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,...
Often people are surprised to learn that therapies using horses benefit children with autism. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, and unusual or repetitive...
Maggie G. (age 8) is a happy, confident second-grader who loves to ride horses. A Shea Center rider since 2016, Maggie looks forward to her physical therapy (hippotherapy) on Fridays at the Center. As much as Maggie loves to ride, she likes visiting the barn and all...
Twins, Charlie and Nicky P. (age 7) participate in occupational therapy utilizing hippotherapy at The Shea Center. The boys were diagnosed with autism just before their third birthday.The family recently moved to Orange County from Redding, CA. They miss the rural...
For the past seven years, we are fortunate to be part of the healing journey for many U.S. military personnel through our Stars and Stripes program. Participation in military programs is up 42 percent over last year and the demand continues to accelerate. Stars and...
Joan Robinson became a physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy client at The Shea Center in 2011 after living for years with physical impairments caused by a stroke. The unique three-dimensional movement of the horse challenges her balance and postural stability. This...
Olivia H. (age 10) has always wanted to ride horses, but her mother, Lauren, wanted to make sure her riding experience was in a safe environment. So, in 2019, they tried out The Shea Center’s summer horse camp and decided the Center would be a good fit for Olivia....
We Serve | You Give | They Thrive Stand With Shea is our annual fund. It allows us to serve and thrive by covering the costs of day-to-day operations and ensures we stay open to serve our mission. As this year comes to an end, join us as we share how we serve, the...
Abby B.'s bedroom reflects her passion for horses including a horse calendar on the wall. Last year, on her first day of occupational therapy utilizing hippotherapy at The Shea Center, Abby wasn't sure horses were much fun. She was riding a horse in a puppy dog pose...
Maggie G.’s favorite activity is hide-and-seek says her physical therapist, Randi Shannahan. At The Shea Center, we try to incorporate the game whenever possible during Maggie's physical therapy sessions on and off the horse. This can be a great method to...