Groundwork is fundamental in a horse's training and learning. It refers to any work where the person working with the horse is on the ground. Groundwork can be through leading, long lining, or ground driving. Every program staff member participates in...
Out of the 28 program horses in the current Shea Center barn, there are 13 breeds. The most popular breeds are American Quarter Horses and Gypsy Vanners. Each breed brings its unique gait and movement, providing various options for clients. The youngest horse in the...
Seven sun pens are scattered across the property. They are designed to allow horses to interact, groom one another, sunbathe, and roll freely outside their stalls. Each pen has a hay bag and water bucket where the horses can slowly graze and stay hydrated while they...
On average, The Shea Center program horses serve for about ten years before retiring. When looking for new program horses, the preferred age is between 6 and 15 years old, allowing many optimal years of serving our clients. Many factors are considered when pondering...
Some of The Shea Center's equine members are shaved/clipped during the winter and summer. Shaving the horse's entire body helps them cool down quicker after being worked and stay cool during the hot summer months. For fun, some horses get fun clipped designs. However,...
We encourage all staff and volunteers to carry and use a dressage whip when necessary for horse leading and riding. Here’s why: In natural horsemanship, there are four natural riding aids: voice, seat/weight, leg, and hand/rein. When leading a horse, we use these...
The Shea Center is a learning facility that takes on select students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and mental health. Students in these fields require hundreds of clinical hours to fulfill their degree and mentorship to build...
Congratulations to Joyce Urone, our new volunteer of the month! Why we love her: Says Volunteer Manager Michele Gingras, “Joyce is a pleasure to be around, and she brings her calming nature to the clients, staff, and herd.” Road to The Shea Center: “A very good friend...
Please remember The Shea Center during this season of giving. A gift for someone you love could make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Your generous donation could help us sponsor a horse, purchase equipment, fund financial aid, and supplement other needs....
The Shea Center's 46th Annual BBQ & Family Faire, presented by The Klein Family, is fast approaching on Saturday, September 21. Voted “Most Unique Event” by the Orange County Business Journal and “Best Local Event” by The Capistrano Dispatch 7 years in a row! We...