Note to readers: An updated version of this story can be found linked here.

The Simons expect 2016 to be a banner year. “To facilitate that growth we anticipate, we plan to expand hours for our staff and team to accommodate the increase.” There are more than 100 volunteers, six directors on their board, a program director, barn manager, equine coordinator, three instructors, an equine dentist, massage therapist, equine chiropractor, farrier, veterinarian. The 45-acre farm has plans for another 15 acres for expansion, all in Naugatuck. “We went from serving a very small population to some 1,200 to 1,400 lessons and at least 160 children through the door. In 2008 we had one student. In 2010, 8 to 10. Now we have branched out into so many areas – and there is no real end as to where the farm may grow. The therapy is not just for physical challenges, but also can include emotional and behavioral challenges. It can be trauma. Family issues.”

Editor's note: For information about the programs or for ways to get involved at any level, visit www.hiddenacrestrc.org. A Night of Caring (2015) held at Mattatuck Museum raised more than $42,000 in support the mission of improving the minds, bodies and spirits of those most in need. Mary and Theron Simons are also co-owners at Lock Stock & Barrel in Bethany.

People can begin by just being around horses, learning.

“You can just stand and brush them,” said Mary. “The horse will let you know if he's not comfortable. But they will accept the nervousness as well. We help people by showing them all the things to watch plus safety measures. We don't push.”

“A horse doesn't see a label on a person,” said Theron Simons, who with his wife, Mary, serve as executive directors of Hidden Acres Farm & Therapeutic Riding Center. “The horse sees a human being and accepts a person for what they are. What we want kids to experience is the joyous experience of life without a label. You'd be surprised what that means to each person. From 4 years to 80 years, equine-assisted therapy help people. Physical or emotional challenge, it doesn't matter.”

“Our veterinarian is on our board of directors, so she is intimately involved with the inner workings of everything. Our horses give so much to others – if there is an issue, it takes everyone from an equine dentist to our farrier to our veterinarian to do what is in the horse's best interest and for what works for the program. We're all on the same team.”