YOU BELONG HERE
Where Stable Connections Take Root.
Disclaimer: The Palfrey Project is an independent business separate from Oliveme Wellness and any other business that may participate in its operation.
Connection
Participants develop safe and respectful connections with horses, professionals, peers, family members, and themselves. Horses provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback that can help participants explore trust, communication, boundaries, and belonging.
Growth
Structured activities encourage participants to practice problem-solving, leadership, emotional awareness, self-advocacy, confidence, and healthy decision-making. Participants are supported in connecting what they learn with challenges and relationships in daily life.
Wellness
The natural barn environment and calming presence of horses create opportunities to slow down, become more aware of the body, and practice grounding and emotional regulation. Activities support overall wellness without presenting every experience as clinical treatment.
Where stable connections take root.
The Palfrey Project is an equine-assisted learning and wellness initiative serving individuals and families throughout York County and the greater Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Through safe, structured experiences with horses, the program creates opportunities for people to strengthen resilience, improve emotional awareness, build trusting relationships, and develop practical skills that support everyday life.
The word palfrey historically refers to a gentle, dependable horse valued as a trusted companion. This reflects the heart of the project: creating a welcoming place where participants can slow down, experience meaningful connection, and grow alongside horses and supportive professionals.
What the Program Provides
The Palfrey Project provides experiential, ground-based learning and wellness activities facilitated by a collaborative team that may include:
A life and wellness coach
A licensed mental health professional
An experienced horse trainer or equine specialist
Each professional works within their own qualifications and scope of practice. Services may be offered as equine-assisted learning, wellness coaching, therapeutic support, or community enrichment, depending on the program and professionals involved.
Participants do not need prior horse experience. Most activities are completed from the ground and may include observing horses, grooming, leading, completing team challenges, practicing boundaries, and reflecting on the horse’s behavior and the participant’s experience. Riding is not required for the program to be meaningful or effective.
Vision
We envision a community where every person—regardless of age, ability, diagnosis, income, background, or life experience—has a safe place to belong, build trusted relationships, discover personal strengths, and grow toward a more resilient and fulfilling life.
Mission
The Palfrey Project strengthens resilience, well-being, confidence, and connection through accessible equine-assisted learning, coaching, and wellness experiences. Through safe, relationship-centered interactions with horses and skilled professionals, we help individuals and families develop practical skills that support healthier relationships, greater independence, emotional well-being, and meaningful participation in their communities