Welcome to
Home on the Range
at Misty Blue Farm
Outdoor Learning & Theraputic Centre, Horse Riding Lessons, Kennels, Cattery & more.
Photo credit to the Northern Echo
Our aim is dedicated to beneficial social change, to support individuals to reach their full potential in life.
aBOUT US
Home On The Range is dedicated to beneficial social change, to support individuals to reach their full potential in life.
The 30-acre farm provides a multitude of opportunities to participants to develop their confidence and well-being, learn new skills, and find ways to re-engage effectively with society.
Our mission is to help the community of Spennymoor and its hinterland to regain the sense of well-being and social prosperity which it has lost. We work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Our vision is to be part of a community in which young people are valued for the contribution that they make rather than derided and feared for their behaviour; older people are treasured for the contribution they have made and continue to make, rather than dismissed as burdensome and demanding; and where neighbours care and support each other and build a community which everyone is proud to live in.
Home on the Range
"I came to Misty Blue Farm in January 2015 after being referred by the Job Centre. I completed a 6 week course which I enjoyed allot and I achieved loads; I felt I could do anything and I was on top of the world! "
James - Volunteer
TEAM
Meet the team who make Home On The Range work.
Nikki Christie-Skinner - Managing Director & Co-Founder
After a career in administrative and personnel management in the private sector, Nikki relocated to the North East to assist with the strategic operations of the family engineering/manufacturing business. In 2004 joining Business Link as External Liaison Manager alongside studying BA Hons Applied Management at Sunderland University. She established her own private childcare business with the first nursery opening in Yarm 2005.ﾠﾠIn 2008 the business had grown to five nurseries and Nikki was awarded Runner Up North East Business Start Up Woman Of The Year.ﾠ Between 2010 and 2011 the nurseries were sold to allow her to focus on developing enterprises at Home On The Range at Misty Blue Farm. A keen equestrian from childhood, Nikki is also qualified with The British Horse Society, a qualified Early Years Practitioner, qualified in Special Educational Needs & safeguarding management. Alongside this has accessed dementia, mental health, drug awareness and first aid training.
Dale Christie-Skinner - Director
Dale left school to join the family engineering company, where he learned his trade as a skilled sheet metal worker, remaining in the business for 20 years. In 2005 he joined Nikki in establishing the children’s nursery, which grew to a small chain in five locations.ﾠﾠ Following the sale of the childcare business he has overseen the land management and farm needs for Home On the Range at Misty Blue Farm, alongside delivery of our life skills programmes.
Lesley Thompson - Director and Co-Founder
Lesley has always had a passion for horses and while still at school she volunteered at local riding schools to gain experience. As a working pupil in a riding school, she gained British Horse Society qualifications and level 3 instructor, achieving the Advanced Instructors Certificate. As a freelance instructor she taught complete beginners to achieve high standards of riding whilst educating in horse care. She has been part of the team since 2012. Lesley has also accessed dementia, mental health, drug awareness and first aid training. Lesley is a dementia friend for Spennymoor.
Lorraine Joyce - Non-Executive Board Member
PC Lorraine Joyce employed with Durham Constabulary as Critical Pathways Officer joined the board in September 2015 she is also a fellow equestrian.
Pascalle Hatfield - Director
Pascalle has worked alongside Nikki, Managing Director, in various roles since 2005, her earlier career focusing on childhood development. More recently Pascalle has worked strategically addressing critical pathways of vulnerable and disadvantaged families in Stockton on Tees. Joining Home On the Range as a Director in 2016 Pascalle complements the organisational impact, performance and progression.
Home on the Range
“I am particularly privileged to learn about community projects on a regular basis and to meet with the most inspirational of people who never cease to amaze me. The Home On The Range crew further exceeded my expectations in this respect as a ‘not for profit’ organisation with a proven record of success. They offer bespoke programmes of learning and self-development experiences, with a flexible structure and approach throughout, sensitive to the pace and needs of clients.”
Ron Hogg - Police and Crime Commissioner
THERAPIES AND Programmes
We offer a large range of programmes at Home on the Range.
- Health and Well-Being Therapies and Programmes
- Alternative Education frameworks for schools in County Durham.
- Durham County Council delivering life skills, pre-employability/employability programmes, alternative education and individually tailored therapy programmes; working in horticulture, equine or other land-based activities
- Young Carers
- CREE Project (Young People and Mens)
- Supported Volunteering Opportunities
- Horticulture, land based and Equine Therapies
- Youth Offending Team
- Job Centre Plus
- Drug and Alcohol Workers
- Housing Providers.
