Written by Ryann Smith Groseclose * This story was orinially shared in the 2023 December issue of Ladera Ranch Neighbors magazine. Meet Dan and Carina Gregersen. This friendly and outgoing couple met through mutual friends in Denmark in 2002. Dan had just graduated...
Five-year-old Declan is a happy little boy who is about to start kindergarten. Diagnosed with autism and low muscle tone, Declan has been a client in speech therapy utilizing hippotherapy for two years at The Shea Center. He currently rides Artex, which helps build...
We may be biased but….horse camp is the best kind of camp! Our campers worked on different riding skills each day, and used all the skills they acquired on a trail course on the last day of camp. On the final day of camp they worked on their balance and motor planning...
This month, we are honoring Greig Ellis as our volunteer of the month. Why we love him: Greig combines a strong presence with a big helping of kindness; he is especially helpful and attentive with our more fragile clients. Greig’s self-described job duties: Sidewalker...
Leo, age 5, was diagnosed with autism at three. He has been through all the clinical therapies, but his favorite is occupational therapy utilizing hippotherapy at The Shea Center. Leo is motivated to play and engage in activities on the horse that help him build his...
Why we love her: Claire always shows up on time with a smile and a great attitude. She can lead any of our program horses. Path to the Shea Center: “One summer I took horseback riding lessons at Sycamore Trails Stables and saw the Shea Center next door. I researched...
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....
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...
Drew G., age 12, has been a Shea Center rider for 3 ½ years. He began with two sidewalkers, a leader, and an instructor and now, he sometimes rides independently. Riding has improved Drew’s strength, posture, balance, and self-confidence.Drew’s mom, Heather, says...