Explore Our Field Journal

Catch a glimpse into exciting new developments at Madison Fields, an agricultural refuge and place of healing, learning and growing for vulnerable members of our community. Here we share our notes, record images, and recount the stories of people who have discovered a new, more inclusive way to build fellowship and bring vitality into community life.
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Volunteer Impact | Postcards from the Ponies by Carmen Miller
During the pandemic, Carmen began to think about what she could do from her home to help the riders stay connected to the horses they love.
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In the Spotlight: David, Job Readiness Program
David, JRP participant, joined in 2019. His growth, leadership & enthusiasm is immense, That’s why we’re shining the spotlight on him!
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A Day in the Job Readiness Program
A day in the job readiness program consists of working with peers and learning fundamental skills on farm.
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The Horse Sponsorship Program at Madison Fields
One of the ways that we meet our horses needs is through the horse sponsorship program at Madison Fields. #GrowingTogether
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COVID Therapeutic Riding Procedures
The Team is excited to welcome independent riders back! Phase 2 allows us to slowly open programs, but we are following new Therapeutic Riding Procedures.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
The staff at Madison Fields wants to thank all of the hard-working moms out there who keep our world spinning! Please download this packet we've created for Mother's Day and give a little thanks to the mother figure in your life!
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Parents’ Statements | Impact of Stay-At-Home Order
Nancy asked some parents for personal statements, regarding the effect of program closures on their adult children who have been affected by program closures. Read below to find out how some of our participants have been impacted.
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In the Spotlight | Volunteers Shawnee & Sophia
Today we take the time to put two of our most active and reliable volunteers in the spotlight: Sophia Kozauer and Shawnee Ronyak. Both of these dedicated teens clocked in over 150 hours in the Madison Fields barn in 2019.
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In the Spotlight | Max
Today, we are honored to put the spotlight on one of our riders, Max! Read more to find out what his family had to say about his experience at the farm.
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Build-A-Horse
Let's get creative! First, we will learn about colors and markings on horses. Then, we will use our new knowledge and our creative minds to build our very own horse! All we have to do is download the file above to get started!
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Meet Our Goats!
Meet our goats! With just a click of a button you will get a chance to know our goats by name and breed, and how their breed makes them so unique!
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Madison Fields | Horse Breeds Activity
In this horse breeds activity, we introduce you to each of our horses by name and breed and give some insight into what makes them so unique.
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Chicken Care | What’s in a chicken coop?
Our Job Readiness Program Manager, Nancy Frasche, has created a playlist of videos that help inform students of proper chicken care! Attached is an activity students can complete after watching the videos.
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Madison Fields | 30-Day Horse Trial
At Madison Fields, when a new horse is brought into the herd they don't go straight into working with riders. There is what we like to consider a trial period, where we dedicate 30 days to allow the horse to fully transition into their new role as a Therapeutic Riding (TR) horse and become comfortable with their new home.
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In the Spotlight | Alexander
Alexander is a young adult living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In June of 2017, at the age of 21, he graduated from The Community School of Maryland in Brookville. Alexander and his family found it took some time to get ahold of vital services after graduation.
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Therapeutic Riding | Behind the Scenes
Madison Fields’ Therapeutic Riding (TR) is run by three amazingly talented women: Jessica Simpson, Programs Manager; Maggie Jackson, Head Therapeutic Riding Instructor; and Taylor Polito, Equestrian Assistant.
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Madison Fields Coloring Book
The EAAT team created the Madison Fields Coloring Book to keep our families connected during this time that we have to spend away from the farm.
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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors
A BIG congratulations to Madison Fields’ PATH International Instructor Training Candidates: Taylor Polito and Aureanna Hakenson! Both Taylor and Aure recently completed the required PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Workshop and passed their teaching and riding evaluations!
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Poolesville Day Parade | Awarded Best Booth!
Poolesville Day is a free, one-day annual event celebrating more than 25 years of community, fun and entertainment, and 2019 was a blast!
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Corporate Volunteers | Shape our community
What would we do without our volunteers? As a mission-drive project and the work required for proper upkeep, stewardship and maintenance is immense!
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Barn Concert Kickstarts Veterans Retreat
This fall, we were honored to host a second weekend veterans retreat this year. As always, we kicked off the weekend with a concert featuring Mack Bailey!
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Job Readiness Program | Certificate of Completion
The Job Readiness program provides opportunities for adults to continue their learning and gain skills that can help prepare them for future employment.
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Agricultural Education | Activities
Our Agricultural Education Program creates a space of healing and understanding, where everyone is valued and invited to participate and contribute.
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Neuro-Inclusive Yoga Weekend
This summer, we are excited to partner with Brian Aubin Yoga & Wellness to offer neuro-inclusive yoga, meditation & sound vibration at Madison Fields.
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Transformative Music Therapy for Veterans
Madison Fields brings transformative Music Therapy of the Rockies by serving 10 wounded veterans, in collaboration with The Wounded Warrior Project and American Airlines.
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Growing Together | Lessons from Nature
In healthy plant communities, good companions with diverse needs and abilities support each other for maximum health. But it isn’t just plants that thrive best when grown together, people do too!
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Sensory-Rich Farm Visits Increase Well-Being
A visit to the countryside is a great way for people of all stripes to reduce stress and experience an improved sense of well-being. It is one reason why it is so important that opportunities are created for those who need a little extra support in order to access natural spaces.
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Kacey Pope | Where Will She Live?
Kacey Pope hopes to call Madison Fields home one day. Watch her story to learn more about the challenges facing the 80,000 adults on the spectrum who are currently seeking housing options.
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Alex Cathcart | There is no Neurological Default
Adam “AJ” Jones | There’s Nothing You Can’t Do
Madison Fields Barn Attendant, Adam Jones, shares how the opportunity to work in the field he loves has helped him "find his true self" in this enlightening mini-documentary.
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College Gardens Elementary | Fall Fun
Last Friday, October 7th, 120 kindergarteners from College Gardens Elementary made a trip to Madison Fields, along with their teachers and chaperones.
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“Do Crew” Does it All: Conquering “Wow Hill”
Madison Fields wants to give a HUGE shout out to the American Airlines "Do Crew"!
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American Airlines | Taking Madison House to New Heights
Madison House Autism Foundation (MHAF) & Madison Fields are thrilled about our ongoing partnership with American Airlines.
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American Airlines | Helping Adults With Autism
Last year, American Airlines joined Madison House Autism Foundation's efforts to address the needs of adults with autism.
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Employee in the Spotlight | Adam Jones
Adam Jones has been riding and working with horses for 12 years. As a graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian College,
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The Madison Fields Wheat Harvest
Winter wheat was planted last fall at Madison Fields, and the end result is just beautiful.
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Volunteer Spotlight: American Airlines
American Airlines was a HUGE help to Madison Fields on April 16th!
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CoreLogic Gives Back on #GivingTuesday
CoreLogic believes that information is at the core of every smart business decision.
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Measuring the Impact of Equine Therapy on Autistic Adults
Equine therapy is a new and somewhat controversial area of research that is only recently being popularized.
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Marriott International Shows ‘Spirit to Serve’ at Madison Fields
On May 20, 2015, over 70 volunteers from Marriott International arrived on big white buses at Madison Fields.
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