Organization Director/Instructor-

Nicole Kurtz assumes this role at The Center, and strives to provide quality services to the participants. Nicole has over 15 years experience with horseback riding, and horse management, and has been teaching therapeutic and non-disabled riding for over five years. Currently seeking her NARHA certification (halfway through the process!), Nicole enjoys riding and training her own horses, as well as the horses at The Center’s barn.

Instructor-

Stephanie Merkel, owner of Merkel Farm, is one of our wonderful therapeutic riding instructors! Bringing over 15 years of teaching and horse care experience to The Center, Stephanie is a CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) certified instructor for non-disabled individuals. However, her warm and kind teaching style, and patient personality make her an excellent instructor for all kinds of students! We’re very lucky to have her on our team!

Strawberry-

A sassy pony with a big heart, Strawberry is the cutest thing on four hooves! Her bright chestnut coloring, and long white stripe make her a beautiful addition to The Center’s stable. She is a great beginner children’s pony, but can also “kick it up a notch” for our more advanced riders. All of this personality in an adorable little package– Strawberry is perfect!

Mysti-

If her big blue eyes don’t make you notice her, then her beautiful, cream-colored coat will! Mysti is a Cremello Quarterhorse, a breed known for its kind and steady disposition! This little mare is no exception. No matter the experience level of her rider, she will carry them safely around the arena, or out on the trail! We’re so happy Mysti could become one of The Center’s horses!

Cody-

Cody is a gentle giant that carries some of our littlest riders safely around the farm! Her lovely coloring, smooth gates, and generally lazy disposition make her an unflappable favorite to many of our kids! Cody is also an excellent jumper, when asked to be, and seems to enjoy the new challenge of learning dressage from our instructors, as well. We were very grateful to receive Cody as a donation in the Winter of 2007.

Napoleon-

Our sweet little boy who was born in May of 2006, Napoleon is a miniature horse standing 31” tall at the shoulder! His tiny stature, mischievous personality, and beautiful brown and white coloring make him a favorite to many of those individuals participating in our Animal Partnership sessions! He is still learning the ropes of therapeutic horsemanship, and being exposed to lots of scary, “horse-eating” things (like mud puddles, tarps, and tractors!), so that when he is finally ready to enter the program, he will be completely quiet and courageous! For now, though, he has made a fine addition to the Center, and enjoys being petted and brushed!