Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm

• During the 1960's-1970's Richard Donovan built Ironstone Farm and bred, raised, and trained thoroughbred horses.

• In the 1970's groups of children with special needs made field trips to the farm.

• in 1983 Challenge Unlimited began to offer therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities as a non-profit organization. All services were donated by the farm. Its mission was "..to provide effective therapy to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, using horses and a working farm atmosphere." as well as "...to involve people in helping the community through volunteer services in a working farm environment," and "...to provide a wholesome, healthy and educational environment for young people of all abilities in which to learn life skills through horse-related actiivities.

• from 1983-1987 Challenge Unlimited had received tax exempt status, and established programs with both the National Birth Defects Center/Genesis Fund and Massachusetts Special Olympics. Ironstone Farm was the first Massachusetts organization to host a Special Olympics Equestrian Event.

• In 1994 a Pyhsical Therapy Building was built for Challenge Unlimited Programs.

• By 1996 Challenge Unlimited had A public school contract with Lowell for 400 clients.

• In 1999 700 clients used the facitilies.

• In 2002 Special Olympics Hall of Fame.

• From 2007-2008 A new indoor arena was built and abutting property bought to develop after-school programs.

• See

Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm Yearbook 2000. (in Andover File under Disabilities)

Overview of Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm

--Leslie 18:25, February 29, 2012 (EST)

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