Robin's Nest Foundation Inc: Equine Therapy

The connection between humans and animals is powerful, and its impact on mental health can be a transformative tool. At Robin’s Nest Foundation Inc. (Robin's Nest), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located on Sky View Farm in Castle Rock, we recognize this connection, and its positive impact on treating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues.

It is the mission of Robin’s Nest to support the mental health of our community through powerful programs that utilize the human to animal connection, professional therapy, community service and a soothing farm environment away from the hustle and bustle. Its vision is to create a supportive community where people can connect with nature and animals and to provide a safe space for other nonprofits to host their mental health programs.

Our programs include: 

1. One-on-on Horse Therapy - Individual equine-assisted therapy with our licensed clinical social worker Mallory Nicklas. The combination of counseling and biofeedback from the horses helps people cultivate greater self-awareness, self-efficacy, and confidence. 
2. Professional Group Counseling - Robin's Nest is happy to offer group therapy camps and clinics to tackle the social and emotional needs and challenges our youth face on a daily basis. These camps and clinics change throughout the year based upon needs and resources. 
3. Court-Ordered Community Service Hours - Vulnerable teens often make decisions that lead them to court-ordered community service hours. Robin's Nest at Sky View Farm has a relationship with Douglas County were those hours can be completed. 
4. Youth Service Projects - Volunteer program for middle- and high-school students where they work together to tackle a community service project.  These projects help the students develop project management, leadership and teamwork skills by reinforcing peer inclusiveness, socialization and cooperation. 

Sky View Farm hosts horses, chickens, rabbits, goats, ducks, and miniature horses on a 35-acre site. In addition to the animals, it features both indoor and outdoor riding arenas as well as a cross-country riding trail. The brainchild of Founder Wendy Ingraham, Sky View Farm/Robin’s Nest is located just 35 miles south of Denver within minutes of Castle Rock, Lone Tree, and Parker (off I-25 and Happy Canyon Road).