- Social Services
- Public Health
- Day Centre Activities
- Success North East – Sponsor a Grown Up
We also offer other services to a range of third sector organisations
To date we have delivered support to over 150 individuals, the success of our delivery is evident in our statics which indicates 100% improvement in overall health and well-being. 73% going into employment, volunteering, training or education and over 60% of participants reported they were less socially isolated as a direct result of accessing our programmes.
Currently delivering projects funded by
Please ring for guidance if you would like to make a referral, you may also download the referral form using the button below.
Download the Referral Form
Home on the Range
"Home On The Range at Misty Blue Farm have the best pony club adventure for all ages and children. They provide and excellent service offering horse care and riding lessons for the whole day. They are a great team – it is guaranteed that your child will make some great friends and childhood memories. My daughter loves the farm and I would recommend them highly."
Kay Marshall Lightfoot
CHILDCARE
A fantastic outdoor learning provision
Home On The Range runs a fully licensed and regulated children’s nursery and out of school care provision offering high quality, affordable childcare in a stimulating farm environment. The friendly, professional childcare is provided in a convenient, familiar setting at times to fit in with busy family schedules and where each child will feel welcome and look forward to coming back. It is designed to enable parents with low incomes to return to work whilst offering a crèche facility to those accessing programmes on the farm.
For more information contact nursery@homeontherange.org.uk or 07821 650527
Home on the Range
"I would like to thank the Home On The Range team for today! We came as a small group for a taster day of Equine Therapy. The team were very polite, friendly and accommodating ensuring everyone enjoyed their experience. Highly recommended, thanks again."
Kelly Dobson
equestrian
Home On The Range at Misty Blue Farm is approved and accredited with the Pony Club of Great Britain, The Riding Centre offers a range of programmes and activities, some of which lead to accredited learning. The centre follows the pony Club curriculum and helps participants to work towards achievement badges and equitation qualifications. The centre also offers...
Saturday Pony Club (accessed by the local community)
Respite in partnership with Durham’s Bridge Young Carers (a charity supporting children who are carers)
Regular horse shows, gymkhanas, dressage & show jumping competitions
Cross country trials
Parent and children riding groups
Physical education programmes for schools
British Horse Society stages training
Pony club progression badges
Livery yard
The centre has 27 purposes built, modern stables. Of these, 10 are offered on a commercial basis, and 17 are retained to house the horses used for life skills training and other activities on the farm.
Private lessons are delivered throughout the week from 10.00am until 7.00pm
Lessons are offered to total beginners aged 4 years + and also for the more advanced riders.
We have a broad selection of horses and ponies to meet the needs of all riders.
Price List
1 Hour Private | £25.00 (Including stable management)
1 Hour Semi-Private | £20.00 (Including stable management)
1 Hour Group Clinic | £20.00 (Summer only)
£10.00 non-refundable deposit secures place
*Gift vouchers and discounted block bookings available.
Home on the Range
"I came to Misty Blue Farm in January 2015 after being referred by the Job Centre. I completed a 6 week course which I enjoyed allot and I achieved loads; I felt I could do anything and I was on top of the world! "
James
kennels and cattery
Here at Home On The Range we believe our individual care delivered to all animals ensures your pet’s stay with us is a pleasant experience.
Our kennels & cattery are licensed with the local authority and we are fully insured.
All animals must be up to date with vaccinations, worming and flea treatment (a copy of vaccinations is required). Kennel cough is at the owner’s discretion and we recommend advice is taken from your vet regarding this, Please note that if a dog is vaccinated against kennel cough this is to be done 14 days prior to arrival.
When booking the Kennels/Cattery there is a non-refundable deposit required of 50% at the time of booking to secure reservation and cash balance is due on arrival. (Please note we do not accept cheque or have card facilities) 10% discount for family pets sharing a kennel/cattery. Price list and extras available on request for more information contact info@homeontherange.org.uk or 01388 30946901388 309469
Home on the Range
"Home on the range is an amazing nursery, I believe it's the best place for children being on a farm, being outside and seeing the horses and free range hens. The ladies are so friendly and the kids love them!"
Clare Garner - Parent
Gallery
Some great pictures from events, sessions and more.
Home on the Range
"I came to Home On The Range at Misty Blue Farm earlier this year after being referred by the Job Centre for an employability course for 6 weeks. I loved being on this course and one of the best things was that I made friends."
William
Contact us
TEL: 01388 309 469 MOB: 07900 240 542
EMAIL: info@homeontherange.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you
