Originally from Wisconsin, adaptive riding instructor Sarina Dalton has been riding since she was eight and competed in International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA) pleasure-riding horse shows during high school. Each year, she competed in local shows and the IBHA World Show.

Sarina became interested in an adaptive riding instructor career while in high school when she helped care for a young boy with autism. She had the opportunity to give him riding lessons on her horse and realized how much he benefitted from riding. His interactions with both horses and the people around him improved.

Therefore, after high school, Sarina attended an eight-week riding instructor training course at Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Dallas, TX. She learned about adaptive riding and received certified therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI) and advanced therapeutic riding instructor certifications. Eventually, she hopes to achieve the master-level instructor certification. After becoming certified, Sarina worked for Equest as a riding instructor for four years. During that time, she spent two years living on a horse ranch, working with curly mustangs.

Sarina says, “I am very passionate about adaptive riding; it is not just a job for me; it is a way to serve others and help improve lives while partnering with horses. I want to be the best adaptive riding instructor I can be. I want to create a safe, relaxing, and fun environment for my students while they learn equestrian skills to improve their lives. The human-horse connection is so powerful and amazing!”

Sarina continues, “Working with my clients and horses brings me so much joy! And working for The Shea Center is wonderful; I am so grateful to be a part of the team.” Others compliment Sarina on her fun and upbeat personality and strong work ethic.

In her free time, Sarina enjoys kickboxing, hiking, reading, riding her horse, taking her dog on adventures, and traveling.