What is a farm fairy? ✨

At Justin’s Place, we believe a little bit of magic can make a big difference.

Sometimes that magic looks like a child connecting with a horse. Sometimes it looks like a parent watching their child experience something new. And often, it looks like a volunteer quietly making sure everything is ready behind the scenes.

That’s where our Farm Fairies come in. 🧚‍♀️🌿

Farm Fairies are volunteers who help support our instructors during the many non-mounted activities happening around the farm. Their work helps our team operate safely and efficiently while creating an environment filled with the peace, joy, and connection that make Justin’s Place special.

So…what does a Farm Fairy actually do?

A little bit of everything!

Our Farm Fairies might help an instructor open or close a gate, keep an eye on an animal who is out of their usual space, or help bring the goats or pigs out for an activity. They may also help block off an area to keep participants and animals safe.

And then there are the behind-the-scenes jobs—the ones that might not look glamorous but make a huge difference.

A Farm Fairy might sweep the chicken and bunny house, clean water containers, muck the pig area, tidy the feed room, clean groom boxes, refill hay, or tackle one of the many little jobs that keep our farm welcoming and ready for the next participant.

Sometimes the magic happens in the office greeting.

Farm Fairies can also help create a warm welcome for families arriving at Justin’s Place.

They may greet participants and parents, let families know how long until their session begins, and help instructors by having participant plans and helmets ready to go. They can also pitch in with daily or closing cleaning tasks.

These small moments of preparation mean our instructors can spend more of their attention doing what they do best: being present with the people and animals in front of them.

It's not about knowing everything.

Being a Farm Fairy doesn't mean you have to be an expert in horses, animals, or adaptive recreation.

It means you're willing to notice what needs to be done, lend a hand, and help create a safe and peaceful environment.

Of course, there are some important boundaries. Farm Fairies receive training before serving, and certain animal-handling responsibilities require additional check-offs. For example, volunteers must have Wrangler check-off before handling ponies, and Farm Fairies do not remove or return guinea pigs or bunnies.

The little things matter.

At Justin’s Place, we know that extraordinary experiences are built from hundreds of little details.

A clean barn.
A full water bucket.
A gate closed at the right time.
A helmet waiting on the counter.
A parent greeted with a smile.
A goat safely settled into the right area.
A participant arriving to a space that feels calm and ready for them.

None of these things may seem like a big deal on their own.

But together?

They create the magic.

And that's why we love our Farm Fairies. 🧚‍♀️

They help make sure that when a child walks through our gates, the farm is ready to welcome them.

Because sometimes making a difference means being the person in the middle of the action.

And sometimes it means quietly taking care of all the little things that allow the magic to happen.

That is the Farm Fairy way. ✨