Please join us in congratulating Johnny as our latest Volunteer of the Month! Why we love him: As a sidewalker, Johnny’s enthusiasm and commitment to our clients plays an important role in helping them reach their goals. Path to The Shea Center: “I was new to the area...
Did you know that the “dirt” on the floor of the arenas is actually called “footing” and is a combination of silica sand and GGT Fiber? The footing is much better for a horse’s joints than regular clay soil because it resists compaction from their hooves and the GGT...
We are celebrating our clients who have been part of The Shea Center family for 20 years or more! The longevity award goes to our first and founding client, Michael Lewis (seen in photo at top of blog), with an amazing 40-plus year career at Shea. More than 40 years!...
Lorelei W. is a smiley seven-year-old who loves to scoot around in her new gait trainer, which she recently received. Diagnosed with seizure disorder and global developmental delay, Lorelei has diminished core strength and balance challenges and receives occupational,...
It's time to play golf! TFR Builders is holding their 5th annual golf tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point. All proceeds from the May 6, 2022 event will benefit The Shea Center. Join others or gather a foursome to help support The Shea Center. For...
The Shea Center horses and ponies serve more than 250 clients during each session in our therapeutic riding programs. Each horse has its own diet consisting of Alfalfa and Timothy hay and fresh water. The horses are fed three times daily and given carrot or apple...
If you haven't read part one yet, check out The Good Life of Our Horses - Part 1 here. We keep The Shea Center program horses in top condition by providing excellent orthopedic, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, and general health care. To ensure its...
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, our friends from the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, returned to The Shea Center in February. VA Long Beach veterans began monthly visits to The Shea Center in March of 2013. Our visiting veterans groom and feed the horses,...
After growing up on a farm outside of Wichita, Kansas, Matt Mitchell graduated from Oklahoma Christian University and went on to receive his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. Matt was drawn to physical therapy as a way to...
Join us for a mindful trail ride narrated by physical therapist Matt Mitchell. Mindfulness is a form of relaxation practice that has been shown to reduce stress, calm anxiety, and help individuals be more present in their lives. Try to set aside six minutes each...