with the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Healthcare System. VA Recreational therapists participate along with their group of veterans.
Goals:
Increase physical activity: Horseback riding and horsemanship activities require movement, balance, coordination, and core strength.
Improve mental well-being: Overcoming fears and challenges and learning new skills improve self-confidence and self-esteem. Being active in the outdoor environment promotes improved mental well-being.
Improve social well-being: Participating in a group of their peers who understand what they’ve been through, supporting, motivating, and encouraging each other improves social well-being. Bonding with a horse, trust is established. Relationships are developed.
The Veterans Commission of San Mateo County named Jasper Ridge Farm Enterprise of the Year in 2019 for providing “exemplary service to Veterans” through our HorseHeroes program. Watch video coverage here.
Virtual Programs
Virtual Programs
Also, watch the news coverage from KTVU Fox 2 about our virtual programming!
We offer virtual programming for clients who prefer remote visits or are unable to travel to the farm. Using various video platforms, we bring the farm experience directly to you—showcasing our animals' personalities, teaching about their care and well-being, and providing interactive experiences such as feeding sessions and virtual horseback rides. Our virtual visits make our services accessible to a wider range of individuals and groups.
"Since we've pivoted to Telehealth in March, we have had the opportunity to do weekly visits with Jasper Ridge Farm. It has been wonderful to see what a positive impact these visits have had. Our teens who are typically depressed and withdrawn, smile and interact more during these virtual visits."
- Dr. Pardis Khosravi, Clinical Psychologist, Children's Health Council
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