Little Bug Farm
Colrain, Massachusetts
Little Bug Farm is a small farm in Colrain, Massachusetts offering equine-assisted learning and somatic horsemanship. Its website describes the work as nervous-system-informed time with horses, drawing on Horse Speak® and polyvagal theory. Sessions are open to people new to horses as well as horse owners, and no experience is required for the group program.
- Equine-assisted learning
- Somatic horsemanship
- Private sessions
- Semi-private and small-group sessions
- From Regulation to Relationship group
- Sessions with your own horse at your barn
- Apprenticeships in horse care
- People new to horses
- Horse owners
- Partners and family of horse people
- Small groups of friends, family or colleagues
More about this center
About the Program
The farm's group program, From Regulation to Relationship, is a small experiential learning group of up to five people. Participants first notice how their own nervous systems respond, then use elements of Horse Speak® to read what the horses are communicating. The website says participants are not asked to ride, lead or guide the horse, and each person takes a turn with a horse before the group reflects together. Groups of friends, family or colleagues can contact the farm to arrange a session.
Somatic Horsemanship is for owners who want to deepen the relationship with their own horse. Another offering, So Your Loved One Got a Horse... Now What?, is for partners and family members who are not horse people. The farm also offers apprenticeships for people who want to learn horse care and take part in the horses' daily routine.
The Horses and Staff
The farm is run by Rachel Hackett-Dickinson, who the website says is a Massachusetts-licensed riding instructor and rode on the IHSA team at Smith College. She lists training in Horse Speak®, Connected Riding™ with Peggy Cummings, in-hand work with Jillian Kreinbring, TTouch®, equine acupressure, and polyvagal theory through Sarah Baldwin's courses.
The horses include Nicky, a 22-year-old Quarter Horse, and Fern, a rescue Rachel brought home from Baystate Equine Rescue. The farm is named for Julian, Rachel's longtime Thoroughbred, whose nicknames included Little Bug.
Getting Started
Private sessions begin with a phone call so Rachel can learn about your interests and goals. One-on-one sessions run 75 to 90 minutes. Sessions can be booked for one, two or three people, and sessions with your own horse at your barn, mounted or unmounted, are offered within two hours of the farm. Call or email the farm for current rates; see also equine therapy costs.
The farm invites people to reach out if cost is a concern, and trading farm work for sessions is also possible.
Location
Little Bug Farm is in Colrain, Massachusetts, in Franklin County. Sessions take place at the farm, and at-your-barn sessions are available within a two-hour radius.
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.
Do I need horse experience?
No. The farm says no experience is required for its group program, and private sessions are tailored to your goals and experience level.
Is there riding?
The group program is unmounted. Sessions with your own horse at your barn can be mounted or unmounted.
How much does it cost?
Contact the farm for current rates. The farm invites people to reach out if cost is a concern, and trade for farm work is possible.
How do I sign up?
Call or text 413-977-2220 or email rhackett.equine@gmail.com. Private sessions start with a phone call.
Location
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.