Vic has been a farrier (horseshoer) at The Shea Center for 14 years and does specialty shoeing for some of our horses. By frequently consulting with The Shea Center's vet, Dr. Markell, Vic has been able to meet the needs of our horses that have hoof-related issues....
The barn is a fantastic place for Shea Center clients to work on physical therapy exercises and activities! The horse provides clients balance challenges and engages the sensorimotor system. Physical therapists at The Shea Center also provide clients with therapeutic...
Dane Bullock is a kind man who experienced a mild stroke about three years ago. Being at Shea with the horses is his favorite activity, especially during COVID-19. Dane and therapy program horse, Champ, grow their relationship when Dane rides and interacts with him...
Did you know that the “dirt” on the floor of the arenas is actually called “footing”? Did you know that The Shea Center has access to beautiful trails behind our property? Learn more below. About the Arena Footing Footing is the sand mixture that looks like dirt...
Because safety is always a priority at The Shea Center, we are experienced in assessing, establishing and evolving safety protocols in a variety of circumstances. This expertise and agility enabled us to quickly and proactively develop necessary protocols and...
We are thankful to all of the donors and organizations that have donated face masks and face shields to The Shea Center. These provide our staff, clients, and volunteers with a variety of face covering options. ...
The Shea Center’s adaptive riders are excited to be back riding their beloved horses once again. Dylan H. is one of those clients. Jamie Smartt, Dylan’s instructor, says, “Dylan has been riding at The Shea Center for seven years and has become a very accomplished...
by Matt Mitchell, PT, DPT Sitting balance is a crucial ability. Imagine all the time we spend sitting. But is it necessarily sitting still? Children need sitting balance in order to reach for a toy, change positions, and even participate in activities of daily living...
Melissa Piccinati started coming to The Shea Center when she was a preteen. She is now 38 years old and considers The Shea Center a second home. Her mother, DeeAnne, says, "Coming to the Center is the highlight of Melissa's week." Melissa loves being around horses, so...
Most of our horses are generously donated by individuals. Because not all horses are good candidates for a therapeutic riding program, each horse goes through a thorough 90-day trial period. A program horse candidate must be calm, react positively to human...