Hartzland Farm

Hartzland Farm’s cow cuddling and animal experiences were born from something very personal.

For many years, my life has been shaped by chronic pain, surgeries, and the emotional toll that comes with living in a body that doesn’t always cooperate.

After a motor vehicle accident, I developed CRPS and began a long journey through pain management and more than 20 spinal surgeries. Pain became something I couldn’t simply leave behind when I walked out the door. It was there when I woke up, when I tried to sleep, when I sat down, and when I tried to enjoy the things I once loved.

And along with chronic pain came something I wasn’t prepared for—the impact it could have on my mood, my mental health, and my ability to feel like me.

There were days when depression and pain made the world feel very small.

Then there were the animals.

I discovered that something happens when you sit quietly beside an animal. They don’t care about your diagnosis. They don’t care how many surgeries you’ve had. They don’t ask what’s wrong or expect you to explain yourself.

They just stay.

A cow resting her head against you.
A goat nudging your hand.
A horse standing quietly beside you.
A dog laying at your feet.

For those moments, something changes.

The pain doesn’t necessarily disappear—but sometimes my attention shifts away from it. Sometimes I realize I’ve gone several minutes without thinking about my pain at all. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I breathe more deeply. Sometimes I simply feel peaceful.

And sometimes, that’s enough.

Animals have given me moments where I can forget that I’m a person living with chronic pain and simply be a person enjoying the company of another living creature.

Those moments helped inspire what we are creating here at Hartzland Farm.  

What began as a personal source of comfort grew into a desire to create a welcoming space for others. Our animals are part of our family, each with their own personality, routines, and gentle way of connecting with people. They have helped bring light back into difficult days, encouraged me to keep moving forward, and reminded me that joy can still be found in small, meaningful moments.

Hartzland Animal Experiences was created from that belief: that time with animals can be grounding, uplifting, and restorative. Our reservation-only farm visits invite guests to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and experience the simple comfort of being around animals.

Whether you are cuddling with a gentle cow or calf, brushing a horse, spending time with playful goats, or enjoying a creative activity on the farm, each experience is designed to be relaxed, personal, and memorable.

We welcome families, animal lovers, friends, couples, homeschool groups, and anyone who could use a little more peace, laughter, and connection. You do not need a special reason to visit—sometimes the best reason is simply to take a breath, be present, and let an animal make your day a little brighter.

Our farm is more than a place to meet animals. It is a place shaped by resilience, healing, and the belief that comfort can sometimes arrive with a soft muzzle, a curious nudge, or a quiet moment beside a gentle animal.