06/19/2026
We are so deeply honoured to receive the following testimonial from Chris Fedorko, Provincial Constable with the OPP, regarding our First Responder program in partnership with Bonnie Taylor Counselling:
“As a police officer living with PTSD life can often feel overwhelming between the demands of everyday responsibilities, and the constant mental load that comes with it, finding time to slow down and focus on my own well-being can be difficult. When I signed up for an equine therapy session at Poppy Haven, I honestly felt it was just one more thing to fit in into an already busy schedule.
What I experienced with something completely different.
From the moment I arrived, the welcoming environment helped put me at ease, being around the ponies allowed me to disconnect from stress, noise and responsibilities that seem to constantly occupy my mind. For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t thinking about everything that needed to be done or everything weighing on me. Instead, I was fully present in the moment.
Working with the ponies required patients, focus, and trust. There is a healthy sense of nervousness because it was something completely new to me, but it was the kind of anxiety that encourages growth rather than fear. As the session progressed, I found myself relaxing, having fun and genuinely enjoying the experience.
What stood out the most was how naturally the ponies encouraged mindfulness. They don’t care about your rank, your job title, the burden you carry, they simply respond to who you are in the moment.
That experience helped me step away from the stress of every day, life and reconnect with myself in a meaningful way.
Poppy’s Haven provided far more than an equine therapy session. It provided a space to breathe, reflect and heal. Even after a single visit, I left feeling calmer, more grounded and was reminded of the importance of making time for my own mental health. I’m grateful for the support, compassion and unique healing experience that Poppy’s Haven offers to first responders and veterans navigating the challenges of PTSD.”
