Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Lim.
Hi Marie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started HAPPI Farm simply by caring for animals and helping families who needed a safe, supportive place for their kids. Over time, more people came, the programs grew, and it naturally became a nonprofit. I’ve spent years running the farm hands-on — caring for the animals, managing the property, and supporting the families who come here. HAPPPI Farm has grown into a community resource, and my goal is to keep building a place where animals and people can thrive together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Running a farm with limited funding is hard. There were years where I was doing everything myself — the animals, the property, the families, the programs — with no real staff, no consistent volunteers, and barely any budget. We’ve faced unpredictable costs, weather issues, animal emergencies, and the constant challenge of keeping things going while still giving the animals and kids the level of care they deserve. But every struggle pushed me to keep building, keep learning, and keep the farm alive for the people who rely on it.
I’m grateful for the help we have received — the volunteers who show up when they can, the families who support us, and the people who step in during emergencies. It’s never been enough to make everything easy, but it’s always been enough to keep us going. Every bit of support, no matter how small, has helped us push through the hard parts and stay committed to the mission.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At HAPPI Farm, my work centers on keeping therapeutic riding and animal-assisted programs affordable and accessible for our community. We rescue animals, support kids who need alternative environments, and provide a place where families feel welcome regardless of their budget. I’m most proud of the transformations we see — children gaining confidence, families finding connection, and animals getting a second chance.
What sets HAPPI Farm apart is that we’re mission-driven. We offer therapeutic experiences many families can’t access elsewhere, and we do it with heart, patience, and a true sense of community.
Our mission to expand is simple: the demand is growing, and we want to serve more families without ever losing affordability. With more space and improved facilities, we can take in more rescued animals, offer more therapeutic riding sessions, and continue being a place where everyone — kids, parents, volunteers, and animals — can thrive together.
A big part of our mission is making sure people who truly need support never have to worry about cost. Families with special-needs children and adults, veterans, and seniors — they all come here for free. We don’t turn anyone away. If being around the animals can help them, we make space for them. That’s the heart of HAPPI Farm.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Running HAPPI Farm keeps me on my feet more than on my phone, but I do lean on a few things. I follow a lot of animal-care and therapeutic-riding communities online — places where people share tips, experiences, and solutions that actually work in the real world. I also keep up with a couple of nonprofit management pages and farm-care blogs to stay on top of best practices. Honestly, most of what helps me do my best comes from hands-on learning, talking with other farm owners, and listening to the families we serve. That’s where the real education happens.
Pricing:
- $10 entry
- $30 Trail Rides/Lessons
- Field Trips
- Parties
- Corporate Events
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.happifarm.org/
- Instagram: happifarm2023
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappiFarm/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Happifarm
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@happifarm.davie
