This is an account of Dortha Souers' heartwarming journey beginning in January 1984 at the Orange County Riding Center, as The Shea Center was named then, told by her daughter, Cynthia White. "At 61, Mom embraced horseback riding, becoming the oldest individual the...
Learn how Andrew benefits from both physical and occupational therapies at The Shea Center. Andrew became a Shea Center client two years ago. He attends sessions twice a week, once for physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy with therapist Matt Mitchell and once for...
Meet Janelle Robinson as she shares her passion for horses and her path to becoming The Shea Center's Chief Program Officer. "As a kid, like many little girls, I loved horses and wanted one of my own. Growing up in a military family, we were fortunate to be stationed...
This chestnut Oldenburg gelding is an all-star in our program due to his social personality and love for people! Why we love him: Sunny is incredibly sweet and friendly with our clients. He loves interacting with people of all ages and abilities and will always pop...
Learn about Abhay's amazing progress and recovery from brain surgery. Eighteen months ago, with no previous symptoms, Abhay, age eight at the time, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor. Immediately, the family left their home in Las Vegas to rush Abhay to...
Meet Sean. His experiences spanned 20 years in the Marine Corps, from combat in Afghanistan to teaching at the US Naval Academy and managerial roles in auditing. After leaving the service, he faced challenges with processing his emotions and struggled to develop...
Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn first became involved with The Shea Center as a lesson volunteer, a role that led her to see first-hand the transformative impact adaptive riding has on people with disabilities. Diagnosed with dyslexia and learning disabilities in second...
We are excited to start 2024 with our first couple Volunteers of the Month! Jennifer and Guy Klingler are regular Tuesday afternoon lesson volunteers, with Jennifer leading and Guy a sidewalker who, in between lessons, makes sure the arenas are clean. Volunteer...
Five-year-old Delphine is a happy little girl who loves to ride Ginger. She looks forward to coming to Shea all week and on riding days, has all her gear on early, and rushes out the door with her helmet ready to go. Delphine loves riding in the arena, on the trail,...
While hundreds of volunteer opportunities are available all around us, volunteering at The Shea Center is an entirely different experience. With this opportunity, serving from the heart will be rewarded with client bonding, smiles, and being an integral part of our...