Flooding threatens horses, therapy programs at Harmony Farms in Cocoa

Floodwater has inundated Harmony Farms in Cocoa, forcing staff and volunteers to use a boat and donated boots to reach the horses and raising concerns about damage to the farm’s equine therapy program.

Executive Director Janine Allen said the property was dry as recently as Sunday before water began to rise slowly across the farm.

By the time News 6 visited, water was already reaching the top of a reporter’s boot near the driveway, and parts of the property near the red barn used for equine therapy were under several feet of water.

“All of this was dry, you know, into Sunday,” Allen said. “And it started coming up. It’s a slow rise.”

Harmony Farms has 12 horses, with the oldest being 31. Allen said the stalls remained dry, and staff still had a small area where the horses could walk and graze. But the unexpected flooding has disrupted therapy sessions for clients who depend on the farm’s programs.

“They ride every week. They look forward to this,” Allen said. “It’s for their mental health, cognitive, physical needs.”

The flooding also threatens equipment used to help clients safely take part in therapy sessions. Allen pointed to a structure that houses a lift used to move clients from mobility chairs or wheelchairs onto horses.

The deep floodwater has brought other concerns, too. An alligator was spotted in the water, and Allen said staff and volunteers are also watching for snakes.

The farm is working with Dr. Patrick Biegel, described by Allen as the only equine veterinarian in Brevard County, to monitor the horses’ stress levels. But Biegel’s own property is also flooded, making it difficult for him to provide care.

“I had to say, ‘I can’t right now,’ not knowing how long this is going to be here and knowing that this could get worse,” Biegel said.

Allen said Harmony Farms has been relying on volunteers and donations to keep operating while the water remains on the property. A boat is being used to bring volunteers from the roadway to the area where the horses are being cared for.

Allen said the farm may be dealing with the aftermath for weeks. “I think we’re looking at six weeks to eight weeks, once the water starts to recede and we see where we are structurally,” she said.

Those interested in volunteering or donating can find more information on the GoFundMe page set up for the farm.