WOF North Carolina Chapter

North Carolina Sister Organization

Thank you, Sundt Foundation, for your generous grant to help Walking Outside Foundation and our sister organization OT4KIDS FOUNDATION build trails in a wetland area so that children with disabilities can expand their horizons by seeing animals up close, feeding them and learning about these beautiful creatures! Hidden Springs Ranch is generously loaning long horn cows, pigs, goats, chickens, dogs and cats to the arena so that those hiking the trails at the 440 Central Avenue Lexington, NC property can enjoy this unique experience. The participants and the guides at both locations have unique abilities that help them to engage with the animals. Whether they are managing Autism, Charge Syndrome, ADHD or any other childhood disability, it does not preclude them from having a part in this wonderful program.

These photos show the thick woods around the side and back of the fenced area. The children were so excited to see the animals! They would climb the fence and gates just to get a peak! Thanks to the generous donation from Sundt Foundation and other individuals, WOF has cleared a path 8 feet wide all the way around the horse arena, grazing area and barn to make viewing possible for everyone.

Experiences come alive with our animal program by making the trails accessible for all family members. The elementary school next door will be invited in the spring to walk the trails around the barn and arena to have a better look and get some exercise.

Tours have also been made available at the Hidden Springs Ranch location that include tasting long horn beef sticks, the experience of feeding the animals and learning a bit of animal husbandry. The entire family gets to experience ranch life up close! All children are invited to take part in viewing and petting the animals and learning how to handle large animals on a ranch.