Many local residents are familiar with the King farm in Honey Brook, which was once a dairy farm and later served as an outdoor furniture manufacturing business. It was also home to Honey Brook Stables, owned by Callie King.

Now, the farm is being sold, transitioning back to a working farm, and Callie is celebrating the milestone by hosting a fundraiser to benefit Healing with Horses, a nonprofit organization in Zimbabwe, Africa, that offers therapeutic horseback riding for children. The event, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, will include a day of horse-related programs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a chicken barbecue and party beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Community members may attend either or both events. "For those interested in horse-related (information), they can come for the day, and there will be demonstrations and speakers," Callie explained. "Our (event) in the evening is for anyone who wants to come out and eat barbecue on the farm and support the cause. There will also be a silent auction."

Guest speakers will address topics such horse/human relationships, Reiki for animals and first aid for horses. Callie will present a program about riding transition, learning theory and movement. A representative of Healing with Horses will also be on hand. Activities will take place in a large, indoor riding arena, so the event will take place rain or shine.

"(The farm) has been in our family since the 1940s. It was my great-grandfather who purchased the farm. He and my grandfather had a dairy, and my dad, Martin, (established) the lawn furniture manufacturing businesses," noted Callie. "I have had the horse farm for 13 years. The farm is being sold to our Amish neighbors, and they will work the land again."

She said that she chose Healing with Horses as a beneficiary because of its effort to help children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. According to the center, therapeutic horseback riding can strengthen the muscles of children with physical ailments and can comfort those with post-traumatic stress disorder or who have been victims of abuse. More information about the organization is available at http://www.healingwithhorseszimbabwe.com.

"Healing with Horses helps up to 150 disabled children every week, helping them feel loved, accepted and find healing on the backs of horses, mostly rescued horses," Callie said. "They are in need of funding for daily operations and have dreams of expanding their facility to better serve their clients, including children from orphanages."

Callie noted that the family's closing celebration at the farm will fall on the same date as the 10th anniversary of Healing with Horses. "Several things lined up - our farm is closing, and their 10-year anniversary is on Oct. 28," said Callie. "We wanted to come together to celebrate all the good times. And, as we say goodbye to our facility, we will be helping to expand theirs."

The King farm is located at 80 King Road, Honey Brook. To learn more about the event and to reserve tickets, visit http://www.horseclass.com/farm-celebration.