Upcoming Events at ECC
Spring Kids’ Club: Empowered Equestrians
Join us for our four-session spring club series, for kids grades K through 5! Our Empowered Equestrians Kids’ Club will meet for two hours on Saturday 3/29, 4/12, 4/26, and 5/10 to explore equestrian and important life skill-building topics!
New and returning students welcome!
Student Volunteer Days
Are you in 6th to 12th grade, love animals, and want to learn about caring for horses? During Spring Break week (4/14-4/18), we have limited openings for preteens/teens to join our chore shifts. Open to any public school or homeschool students.
Women's Wellness Workshop
Discover Mindfulness Through Horses
Join us for a workshop centered on unplugging and creating clarity amid the distractions and demands women often face each day. Practice the power of mindfulness and being in the moment, reinforced by time working with horses - the masters of these practices! This special event will guide you in connecting with your inner self and the world around you through the unique, reflective nature of our equine partners.
What to Expect:
Explore mindfulness practices inspired by the present-moment awareness of horses
Learn how these incredible animals reflect our energy and emotions, offering profound insights into ourselves
Participate in engaging activities that promote balance, clarity, and communication
Lunch included and meaningful social connections
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful day of self-care or a deeper understanding of the human-horse connection, this workshop is for you! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to recharge your mind and spirit in the calming presence of our rescue horses. Keep an eye out for the full itinerary coming soon!
Summer Day Camp, June
A fun-filled day of farm chores, hands-on horse activities, a craft, summer treats, & more! Each registration is for one day camp (6/13, 7/11, OR 8/8) from 9am-1pm. Geared toward ages 5-11 (recent K-5th), but we are happy to include older children. Sign up for one day, or all three!
Cancellations: Camp fee is due upon registration. Fee includes a $20 non-refundable deposit. Cancellation with a $65 refund up to 7 days prior to the camp date. We are unable to refund fees for cancellation with less than 7 days notice.
Summer Day Camp, July
A fun-filled day of farm chores, hands-on horse activities, a craft, summer treats, & more! Each registration is for one day camp (6/13, 7/11, OR 8/8) from 9am-1pm. Geared toward ages 5-11 (recent K-5th), but we are happy to include older children. Sign up for one day, or all three!
Cancellations: Camp fee is due upon registration. Fee includes a $20 non-refundable deposit. Cancellation with a $65 refund up to 7 days prior to the camp date. We are unable to refund fees for cancellation with less than 7 days notice.
Summer Day Camp, August
A fun-filled day of farm chores, hands-on horse activities, a craft, summer treats, & more! Each registration is for one day camp (6/13, 7/11, OR 8/8) from 9am-1pm. Geared toward ages 5-11 (recent K-5th), but we are happy to include older children. Sign up for one day, or all three!
Cancellations: Camp fee is due upon registration. Fee includes a $20 non-refundable deposit. Cancellation with a $65 refund up to 7 days prior to the camp date. We are unable to refund fees for cancellation with less than 7 days notice.
Holiday Support Open House
If the holidays are a challenging time for you, for any reason, consider visiting us on Christmas Eve Day, 12/24, between 10:30am and 12:00pm for good company with our herd of rescue horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Our equine-assisted service facilitators will be available to introduce you to our animals. Whatever your preference may be, we are here to share friendly conversation or just to hold space.
Anyone 18+ years old who would benefit from a supportive space on this day may attend. This event is specifically geared to offer support to our community members experiencing personal challenges during the holiday season (akin to “Blue Christmas” services offered by some churches).
This is a free, “open house” style event. Please arrive and depart at your preference between our start time of 10:30am and end time at 12:00pm. There is no need to register and please come as you are.
A seating area will be available if you would like to stay awhile. Those who may be grieving a loss are invited to hang a bow on our fence in honor of their loved one.
Please note that the open house nature of this event means that multiple visitors may be sharing the space and facilitator attention simultaneously. This a community event, not a mental health service. If you are interested in a private visit, equine therapy, or a general tour experience, please reach out by email to info@equineconnectioncenter.com.
IMPORTANT INFO & DIRECTIONS:
The farm address is 14420 Owls Nest Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181. Please note that GPS can send visitors past the location - you are looking for horses that are visible from the road.
Please park in the grassy parking area, accessed from Owls Nest Rd, behind the small brown barn. Blue pinwheels will mark the entrance. Please do not park in the driveway of the brick house.
This is an outdoor event (porta-potty restroom available) on a working horse farm. All visitors must sign our Equine Activity Liability Waiver. Please dress warmly and wear sturdy, closed toed shoes.
Questions? Please reach out to info@equineconnectioncenter.com or call/text 703-980-1032
Preschool Storytime & Horse Meet-and-Greet
Join us on Sunday, 12/15 at 10am for a preschool special event!
We'll share a farm-themed story and then introduce some of our friendly horses and donkeys! Children will have an opportunity for some free play as well in a fenced area.
This event is geared toward ages 3-5, but children of any age are welcome. Cost is $15/child for members of Bristow Moms and Kids, and $20/child for the public. No fees for the parent/adult (please plan to stay with your child) or siblings under age 2.
Please register each child in your group to attend!
Bristow Moms & Kids members, please use code: BMAK
Art on the Farm - Fall Paint Event
Visit the sanctuary & create a masterpiece!
Kid & Family Paint from 12pm to 2pm
Adult “Happy Hour” Paint from 3pm to 5pm
Join us for this special event either as a family from 12-2pm or for an adult “happy hour” outing from 3-5pm!
Pre-traced canvases will be provided, along with paint, brushes, aprons, and refreshments. Paint your canvas to look like a real horse or unleash you creativity with color and dream up a magical, multicolored unicorn if you like!
