A painted pony parade takes place in the indoor arena; mini-horses, alpacas, a fainting goat and a mini-donkey compete for attention in the petting paddock; and Ricky, the gentle giant of a draft horse, chauffeurs passengers on a wagon ride around the landscape.

Meanwhile, a child abandons her wheelchair to become an able equestrian.

An adult with autism shares a connection with the docile mini-donkey, and developmental disabilities take a back seat for campers during a wagon ride with Ricky.

This is the magic of Midnight Farm, a new 40-acre rural retreat in Baldwin City featured on this week’s “Home and Away.”

The working farm is run by Community Living Opportunities, an organization that provides services for kids and adults with developmental challenges.

“This is all about freedom and inclusion,” says Mike Strouse, executive director of CLO, in describing the remarkable relationship between individuals with special needs and farm animals in the simplicity of a rural setting.

The farm relies on volunteer support.

In addition to the therapeutic equestrian program, camps and activities, the farm also provides a residential component, housing clients with disabilities and host families, making it a one-of-a-kind location in the Midwest, according to Strouse.

“Home and Away” premieres at 6:30 p.m. Mondays on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 and replays throughout the week.