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 activities.

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 Physical Therapy Building was built for Challenge Unlimited Programs.

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

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

"Therapeutic horseback riding improves physical strength, self-esteem," Andover Townsman supplement, Town Crossings, February 18, 2000, p. 17.
"Horse program's new grant could help it ride off with land," Andover Townsman, June 22, 2000, p. 5.
"Group hopes to save therapeutic riding at Andover farm," Boston Globe, October 29, 2000.
"Challenge accepted: 'Unlimited' program saves itself by buying the farm - literally," Andover Townsman, December 13, 2001, p. 1.
"Keeping a dream alive - on horseback: Donovans devoted land to special program," Andover Townsman, December 27, 2001, p. 11.
"Therapy for kids gets financial lift: Ironstone fills saddlebags with Banknorth's $10K gift," Andover Townsman, February 17, 2005.
"No more snowy rides: Andover indoor riding facility approved," Eagle Tribune, May 11, 2005, p. 11.
'Special ride for Special Olympians: Ironstone Farm, riders ready for preliminary," Eagle Tribune, September 19, 2005.
"New riding ring means year-round therapy, lessons," Andover Townsman, June 14, 2007, p. 6.
"A day for medals, horses and fun: Special Olympics held at Ironstone Farm," Eagle Tribune, November 8, 2007.
"Challenge Unlimited's champion honored: O'Brien recognized for lifetime of helping children with disabilities," Eagle Tribune, May 23, 2008.

--Leslie 18:25, February 29, 2012 (EST)
--Kim 14:37, August 6, 2013 (EDT)

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