Most horses at The Shea Center wear conventional horseshoes, but there are many shoe types including therapeutic shoes that help distribute a horse’s weight and help with balance issues or arthritis. Although horses typically wear steel horseshoes, special...
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...
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...
Shea Center Summer Horse Camp is an integrated, five-day introduction to horsemanship for kids with and without special needs. Campers learn riding and ground activities such as leading and grooming from equestrian professionals who work with kids every day....
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jennifer Hawke was first introduced to the world of equine assisted services at the age of 13. She became enthralled by the impact riding could have on people’s lives and empower them in ways they...
Shari Masline is The Shea Center's adaptive riding development manager, an ACSM certified personal trainer, and a PATH Int’l. CTRI (certified therapeutic riding instructor). In her role as adaptive riding development manager, she is responsible for leading the...
Thank you to everyone who voted for us in The Capistrano Dispatch Best of San Juan Capistrano People's Choice Horseshoe Awards. We won the Gold Award in five categories! Best Nonprofit Best Riding Lesson Best Horse Training Best Summer Camp Best Annual Event - for the...
During the winter a horse’s natural coat helps protect it from the elements and keep it warm throughout the cold and wet winter months. This is great for horses that live outdoors with little or no exercise, but for most horses, such as our therapy program horses,...
Proper saddle fitting is an important part of our herd's health regimen at The Shea Center. A saddle can either encourage comfortable movement and clear communication between rider and horse, or it can result in discomfort and behavioral problems. To maximize our...