July 2022 Animal Services Category Grant Awarded to Red Skye Farm

Congratulations to Niki Cogliano and her Red Skye Farm for being the WomensNet $10,000 July Business Specific Grant recipient in the category of “Animal Services.”

Here is a little bit of what Niki shared with us. We hope you’re inspired by Niki and all that’s going on at Red Skye Farm:

Red Skye Farm in Bethany, Connecticut is a warm and inviting backyard farm with 7 horses (one of which is privately owned and is boarded here) 8 goats, 3 ducks, and 2 dogs. As the owner and manager of the farm, I live on the property (leased), and take care of all day-to-day work of feeding, and caring for the 18 animals that call this place home. Along with a small team of dedicated volunteers, we work daily to make the farm a place where animals and clients alike feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed.

Niki said: “I, myself, am very passionate about helping others experience the equine industry while educating them in a safe manner. My 10 years working with horses and clients in both therapeutic and more riding focused programs has helped me understand the physical and psychological benefit of working with animals. Learning to ride can be an invaluable experience for preteens, especially girls. The challenges of adolescence often cause their self-esteem to plummet. The experience of being able to successfully handle a 1200lb animal and earn their affection greatly increases self-esteem.”

Her her plans for the grant money — Niki says with her growing clientele, she’ll use the money to maintain and upgrade the farm facilities, both by securing more animals to serve my growing client base and tackling several projects to ensure the safety and efficient functioning of the barn and riding facilities.

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