A local goat farm, in Windsor, is offering non-clinical therapy activities with their goats for people with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The farm, called ” Anchor-ME Farm,” owned by Cara and Brian Cribb, is home to goats, ducks, geese and dogs. The goats are all friendly and well-socialized, and they love to interact with people of all ages.
The Anchor-ME farm, located at 584 Ridge Road, Windsor, offers a variety of non-clinical therapy activities, including:
• Goat yoga: Goat yoga will be returning soon. The first class will take place on Thursday, May 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Jessica will be teaching and the goats will be cuddly and hysterical as usual. Get your tickets through Eventbrite or email – info@anchormefarm.com. • Every Sunday Support Group: Starts April 7, and continues every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. • Goat walks: Participants take a leisurely walk around the farm with the goats. The goats provide companionship and help to reduce stress and anxiety. • Goat cuddles: Participants can cuddle with the goats in a quiet and relaxing setting. The goats provide comfort and help to promote relaxation. • Special Events: The next one is PAINT AND PET, Saturday April 27, from 1 – 3 p.m. A chance to paint under a tent in the company of animals featuring the talents of WickedIllustrations Studio & Gallery. Please sign up at WickedIllustrations.com. Cost is $40. $5 of the cost goes to The Anchor ME Farm.
Cara Cribb explains how the farm came to be: “I had an idea about this amazing place that has cuddly animals or just intriguing animals, where people could come to forget their troubles for an hour or two. I was at my breaking point, stuck in Rhode Island, literally nothing except dwelling on my trauma and reliving it every second. Once I convinced my husband that this could be a thing, we started the process of moving again.”
Goats at the Anchor ME Farm, in Windsor. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)
As the couple began its search for a farm, the pandemic struck and Brian Cribb’s job went remote, which opened up the possibility of locating their farm in Maine. Before long, they found a home that has seen at least a century in Windsor and through a journey of sweat-equity, restoration and building formed a home for themselves and a happy herd of goats.
The Cribbs want the public to know they are not therapists, the goats do the therapy. Goats are highly adaptable creatures who are often used in therapy because they are playful, gentle and have the unique ability to recognize human emotions and react as needed. If a person needs a hug, they are there for a quick nudge and a long cuddle. If a child needs to play, goats love to romp and are famous for their zig zag jumps from side to side, which will generate some laughter from most humans. Interactions with animals, especially goats, can positively affect brain chemistry by reducing cortisol levels and increasing dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins – the brain chemicals that provide humans the feelings of security and well-being.
The need for all types of therapies, even non-clinical goat therapy, has been increasing in the last few years. According to the February 2024 Forbes Mental Health Statistics Report, the number of people with mental health conditions has increased in the United States, with 23.1 percent of adults experiencing one in 2022. The number of anxiety and depressive disorders has also increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28 percent more people experiencing depressive symptoms and 25 percent more experiencing anxiety disorders.
Anchor ME farm also has a licensed bakery on site called the Anchor ME Gluten Free Bakehouse. Everything is made to order from requests on their website. They generally need two days for an order and will confirm when you will pick it up at their farm stand. Ingredients are listed online but If you’re trying to avoid an ingredient, send an email so they can try to accommodate. Some of their diverse offerings include cookies, doughnuts, bagels, pumpkin bread, apple fritters, brioche, focaccia, challah, naan, brownies and crackers.
The Anchor-ME Farm is nonprofit, 501(c)(3), that provides a safe place for people who are dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety with the help of animals.
Located at 584 Ridge Road, Windsor. For more information, call (207) 445-8192 or check out Anchormefarm.com and view their Facebook often for updates on special events.
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