About Us
History
Edie Dopking, Ph.D., founded Quantum Leap Farm, Inc., in 2000 originally to serve adults with mental and physical disabilities through therapeutic equine activities. Edie and some friends had used the Odessa property as a horse co-op for many years, sharing resources and taking turns caring for each others’ horses. A fortunate turn of events made it possible to Edie to pursue a long-held dream of serving wounded veterans through equine therapy and the small pasture slowly grew into a comprehensive equine therapy facility. When founded, QLF was the only local therapeutic horseback riding program serving adults.
The Purpose
We serve children and adults with special needs, kids with cancer, veterans, military service members and their families. Participants in our therapy programs range from age 2 to 92 and are diagnosed with a variety of conditions. Participants are referred to us by word of mouth, physical practitioners and by other agencies. Learn more about the benefits of our services here.
The Programs
We offer a comprehensive approach to therapy through a variety of different services: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy (Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy), Equine-Assisted Self Exploration (E.A.S.E.), Warrior Mission: At Ease (W.M.A.E.) Military Retreats, Basic Equine Skills Training (B.E.S.T.), and Family Fun Days. We believe healing starts with the individual, but expands to the entire family and community. All of our services involve interaction with horses whether in saddle or on the ground and are administered by certified and/or licensed professionals. Learn more about our services below.
The People
Quantum Leap Farm was founded by Edie Dopking, PhD after an academic endeavor revealed the benefits of equine therapy for adults with disabilities. Twenty-three years later, the Farm consists of 18 staff members with an array of degrees and certifications in AHA, EAGALA, PATH and mental health counseling. Beyond what schooling can provide, the Quantum staff has a passion to help others find healing, a genuine love for all living things and a spirit of fun and friendship that can’t be quantified.
The Pasture
Our facility is on a 20-acre pasture in Odessa, FL nestled next to a 1,700-acre environmentally sensitive land preserve owned by Hillsborough County. We currently have 13 horses, 2 donkeys, 3 goats and 1 cat. You can read their biographies here.
