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The use of well-behaved cats and dogs, horses and small farm animals as learning assistants has been proven to make a significant difference to people struggling to learn (Netting, Wilson & New, 1987; All & Loving, 1999). We are currently seeking city families, farm families and acreage owners interested in hosting such learning projects and programs. Our staff provides consultation, training and human service program support while helping you get started simply and safely. We'll provide you with the tools and skills to be effective leaders and trainers. The staff at Overlook Farm can help you build a simple yet effective program to meet your unique goals and interests. Begin sharing your talents in a positive way, helping that one family member or neighbor down your city street or county road in need of your time and talents. Or, share your program with even more of your extended family or neighbors from around the area who currently struggle with learning difficulties. There are so many unique populations to serve and opportunities to help children and adults who struggle to read, cope with difficulties, or get thorough difficult times. Our Masters-level Human Service professionals as well as caring staff experienced in small animal and agricultural methods provide you personalized help and training. They will help you set up and host a program by offering animal-assisted training, Special Olympics equestrian training, and 4-H learning programs. Our dedicated volunteers are proud to offer these services to you at no cost.
Please contact: Beth Ervin, Program Director, to learn more. Beth can be reached by calling 612-240-4435 or emailing bethloveshorses@ymail.com Thank you!
Dr. Edward Creagan, Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, shares his thoughts about the Healing Benefits of Pets
| Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center at Overlook Farm, Lakota, Iowa
The Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center at Overlook Farm is located in the beautiful Northern Agricultural Heartland of America. Set just two and a half miles East of Lakota, Iowa on Highway 9 in the gentle rolling hills of North-Central Iowa, the Overlook Farm is a clean, small and picturesque farm accessible from all of the  region's Interstate systems. The Farm is located near three popular recreational locations, including; the resorts of Lake Okoboji, Iowa, Adventure Land Amusement Park at Des Moines, Iowa and Mall of America at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
We provide horse , small farm animal, garden & orchard assisted learning opportunities, specifically designed to promote learning for individuals or families experiencing learning difficulties.
News - Senator Harkin's Staff Member Visits Overlook Farm
Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center was pleased to be one of Senator Tom Harkin's stops as he and his staff tour the State of Iowa to celebrate the anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). A member of Senator Harkin's staff out of the Cedar Rapids office made an initial visit to Overlook Farm on Friday, July 16, 2010. Kim Taylor of Senator Harkin's office and Beth Ervin, Director of the Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center, spent time in an interesting and productive discussion concerning the goals of the program in reaching out to help children and their families. Kim is planning a follow up visit to the Farm in the Spring of 2011. More information to follow.
News - Senator Harkin Blogs about Overlook Farm (click here to view)
News - The Iowa Weather Blog Sponsors The Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center (ILEC) at Overlook Farm
Get Started Today Using Free Recommended Learning Aids
Take the free Learning Discovery Survey to help you better understand learning difficulties you or a child may be experiencing. Also download & play the free Overlook Farm Earning & Learning Game to help you help your child become a better learner while practicing and improving behaviors. Contact Beth Ervin if you have questions or would like more information 612-240-4435.
Many More Learning Aid Links Found Below
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Program Mission Overlook Farm"Home of the Helping & Healing Horses"
Beth Ervin
Program Director2105 Highway 9 Lakota, Iowa 50451bethloveshorses@ymail.com 612-240-4435
The Iowa Lakes Equestrian Riding Center at Overlook Farm supports the region's special individuals and families by providing safe, positive and motivating learning experiences through equine assisted programs and small farm animal care & agriculture learning activities. Overlook Farm is home to specially trained horses, barn yard animals, orchards and gardens 
used to carry out the mission of the program. That of helping individuals grow by overcoming personal life hurdles associated with learning difficulties through practicing fun farm work chores and gaining experiences in caring for and learning to safely ride horses, learning to properly feed and care for small farm animals, and by lending a hand at the Farm's orchards and gardens.
Our Special Olympics certified staff members receive training and are managed by Masters level human service professionals along with equine and agricultural professionals. The entire staff volunteers their time and special talents in coaching clients' through specific learning programs aimed at mastering positive bench-marked outcomes. Our "Family Strength" programs bring clients' and family members together to reinforce learning, relationships and strengthen loving bonds.
Individuals and Families Served
Garden and Orchard Assisted Learning Opportunities
 Cats As Therapy Pets
Therapy Cat Evaluation Quiz
Therapy Cat Resource
The Life of a Siamese Therapy Cat
Student Rider on Learning Horse Tilly with Coach Kaci
Legacy of InspirationA most important lesson of life has been taught me through the vision and life of Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town, Nebraska;
Effective ways of helping those who struggle with learning are to personally invest yourself and your resources in interesting and motivating environments aimed at cultivating fertile minds, exposing strugglers to new challenges, and surely soon to follow, the yielding of new learning.
Thank you Father Flanagan for your life's work of inspiration and it's continued healing of so many.
Executive Director
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