As you paint, we will share more information about the programs available here at ECC and as you complete your work of art, you will have the opportunity to visit with some of our rescue horses and donkeys as well!
Kids and Family Paint, 12-2pm
Fun activity for ages 6+ with an adult (adults may attend with their child as a “helper” for free or buy a ticket to participate and paint as well!)
“Pony Bottoms” Template Canvas and all paint supplies, assistance from our Artist-in-Residence as needed
Refreshments include lemonade and a packaged snack
Photo opportunities and meet-&-greet with several of our rescued equines
Adult “Happy Hour” Paint, 3-5pm
A perfect beginning to any girls’ outing or couples’ date night!
“Looking Back” Template Canvas and all paint supplies, assistance from our Artist-in-Residence as needed (can be swapped for “Pony Bottoms” if you prefer, please notify us by email in advance)
Refreshments include wine and a packaged snack
Photo opportunities and meet-&-greet with several of our rescued equines
“Pony Bottoms”
“Looking Back”
Please Note:
A portion of your ticket price is a non-refundable $5 booking fee due to credit card processing fees. Any refunds due will be less this booking fee. If you need to cancel within 5 days of the event, your ticket fee will be considered a contribution to our horses’ care. Thank you so much for your understanding!
In the event of inclement weather, we will contact you with a rain date!
First Fridays for First Responders - November
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
First Fridays for First Responders - October
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
CANCELLED due to weather - Sunset Yoga in the Pasture
Unfortunately, due to weather, this event has been cancelled for September. If you already registered, please check your email for more information. If you have not yet signed up, but would still like to visit us please email info@equineconnectioncenter.com to learn more about our available experiences!
Our yoga is a collaboration of three local women-owned organizations: Equine Connection Center, Alternative Energy Hatha Yoga, and Creative Connections!
Join us for the Fall edition of Sunset Yoga in the Pasture! Grab a cozy hoodie and visit our peaceful, private farm to enjoy all the benefits of sharing space with horses.
Guests can expect to arrive and be greeted by our resident rescue horses as well as some light refreshments for a pre-class social hour! We will then make our way to the main field for a 45 minute hatha yoga class, taught by Gwen of Alternative Energy Hatha Yoga. The class will be focused on postures for relaxation and tranquility. Class will include poses, guided meditation, and breathing practices all while the sun sets over beautiful Nokesville! To conclude our evening, Beth of Creative Connections will provide the unique experience of a sound bath using crystal singing bowls.
Please bring your mat and a towel (water will be provided). Attire is comfortable! Please come dressed in loose fitting clothing or active wear that you don’t mind getting a little dirty here on the farm. Rain date TBD as needed.
Ticket price includes social hour refreshments, yoga class, and sound bath experience. All proceeds to ECC go toward cost of care for our rescue horses.
This event is FREE for Herd Members, Learn More.
Empowered Equestrians Kids' Club, First Meeting
Your little one can be a part of something BIG… Unplugged fun, new friends, & lasting learning!
Join us for our six-session Fall club series, for kids grades K through 5!
Our Empowered Equestrians Kids’ Club will meet for two hours every other Saturday, September through November, to explore equestrian and important life skill-building topics!
First Fridays for First Responders - September
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
First Fridays for First Responders - August
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
Visit for “National Meet A Horse Day”
Celebrate the American Horse Council’s “National Meet a Horse Day” with us at Equine Connection Center in Nokesville, Virginia!
July 17th is National Meet a Horse Day!
Schedule a visit using the button above to come meet a rescue horse on this Open Farm Day! Come out to the sanctuary, visit with our friendly equine residents, take some photos, and learn about what we do here at our educational equine sanctuary.
All proceeds from this event go toward our fundraising efforts to purchase a horse trailer to be able to begin taking our animals to events within the community (schools, etc.). Contributions can also be made toward this cause here.
First Fridays for First Responders - July
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
First Fridays for First Responders - June
Our rescue horses come from a variety of backgrounds - some experienced unforgiving workloads until their bodies could not longer perform, some were treated harshly by humans in ways that created deep-seated fears, and others were simply not properly handled, cared for, or loved. Through sanctuary, however, they have been rehabilitated to serve as ambassadors not only for equine welfare, but for mental health awareness and as symbols for how anyone can overcome challenges when their needs are met.
We know that those who protect and serve experience many things that stay with them even after they hang up their hat for the day. We hope through spending time working with and learning from these amazing creatures, our farm can provide a type of sanctuary for you as well.
We are proud to offer FREE wellness visits for uniformed first responders to spend time with our rescue horses and a facilitator. Chat, groom a horse, take a walk with us, and get some fresh air at our peaceful private farm!
Due avoid mid-day summer temperatures, we will have select spots available in the mornings and evenings. Click the button below to see availability and sign up today!
We follow ID.me eligibility and reserve the right to verify status. First Responders are defined as active: EMTs, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers (local, state, and federal), and 911 Dispatchers.
Sunset Yoga at ECC
This event is offered in collaboration between two local, woman-owned businesses - Alternative Energy Hatha Yoga and Equine Connection Center.
Ticket numbers are limited to maintain a small group where each participant can receive individual guidance from the instructor.
Guests can expect to arrive and be greeted by the ECC's resident rescue horses as well as some light refreshments for a pre-class social hour! Then make their way to the main field for a 45 minute hatha yoga class focused on postures for relaxation and tranquility. Class will include poses, guided meditation, and breathing practices all while the sun sets over beautiful Nokesville, Virginia!
Please bring your mat, a towel and a water bottle. Yoga instructor Gwen H. recommends a comfy t-shirt that you won't mind messing up (it is an active farm after all!) and loose fitting pants or activewear. Rain date TBD (but hopefully it won't!)
Ticket price includes social hour refreshments and yoga class, portion of proceeds will go towards our program!