Henny Penny & Friends

 
Although Riverwood is a therapeutic riding center, a series of circumstances have occurred in which we have become home to several chickens. In the August 2007 edition of Forsyth Women, Carolyn Peterson tells the story of how Henny Penny, destined for the processing plant and Wheat Thin, narrowly escaping her demise, come to live at Riverwood.
Read the full article.

In Memory of Henny Penny
It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our white chicken, Henny Penny. For those who do not know her story, it is one of true grit and survival. This chicken, destined for the grocery store, fell (or jumped!) off the transport truck and was brought to Riverwood to be nursed back to health. Her broken leg was cast and her asphalt burned belly was treated and she became our champion around the farm. Each morning she would be carried to her outdoor cage (we called it her “arena condo”). Her food and water would be placed nearby and she would watch the proceeding day from her spot. Occasionally, she would lay an egg but would peck it apart if you didn’t get it out of her cage fast enough! In the evenings, she would waddle back to her “indoor condo” (a stall) and sleep peacefully through the night. When she was inclined, she would sit in the arena and watch a class. She would happily eat anything that anyone offered her and then huff and walk away when there was none left. Her favorite foods were tomatoes and apples! She brought a smile to our faces everyday and her presence is still felt and missed.

Henny taught us that no matter what the odds, you can always find a way to live a full life. This chicken's true destiny was not for the supermarket, but to bring smiles and laughter to the many people who saw her each day. We are thankful for the lessons she taught us and the presence she had at the farm.