The Horizon Farm Trust is a Non Profit and Public Benefit Organisation registered in South Africa, located in rural Shongweni halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Horizon Farm has been born out of the dream to establish a caring place providing lifelong accommodation and meaningful occupation for mentally disabled adults. The trust was founded in 1994 by parents of intellectually challenged children, recognizing the need for after school services and a stimulating, therapeutic and loving environment.

 

The outdoor lifestyle offered by the 30 acre farm purchased in 2004, in combination with trained and dedicated staff, ensures meaningful occupation, opportunities for growth and development for every resident. Therapeutic intervention ranges from daily chores in the care for small animals, work in the grounds and the vegetable garden to the care for the nine horses on the farm. Animal assisted therapy and horse assisted therapy in particular are an important ground stone for the services provided by the Horizon Farm Trust.
 

The dream to build a supportive living space for mentally impaired adults has grown to expand the services to benefit children with disabilities and learners from the local communities. Close to 25 permanent residents and approximately 30 visiting children a week take advantage of the holistic stimulation schedule offered by Horizon Farm. Ad hoc intervention, recreational and therapeutic programmes for at-risk-youth include short stay opportunities, camping facilities and guided community service placements. The Horizon Farm Trust provides a unique set of services and is faced with an increasing waiting list.
 

Responsible entrepreneurship, ranging from employing formerly disadvantaged locals, the use of renewable energy and sustainability, are vital principles. The Horizon Farm is a registered charity with exemption from section 18(A) of the Income Tax Act.