Why we love her: Breana leads and sidewalks in lessons and was an integral part of our camp team as a leader this summer. She is always willing to learn in order to help out whenever possible. Breana may add ‘barn steward’ to her Shea resume. Road to The Shea Center:...
Why we love her: Whether she’s leading a horse in summer camp or sidewalking, Jacklynn is willing to go the extra mile, learning new skills and helping out (prepping summer camp crafts, for example!). She has a passion for helping others and our herd, and both our...
First-grader Brody M. is proud of his accomplishments as a Shea Center rider and talks all about his riding experiences at home.Diagnosed with ADHD, Brody loves lots of movement on his horse, Merry. His occupational therapist, Karen Yamasaki, says that at times,...
Life Spirit Speech is committed to enhancing our patients’ communication skills to their fullest potential. We observe our patients’ strengths and utilize them, creating an uplifting, empowering approach to improving areas of difficulty. In 2006, Terri Hutchison M.A.,...
Every Tuesday and Saturday, Kate G. (age 5) and her mother Donna have a fun time together at The Shea Center. Those are the days that Donna sidewalks with Kate during her occupational and speech therapy treatments. Kate rides Remi and Merry, her favorite, and loves...
Fran Joswick was The Shea Center’s first executive director. In 1978, Fran, a self-described horse person, was a social worker working with the disabled and learned about a therapeutic riding center in Michigan. She wanted to start something similar in Southern...
Twelve-year-old Eleni W. has always loved animals. She has two dogs and a cat at home, but horses are her very favorite, and riding is the highlight of her week. Some of Eleni’s first riding experiences took place riding the ponies at Irvine Regional Park.On riding...
Why we love her: For her flexibility! Pre-pandemic, Chloe volunteered as a barn crew member, sidewalker and leader … jumping in wherever she was needed. Since we reopened for services onsite, Chloe stays busy leading horses in therapy and adaptive riding lessons (Boog...
Adaptive riding clients Hannah S. and Tanette T. are best friends and roommates. As with most notable duos, it's their differences, as much as their similarities, which make them a great team. One is a steadfast rule-follower. The other takes a more laidback...
Wednesdays are 16-year-old Brenden C.’s favorite day of the week. It’s the day he gets to ride at The Shea Center. He has been getting speech therapy treatments and participating in adaptive riding at the Center for four years.Brenden currently rides Shaw, but one...