Welcome to all who look for continued growth!
Elm Farm Learning Center strives to bring horses, humans, and nature together to build community, wellness, and learning opportunities to people in the Monadnock Region and beyond.
Where Horses, Humans, and Nature Come Together
Our Story and Mission
Elm Farm Learning Center was founded by Erin Ballard and Iria Doescher to create a space where horses, humans, and nature come together to support meaningful learning, personal growth, and community connection. Located on 14 acres of the historic Elm Farm in Keene, New Hampshire. Our center builds on the legacy of the previous organization who occupied this space, while expanding access to equine-facilitated learning for a wider and more diverse community.
We offer transformative equine-facilitated programs for individuals, children, families, schools, and support groups, along with high-quality equine boarding (check out our boarding section to learn more)! Our programs are designed to encourage reflection, build real-world skills, and support social and emotional growth through hands-on experiences with horses and nature. Horses are not tools in our work — they are respected members of our team, and their wellbeing is central to everything we do.
Elm Farm Learning Center is guided by the values of Reflection, Community, Growth, Wellness, Friendship, and Compassionate Care — for both our human participants and our equine partners. We believe learning happens best in environments that feel safe, welcoming, and connected to the natural world.
As a community-focused organization, we prioritize collaboration with local schools, organizations, and families, including partnerships with groups such as The Craft School at Mill Hollow Works. Through these relationships, we aim to make equine-facilitated learning and quality horse care more accessible and affordable, while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Our mission is simple: to create a supportive, inclusive environment where people and horses can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Our Mission:
To hold a space of reflection, growth, and connection- where the unique bond between humans and horses inspires personal transformation, lifelong learning, and community resilience.
What We Offer
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Equine Facilitated Programs
Prices with selected programs
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Retreats and Workshops
Prices Vary
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Individual/Small Group Private Sessions
$75.00/Hour (1 Participant)
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Boarding
$500 per Month per horse
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Rental Space
Rent our space for private events, weekly reserved times for business, birthday parties.
Meet the Team
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Erin Ballard
Co-Founder, Barn Manager, Head Facilitator
Erin Ballard is co-owner of Elm Farm Learning Center driven by a passion for equine management and connecting horses and people. She manages farm operations and co-facilitates programs supporting values. -
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Iria Doescher
Co- Founder, Administration, Head Facilitator
Iria Doescher is co-owner of Elm Farm Learning Center with a passion for creating meaningful programs that mindfully connect people, horses, and nature. She manages administration and communications expanding access. -
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Volunteer Support
Program and farm support
Our volunteers are at the heart of Elm Farm Learning Center supporting programs and horse care Their dedication creates meaningful connected experiences for everyone who visits the farm every day.
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Kenny Ballard
Board Member
Kenny Ballard brings over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing, operations, and business leadership with global brands. He offers strong expertise in strategic planning and organizational growth. Kenny has also served on nonprofit boards in the outdoor and trauma healing sectors, reflecting his commitment to community impact and individual healing and learning . At Elm Farm Learning Center, he supports inclusive opportunities that empower individuals to thrive.
Meet Our Equine Partners
Our equine partners are a huge part of who we are and what "we do.”
The horses at Elm Farm are chosen for their temperament, lifestyle and ability to thrive in a herd setting. Compassionate care is a cornerstone of our mission, and every horse is carefully vetted to ensure a good fit for both the programs and the equines themselves. We make it a priority to meet the horses’ needs just as much as the participants- as when our partners are thriving, it allows the space for participants and those alike to thrive and grow.
Meet Findlay!
Findlay is an 11-year-old registered Quarter Horse who came to Elm Farm Learning Center (EFLC) after struggling to stay comfortable in the job he was previously asked to do. Since then, he has found a supportive and loving home with one of our volunteer staff members and their family, where he continues to thrive.
Known for his goofy personality, kind temperament, and calm, steady presence, Findlay has become one of our trusted equine partners within our programs. His gentle nature and ability to connect with people make him a meaningful part of the Elm Farm Learning Center (EFLC) community.
Meet Faith!
Faith is a 20-year-old OTTB (Off-the-Track Thoroughbred) mare who came to Elm Farm after no longer being able to comfortably continue the work she was originally purchased for. Since then, she has found a meaningful new role as one of our trusted groundwork program horses.
Known for her compassion, patience, wisdom, and gentle nature, Faith offers a calm and steady presence for many of our participants. Her quiet kindness and ability to connect with people make her a deeply valued part of the Elm Farm community and a wonderful support for those seeking a thoughtful equine partner.
Meet Bailey
Bailey is a 17-year-old Appendix gelding and proud New Hampshire SPCA rescue with a heart of gold. He spends his days enjoying the sunshine and somehow always knowing when treats are nearby — bring snacks, and you’ll quickly become his new best friend.
Known for his patience, gentle nature, and willingness to try new things, Bailey is quickly becoming a favorite around the farm. His kind and easygoing personality makes him a wonderful part of the Elm Farm community and a trusted equine partner within our programs.
Meet Ripley!
Ripley is a 20-year-old registered Quarter Horse who arrived to us in November 2025, bringing with him a sweet and gentle personality that quickly made him a beloved part of the farm community. With a background in western and trail riding, Ripley transitioned naturally into the work we do with participants through our equine-facilitated programs.
Known for his kind nature and curiosity, Ripley can often be found following staff around during chores, always wanting to stay “in the know” about what the humans are up to — especially if treats might be involved. His calm presence and friendly demeanor make him a wonderful equine partner and a favorite among many who visit the farm.
Our Farm and Collaborators
Nestled in Keene, NH, lies a historical property dating back to the 1770’s as an original home stead property. Once housing a cottage, that has since been destroyed, but what remains is the old barn and land.
This farm is a 36 acre property that has had lots of lives since its foundation. What most locals remember being a pick-your-own berry farm, a cattle farm, and then becoming a research center for liberty elm trees that were once endangered due to a pest in the area.
Since then, it now houses several business organizations, including our collaborators Mill Hollow Works Craft School, and the community greenhouse that they also manage.
Craft School Mill Hollow Works is a heritage craft school that teach a wide range of classes from wood working, boat making, basket weaving, and so much more. Their 3 core values include having A Sense of Self, A Sense of Place, and a Sense of Connection (to our community, region, and planet). To learn more about our awesome collaborators please visit their website at millhollowworks,org or https://millhollowworks.org/
At E.F.L.C., we are thrilled to be collaborators with MHW and to have their support on our journey.
For more information on The Craft School Mill Hollow Works, please visit their website at millhollowworks.org
Schedule a time with us
Ready to take the reins and schedule your visit? Let’s make sure you’re all set for a fantastic experience with our horses and programs — simply choose a time that works best for you, and we'll handle the rest for a seamless booking process!