Vancouver. A big city with lots of trees and green space. But most kids spend the majority of their waking hours inside four walls and/or looking at nature on screens. Most adults will never set foot on a real farm or touch a farm animal, and that’s true of 50% of the world’s population now. Horses, livestock and using a pitchfork are seen in cartoons but rarely experienced. With this lack of understanding of farming and connection to animals, how can we expect people to make sustainable food choices? Or to care for Fraser Valley’s land, its soil, biodiversity, river and farms?

This is where Southlands Heritage Farm comes in. We are taking a stand. We are standing up for fertile soil that should never be built on, and for food systems that work together with local ecosystems and biodiversity. We are inspiring children and their parents to care for the planet, the land and the animals. We are encouraging them to strive for real, tasty and healthy food. We are direct and honest in our teaching and trigger mature discussions about the reality of keeping horses, farming and food issues. Our programs and teaching methods are creative, experiential, fun, and holistic. ​

Horses. They are peaceful and grounded. Developing connection and relationship with horses teaches us respect, humility and self-confidence. At Southlands Heritage Farm, we cultivate a holistic approach to the horse world with the overall goal of joy and empowerment.