When Rosie Jane was just three years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and underwent 27 months of chemotherapy. Although she has been off treatment for four years, the effects of chemotherapy and spinal procedures have left her with...
Eleven-year-old Hutton has been coming to The Shea Center for eight months, making steady progress in physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy. She especially enjoys riding Alik and the friendly banter she shares with her physical therapist, Caitlin “Cat” Wands, and...
by Randi Shannahan, PT, DPT, HPCS, Therapy Services Manager Therapeutic benefits of equine movement are documented as early as 400 BC. Hippotherapy as a formal rehabilitation treatment began in the 1960s. Yet even in the early 2000s, it was still described as...
by Leeanna Rice, MSW, LCSW, Mental Health Services Specialist The development of mental health services at The Shea Center is relatively new, becoming a core service offering within the past three years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our enrollment team saw a...
Born in Orange County to a wild Mustang mare, Mustango is a handsome, athletic Mustang gelding with a rich history. His owner, Gayle Gardner, trained him in dressage at nearby Sycamore Trails Stables and helped him become a trusted children’s lesson horse. Mustango...
For 30 years, The Shea Center has been a constant source of connection, support, and friendship for one longtime client Melissa Piccinati. Although she first came to Shea at age 14, her journey with horses began much earlier. "I have been riding horses since I was 5...
by Michele Hurd, Volunteer Services Manager Introduction & Length of Service Linda Owens has been a dedicated volunteer at The Shea Center since 2009. Over the years, she has generously given more than 1,557 hours of her time, sharing her kindness, caring spirit,...
If you’ve spent time at The Shea Center, you’ve probably noticed Artex—sometimes known as “Muffin” around the barn—and his unmistakable mohawk. But have you ever wondered why his mane looks like that? Well, it’s not just a bold hairstyle. That mohawk is a signature...
Horse leaders at The Shea Center are a vital part of our client services. Every Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., we offer continuing education classes designed to support our horse leaders and help us provide client services at the highest level. These classes...
Amoré is a beautiful four-year-old Gypsy/Quarter Horse cross, who followed her fellow barn mates, Bear and Strawberry from a farm in upstate New York. Honest and willing, Amoré happily takes on whatever is asked of her. Wise beyond her years and unflappable, this...