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Chelsea's first
encounter with therapeutic riding was as a volunteer for a program
called "Horse Power" over 13 years ago. These experiences developed into a
strong desire to help others. She has amassed over one hundred hours as a
therapeutic riding volunteer at various therapeutic riding centers in
Michigan. As part
of her quest for certification as a therapeutic riding instructor, she
also spent many hours of student teaching in a variety of settings,
instructing students with a variety of
physical and cognitive
disabilities.
Chelsea is excited about providing this amazing
experience to the people living with disabililties in and around the
Genesee County area.
Chelsea also holds a BA in Sociology
from the University of Michigan-Flint. With a commitment to growth and education, Chelsea strives to improve
and expand her knowledge and abilities, not only in her own horseback
riding and academic endeavors, but in promoting the growth of her
students. As part of her "continued education", she also trains with Dorothy Mueller, a United States Dressage Federation "L" judge graduate, and winner of several USDF Grand Prix gold and silver medals!
About PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification:
P.A.T.H. Intl. Registered
Instructor certification is a rigorous 8 part training program for
hopeful instructors. The journey towards
becoming an instructor included completion of an educational P.A.T.H.
Intl. On-Site Workshop, and being judged by a P.A.T.H. Intl. evaluators
(successfully) on her teaching abilities while instructing a group
lesson to students with disabilities, as well as demonstrating her riding abilities. Maintenance of the status of
"Registered Instructor" requires proof of ongoing education in the
field.
PATH International is the "Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International". PATH was formerly known as "NARHA", which stood for "North American Riding for the Handicapped Association". The name change in 2010 was created to better reflect the growth and direction that the organization is taking. As an ever evolving, industry-standard setting organization, we admire the progressive approach that PATH International takes in promoting equine assisted activities and therapies. Their tagline is ""Ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies." |
Linda has been riding horses for over 14 years and has shown competitively in hunt seat, Western, and showmanship! She and her husband, Greg, also have experience organizing and sponsoring competitive trail rides as benefits for the Horses for Hope organization! Linda's energy and organization make her lessons fun and provide for a productive learning environment!
She loves sharing her passion for horses with individuals seeking to begin their riding career, as well as those who have prior riding experience. Linda's down to earth, supportive and positive teaching techniques go a long way towards developing active, confident and capable riders!
Linda is also a registered nurse, and, with her husband, began the 501c3 non-profit organization, Horses for Hope. Through this endeavor, Linda has given many children who have (or had) cancer the opportunity to experience the joy of horseback riding, and other horse-themed adventures! Linda not only serves as president for this incredible organization, but also as instructor for their program participants! Lessons for children participating in the Horses for Hope program are FREE!
She is also committed to nurturing her own growth, in both her riding and in her many professional achievements.
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