Dear Friends of the Farm,

As summer unfolds in all its vibrant beauty, we’re reflecting on the joy, connection, and growth this season has brought to Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center.

From festive gatherings to transformative retreats, we’ve welcomed incredible guests from across the country—and the world—who bring life, laughter, and purpose to this cherished place.

A Season Full of Heartwarming Guests & Farm Magic

What a joy it's been to host such a wide variety of visitors! From birthday celebrations and family reunions to wellness retreats, church groups, student programs, and corporate team-building getaways—our lodging, animals, gardens, trails, and gathering spaces have never been more alive.

Highlights included:

• “Meet the Minis” meet-and-greets with our miniature horses.
• Thoughtful History Tours of the property.
• Poolside fun and lawn games under sunny skies.
• Farm-fresh eggs, evening Fire Circles, and fabulous meals by our caterers.
• And our most-loved program, Wisdom Horse, continues to deepen the experience for individuals and groups alike.

Amid a weary world, our farm remains a place of healing, hope, and community. We are humbled to serve as stewards of such a special place where peace, learning, and joy abound.

Big News: Our Beloved Farm is Now for Sale

In a deeply emotional but hopeful step, Stepping Stones is officially on the market. After 50 years of nurturing this land and community, it’s time for the next chapter.

We had hoped a former camper, long-time horse lover, or local family might take up the reins, but the right person has yet to appear. The property is listed on MLS, and we invite you to view the full listing with photos and details and help us spread the word.

Our team has worked hard over the years to get everything ‘just right’ while preserving the feeling of warmth and welcome. The farm is in full swing with a 5 Star Guest Rating and full bookings through the fall.

Stepping Stones is a sustainable, turnkey operation. We are permitted to hold wellness retreats, private stays and celebrations, horse boarding, clinics, corporate coaching and Wisdom Horse Experiential Education, driving lessons, horsemanship clinics and cooking lessons. This is a unique work-live opportunity so keep spreading the word to people who will cherish the farm and welcome families and friends.

I feel so blessed by all the many amazing and heartwarming comments that have been put on social media about how much people have loved this farm. I have received heartfelt phone calls, emails, visits and FB comments from around the world sharing life changing memories spanning 50 years. I can retire in peace knowing that this farm, the horses and the spirit here has brightened many lives.

Whether for private residence, retreat work, or equine programs, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone to step into a vibrant, purpose-filled life and livelihood.

While saying goodbye to the farm will be bittersweet, I’m filled with gratitude for the beautiful growth of our family.

• Jamee is thriving in Virginia and loving her new job. Her daughters, Morgan and Megan, are flourishing in college—how can I have granddaughters who are 20 and 22?!
• Ella, my NYC-based daughter, has achieved a major milestone—she's just been accepted into the  Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences!
• Alec and Julie recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Margot, into the world.
• Ian has completed a gorgeous new home on an organic farm nestled in the trees.
• Debby and Bill are enjoying grandparent life with their joyful Virginia clan.
• Randy lives next door to the farm and continues beautifying his own farm with care and pride.

As I prepare to relocate, I’m looking forward to slowing down, enjoying a new little home in Temple, and traveling more often to be with this incredible tribe of loved ones.

Stepping Stones would not be the place it is today without our phenomenal staff. Their passion and dedication are the backbone of this thriving farm:

• Barn Crew: Alli, Lucas, Emma, Annabelle, and Alex – caring for boarders and minis with diligence and love.
• Farm Maintenance: Bill, Tere, Jake, Jonathan, and Kayden – keeping our grounds pristine.
• Admin: Jamie and Jess – managing our finances, website, and outreach with care.
• Farmer John, Tommy, and Patrick – maintaining our fields, lawns, and arenas.
• Housekeeping: Fran, Marie, and Eddie – keeping every space spotless, fresh, and welcoming.

Thanks to them, we’re fully booked every weekend and honoring all upcoming reservations. We sincerely hope the future owners will keep this exceptional team on board.

Gather your friends, load up your horses and come play with us!

Throughout the rest of the summer and into the exquisite fall foliage season, we are offering the historic and beautifully restored Homestead for groups of people who love to ride or drive carriages together. 

Horses will be stabled in our beautiful Main Barn with airy box stalls and plenty of tack room space. Our four outdoor rings and large Indoor Arena (72’ by 200’) will all be available for your riding or driving pleasure. With picturesque dirt roads and woods trails, there is no better way to experience fall in New England. We can accommodate up to 16 people in the Homestead with 10 horses in the Main Barn.

Enjoy a full kitchen for meal prep. Grill out and dine under the stars. Cool off in the pool, relax with a massage, farm fresh eggs, adult beverages and the Fire Circle. Hire a caterer or two for a special brunch, lunch or dinner. Dine out at one of the many excellent local restaurants. 

Make this a vacation stay that you will long remember. Check out the details on our website at www.steppingstonesfarm.com under Up Coming Events.

Our Equine-Facilitated Learning & Leadership Development program continues to impact lives—reaching educators, tech teams, nonprofits, and individuals healing from trauma, illness, or loss. Though not therapy, our work with the Wisdom Horse Herd is deeply 

therapeutic, empowering, and transformative.

We work with individuals seeking coaching for leadership or wellness, students, work groups, church leadership, nonprofit organizations, clinical teams, technology companies, school districts and people in Recovery or experiencing severe health struggles, trauma or loss of limbs. 

Our seven horses truly serve as mirrors of how people show up in their lives. The use of metaphors coupled with thoughtful facilitation, encourages awareness, and empowerment for change through practical application.

Our incredible team of Facilitators now include Dr. Coeni VanBeek, Bettyann Cernese, Nancy Cook, the Reverand Shayna Appel, Janice Cooper, Colton Seale and James Wilson. Thanks to their deep reservoir of knowledge, passion for this work, understanding of equine facilitated work and horses, we have the depth to serve a variety of clients. 

Our amazing team of well-trained Horse Handlers support this work by providing Safety Support and gentle guidance for our clients, many of whom have never been near a horse. Without Alli Lapinsky, Emma Carpenter, Annabelle Stewart, Lucas Nevrla, Carol LaChance and Terry Lajoie, we could not offer Wisdom Horse in a safe and supportive atmosphere both for the people and the horses.

To learn more,

visit the Wisdom Horse

section of our website at

SteppingStonesFarm.com

Bettyanne Cernase has partnered with our team to create an amazing women’s retreat coming up at Stepping Stones. This is your chance to unplug, reconnect, and rediscover yourself alongside your own horse—or in partnership with a member of the Wisdom Horse herd.

The caterers are planning delicious feasts and the Meditation Room and Fire Circle are awaiting your arrival. We are truly thrilled to be offering this new 5-day retreat that is really a Summer Horse Camp for grownups! 

Because the response has been so positive, and so many people have said they wanted to attend in the future, we are already planning a Fall Wild & Wise Women’s Wellness Retreat. Save the dates!

Thursday night October 23 to Sunday afternoon October 26. 

“Skip school” on Friday and join us for an amazing time with your horse or partner with one of the Wisdom Horse equines. Save the date on your calendar. Registration will open on August 1 with an Early Bird Discount.

More Information: Wild & Wise Women's Retreat

Back by popular demand, Sue Rogers is offering private lessons and a full driving weekend!

• July 18 & August 15 – One-hour lessons: $80
• September 5–7 – Weekend includes lessons, scenic drives, and fun games

Sue works with drivers of all skill levels and prioritizes safety, horse care, and confidence-building. Details on our website under Upcoming Events.

Mark your calendars now so you can join in the great learning, camaraderie and driving FUN!