Eight years ago, the doors of Storybook Farm opened to the children of Alabama, offering therapy through the "Hope on Horseback" program.
Located on 25 acres outside Opelika, Storybook Farm, home to founder Dena Little, her horses and her family, helps children dealing with illnesses and physical and emotional disabilities through equine therapy.
Storybook Farm stables 16 horses and a slew of other animals and offers programs for children four days a week at no charge to the families.
"I started (Storybook Farm) because I noticed there was not a lot available for kids in those situations," Little said. "In the beginning, I thought it would just serve Lee County, but we have come to service 10 counties now in Georgia and Alabama."
Originally from Atlanta, Ga., Little took an interest in horses at a young age.
She began riding and competing at age 7.
In 2001, Little and her family moved to Auburn, where she initially had no intention of starting the farm, but eventually she felt compelled to begin a ministry that would help children.
Aside from helping children in need, Little said the impact the farm has on the more than 150 weekly volunteers, many of whom are Auburn students, excites her.
"I think the farm opens up an opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone and life experiences and help put their own life in perspective," Little said.
As part of an ongoing theme, everything at Storybook is named after a literary place or character.
Little said it's no secret the children she sees weekly have changed her life, and she is glad to give back to them.
"I never had a child with special needs, so I can't understand what it's like to walk in their shoes," Little said. "But I know, if I was in their shoes, I would want a place where I felt accepted and valued and cared for, and I'm glad that's something we can offer."
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