Animal Husbandry

Experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of working with our friendly animals while learning essential animal care skills.

Our Therapy Animals!

At Shirleys Field, we have a wonderful collection of therapy animals who are central to our work:

2 Horses: Gentle, patient animals perfect for equine therapy
2 Donkeys: Calm, affectionate companions
2 Pygmy Goats: Playful and engaging characters
Poultry: Chickens providing fresh eggs

Animal Care Training

We provide hands-on training in all aspects of animal husbandry, including:

Daily Care

Feeding and nutrition
Water management
Grooming and hygiene
Health monitoring
Recognizing signs of illness

Stable Management

Mucking out and bedding
Stable maintenance
Equipment care
Safety procedures

Specialized Skills

Basic first aid
Hoof care
Tack cleaning and maintenance
Pasture management

Animal Therapy Sessions

Spending time with animals has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental wellbeing. Our therapy sessions allow you to:

Build confidence through caring for animals
Experience the calming effect of gentle interaction
Develop responsibility and routine
Learn non-verbal communication
Find peace and mindfulness in animal care

Wildlife and Conservation

We also focus on encouraging local wildlife to return to the farm, creating habitats and learning about the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.