Vancouver. A big city with lots of trees and green space. But most kids spend the majority of their waking hours inside four walls and/or looking at nature on screens. Most adults will never set foot on a real farm or touch a farm animal, and that’s true of 50% of the world’s population now. Horses, livestock and using a pitchfork are seen in cartoons but rarely experienced. With this lack of understanding of farming and connection to animals, how can we expect people to make sustainable food choices? Or to care for Fraser Valley’s land, its soil, biodiversity, river and farms?

Horses. They are peaceful and grounded. Developing connection and relationship with horses teaches us respect, humility and self-confidence. At Southlands Heritage Farm, we cultivate a holistic approach to the horse world with the overall goal of joy and empowerment.