Easy was born in Montana and purchased when she was under 2 years old in 2008 by Kelli Navarro, an instructor for our military and mental health programs and member of our equine support team.
Kelli heard about Easy through an extended family member and drove to Nevada to meet her. At that time, the Navarro family lived in the Central Coast with acreage large enough to house Easy. In the years following, the Navarro family moved to Orange County and brought Easy along with them.
As a filly, Easy was often around the Navarro’s family dogs and seemed to think she was a dog too! Unlike today, she wasn’t treat-motivated and was mostly confused by treats like carrots and apples. Kelli was concerned if Easy would adjust to the California weather coming from Montana, but she quickly adapted and would spend hours sunbathing.
In 2020, due to wildfires, Easy was forced to evacuate her home in Trabuco and was offered temporary boarding at The Shea Center. During this time Janelle, our chief program officer, noticed Easy’s temperament was well-suited to therapy and with Kelli’s help, started putting her through The Shea Center’s horse donation trial period.
Needless to say, Easy passed the trial period and has become an important member of our herd that provides for our Equine Assisted Services!
Kelli says, “Easy was the first horse my kids sat on and has taught many young children to ride, which is why The Shea Center is the perfect place to share her love.”
These days Easy’s life consists of dozing off in her shavings, being used for OT, PT, Speech Therapy, and adaptive riding lessons, and getting plenty of treats and attention. One of her favorite treats is watermelon and even got to have a watermelon “cake” for her 16th birthday this year! Kelli and her family visit with Easy often and in her role as a staff member, Kelli takes her on gorgeous trail rides behind our property.
