Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Holly spent 15 years in Chicago before settling in Dana Point in 2002. She holds a BA in Religious Studies and Philosophy, along with graduate degrees in Psychology and Business from the University of Chicago. Her career in...
The health and happiness of our horses are essential for providing safe and effective equine assisted services for our more than 1,200 annual clients. Thank you to our 2025 horse sponsors for making this possible. Platinum Champion Sponsor Amerman Family...
Round pens are an indispensable asset for training horses in a controlled environment, whether on the ground or under saddle. They are commonly used for free join-up, lunging, and riding. The circular shape supports safe, effective groundwork where the handler can...
Earlier this year, The Shea Center partnered with Irvine Valley College to produce a specialized program for student veterans. This unique program was designed to improve quality of life, communication techniques, and self-awareness through Equine Assisted Learning...
Eleven-year-old Shea Center client Ella is currently in her second round of therapy at the Center. She first rode in 2016 and 2017, when she was just four years old, and quickly fell in love with horses—especially her therapy partners, Rushmore and Alik. After several...
Four-year-old Jane loves being on a horse. She has been a Shea Center client for 1.5 years and currently rides Murray, sometimes getting so engaged that she cries when it’s time to dismount. Jane has a rare genetic condition called ALG13-CDG, which appears in...
Amber Offield began volunteering at The Shea Center over 20 years ago as a lesson volunteer many years before marrying her husband, Calen. When the Center began receiving generous gifts in honor of their marriage, we were delighted to reconnect with Amber—whose...
Six-year-old Savva survived a brain stroke in utero, resulting in diagnoses of hemiplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a speech impairment. While these challenges are part of his journey, they have never defined who he is. Savva is a joyful, adventurous, and...
Impact - Knowledge - Connection The PATH Intl. Region 11 Conference at The Shea Center Looking to expand your skills, connect with experts, and make a real impact in the world of Equine Assisted Services? The PATH Intl. Region 11 Conference at The Shea Center in sunny...
Introduction & Length of Service Since joining The Shea Center in 2019, Rita Quinn has been a valued and dedicated volunteer, contributing six years of exceptional service. Throughout her time with us, Rita has taken on numerous roles—each reflecting her...