About Peaceful Acres

A Child and Family Friendly Horse Farm

When Nanci Beyerl first moved to Peaceful Acres, her life was anything but at peace, yet according to Nanci, when she sat in the yard facing the barn and indoor arena, "a feeling of calm came over me, and the name just seemed to fit." At the time Nanci was unsure of what purpose the farm would have although she knew it would make a wonderful boarding, lesson and training facility.

After about four months, Nanci was searching the web and found an equine site that opened her mind and heart to the incredible purpose that horses paired with counseling professionals have on people in need or in crisis. That site was EAGALA.org, Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association. EAGALA aims to get professionals in the clinical and human development fields to accept EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy-where horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning as a treatment modality). EAP is not a "horse-back riding lesson program"; the sessions take place on the ground. It is a valid and effective approach in experiential learning which helps clinicians help their clients reach their goals and objectives. EAP/L benefits those in the equine fields by opening up greater possibilities for doing what they love, namely working with horses. This benefits those in the clinical and human development fields by providing a powerful, effective, interesting, fun and therapeutic alternative. Yes, it is experiential and eclectic, and it works. Just ask the over 4000 members of EAGALA, Certified Clinicians and Equine Specialists. Most of all, EAP/L benefits the clients and participants.  As those working in the field see all the time, it works at improving quality of life by changing behaviors, cognitions and reactions. The growth and learning of all involved is intense and rewarding. (EAGALA home page)

Nanci decided to take a leap and travel to Phoenix, Arizona, where she received Certification in EAP. Nanci then entered Graduate School at Adelphi University, where she earned her Masters Degree in Social Work (BSW from Siena College). Peaceful Acres is open Full Time for Individual, Couples, Family and Group EAP/L sessions. We offer day and overnight retreats for women, group and corporate events, an after-school program, summer camp and women's support and empowerment groups.

Peaceful Acres, is a Center for Emotional Growth and Wellness. Peaceful Acres is committed to its mission to provide an effective therapeutic environment partnering rescued and adopted horses with human facilitators in assisting participants to find  emotional growth, wellness and improved quality of life. Peaceful Acres believes in a team approach to therapy.  We work with treatment teams to experientially help individuals, couples, families and children, to reach their goals and improve their quality of life. Clients served included; mentoring programs, schools and youth organizations, children with developmental disabilities (PDD - Aspergers), individuals diagnosed with PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Anixiety Disorder, Depression, ADD, ADHD, women and children victims of domestic violence, at risk youth (PINS) and families in need (divorce and separation - grief and loss).

Highlighted programs for 2010:

• Day and Over-night Retreats for Women; visit www.peacefulacreshorsesretreats.com
• Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc. a  501 ( c ) ( 3 ) Not For Profit Organization  offers a Sanctuary for People and Horses. Equine Assisted Learning  and Psychotherapy and Experiential Recreational Programs for people. 
• Equine Rescue  - Offering Rescue, Adoption and Retirement for all breeds of horses.
• A Day At The Farm course offered to organizations that serve youth and families in the Capital Region. This is an 20 week course structured to promote improved self-esteem, problem solving, behavioral control, social and family interaction.
• Workshop programs for people with developmental and  / or mental health disabilities. This program is offered through grants and charitable contributions.

Women's Programs including support and empowerment groups utilizing "Natural Horse-Womanship" classes.  Spring  2010 NHWS will be offered Saturdays from 4:00-5:30.

Woman's Retreat Center Developed with women's needs in mind. The Retreat Center offers Empowerment Based Riding Lessons, Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy, Yoga, Massage, Reiki and Restorative Practices all in a peaceful location only 35 minutes from Albany. The center offers 2-4 day programs addressing such issues as survival of illness, abuse, revitalizing emotional energy, surpassing adversity, letting go of pain and learning to to heal, believing in your self - what is working - and build on it!  

 Our Mission 

·        Nurture self esteem

·        Foster well-being

·        Facilitate social development

·        Nourish and maintain emotional health

·        Foster problem solving and individual creativity

·        Promote verbal and non verbal congruence   

·        Encourage cognitive clarity

·        Encourage self discipline and behavioral control

·        Cultivate emotional, physical and psychological growth  and wellness

·        PAH, Inc. works cooperatively with community organizations that serve youth and families, school districts, parents and community leaders.

A MESSAGE FROM NANCI

Hi, my name is Nanci, I am the Founder and Executive Director of Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc.  I look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to the benefits of our Equine Assisted Experiential Learning Program.  I am blessed to be able to be the conduit to provide EAEL/P to people in need or those wishing to improve their quality of life. Peaceful Acres has been developed as a "Center" for all to seek empowerment and life changing experiences. The horses are our friends who make that possible - schedule a session so you may meet  one of our many therapy horses  - most of whom have been rescued by Peaceful Acres.  

We are blessed to provide this farm as a sanctuary for horses and people - a place where the horses are guiding people through a journey of healing. We are counting our blessings one horse and one person at a time!