Ray of Light Farm
East Haddam, Connecticut
Ray of Light Farm is a nonprofit animal rescue, sanctuary and animal-assisted therapy center in East Haddam, Connecticut. Its main horse programs are Horse Feathers, a free weekly wellness program for veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress, and unmounted horsemanship classes for children and adults.
- Horse Feathers veterans and first responders program
- Unmounted horsemanship classes
- Weekday horsemanship program for retirees
- Driving and harness work (Horse Feathers)
- Pony Pals children's programs
- Field trips and homeschool programs
- Horse and donkey rescue and sanctuary
- Veterans with post-traumatic stress
- First responders with post-traumatic stress
- Children ages 7 and up
- Adults and retirees
- Families and school groups
- Homeschool students
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the farm grew from a promise founder Bonnie Buongiorne made in 1993 after a breast cancer diagnosis, and it has since rescued more than 120 horses and donkeys along with many other animals. The farm says its programs may include animals that have recently arrived as well as animals living in sanctuary.
Horse Feathers, which the farm says began in 2015, meets once a week and offers driving and horsemanship lessons, small animal-assisted learning and a gardening group. Participants can work toward goals such as grooming, barn management and cart or wagon driving. The farm says the program is free and funded by donations. For background on this kind of program, see our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Horsemanship Classes
The farm's horsemanship classes are ground-based (unmounted) and use Irwin Insight methods, focused on reading horse body language, trust and safety. Classes are recommended for ages 7 and up, and the farm also lists a Monday through Friday program for retirees. As listed, a half-hour private or one-hour group lesson is $40 and a one-hour private lesson is $60, with package pricing after the first lesson.
Location
Ray of Light Farm is at 232 Town Street, East Haddam, CT 06423. The website lists indoor and outdoor arenas and wooded trails, and says the farm is open to the public free of charge Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 to 3:00.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do veterans join Horse Feathers?
The farm asks applicants to complete its participant application or contact it at (860) 873-1895 or horsefeathers@rayoflightfarm.org. The program is free to participants.
Do the horsemanship classes include riding?
No. The farm describes its horsemanship classes as unmounted, with students working with horses on the ground.
What do horsemanship lessons cost?
As listed on the farm's website, lessons are $40 for a half-hour private or one-hour group session and $60 for a one-hour private session, with five- and ten-lesson packages available.
How do I contact the farm?
Call (860) 873-1895 or email info@rayoflightfarm.org.
Location
East Haddam, Connecticut 06423
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.