The hoof is a complex structure that allows the horse to bear weight, move efficiently, and travel over varied terrains. All parts of the hoof support the horse’s weight and distribute it evenly across the ground. The hoof provides traction and absorbs impact during...
Every horse at The Shea Center has its own grooming bucket with its name on it. This helps to keep specific items for specific horses organized and easy to find. In every grooming bucket, you will find a stiff bristle brush, a soft bristle brush, a mane and tail...
We love it when our amazing volunteers recruit and inspire family members to join The Shea Center family! This month, we celebrate mother-son volunteers Michelle and Logan Goss—engaged leaders and sidewalkers who help in the barn and participate in our continuing...
At 18 months old, Max was meeting and surpassing his developmental milestones, but he suddenly stopped speaking and was later diagnosed with autism and apraxia of speech. His mother, Marbella, promised to provide him with the best care and support possible. Despite...
Apple Jax is a handsome, sweet, and expressive Palomino pony with a heart as golden as his coat. Donated by a local family who cherished him for over a decade, they knew he would bring just as much joy to the children of Shea as he did to their own. Apple’s gentle...
Twenty-year-old Megan Shook began riding at The Shea Center when she was five and continued intermittently until the age of 13. Born prematurely, Megan spent her first three months in the NICU, and even as an infant, she showed sensitivity to loud sounds. Diagnosed...
Matthew Thompson began participating in The Shea Center’s Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program in 2022, after learning about it from his wife, a Shea Center volunteer. During his service in the Iraq war, Matthew experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and...
Congratulations to Marnie White, our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteer Services Manager Michele Gingras comments, 'Marnie is a reliable and committed volunteer who approaches her lessons with a calm and caring presence. She communicates effectively with clients and is...
Michele, Taylir, Cara Shea Center volunteers serve from the heart, freely giving their time, talent, and treasure. As you read the bios of these three wonderful women, we’re sure you’ll agree they exemplify that spirit. They also warmly invite you to join them in...
We recently hosted our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration to honor the incredible individuals who help make The Shea Center’s mission possible—our dedicated board members and volunteers. The Annual Meeting is a vital part of The Shea Center’s governance,...