Stable Hands Mission
Stable Hands mission is to teach adaptive horseback riding to empower individuals in our community to overcome physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Our History
In 1995, a group of individuals from the equestrian and health care communities came together to discuss a dream. By 1996, Stable Hands was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation. The mission was to provide equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) to children and adults living with disabilities in Siskiyou County.
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On May 12, 1997, the one day a week pilot program was launched. The instructors and therapists had planned carefully, volunteers and horses were trained, and Stable Hands’ first 4 riders arrived, each for a 1 hour private session. It was a grand success!
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In 1999, Stable Hands became a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (previously called the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Premier Accredited Center, with two PATH certified instructors and one Occupational Therapist. EAAT was now offered 2 days per week.
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Stable Hands operated out of the director’s backyard arena from 1997—2004. As the number of riders grew, so did the need for 3 days per week operation, over 30 volunteers, and 3 certified instructors, and in 2005, a move to the Montague Rodeo Grounds. Within a few years, the program nearly doubled in size. In 2009, we were generously offered the use of 2 beautiful ranches with indoor arenas and areas for trail rides. For the 1st time, Stable Hands was able to avoid cancellation of activities due to inclement weather. A 4th instructor was added.
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Also in 2009, we offered a new program for wounded Veterans, called “Horses helping Heroes”. Our pilot program began with 2 Veterans and grew to 18 in 2015.
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Our Therapeutic Horsemanship program now consists of two eight week sessions in the Spring and Fall, and one six week session in the Summer. The Horses helping Heroes program consists of three 8 week sessions. We serve participants in small group lessons. We annually train 40+ volunteers who are the backbone of our organization. These dedicated community members serve at least 1/2 day per week fulfilling numerous roles. We raise money to support the majority of our program costs through the generosity of individuals, businesses, service groups and foundations.
Our Story
Stable Hands was founded in 1996 by a group of passionate horse lovers who recognized the potential of Therapeutic Horsemanship to help individuals with disabilities. Since then, we have grown to become a leading provider of Therapeutic Horsemanship in Siskiyou County. We are proud to be a PATH Premier accredited program, which means that we meet the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism in the industry. Our team is made up of experienced and dedicated instructors, volunteers and staff members who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.
Our Team
We are so grateful for our incredible team that make our programs possible.
Janet Jones
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Executive Director
Lori Luddon
Volunteer Coordinator
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Kealia Akana
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Instructional Aide
Deb Perdue
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Consultant
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Lee Ann Paul
Program Manager
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Riding Instructor
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Eric Kilcollins
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Horse Care / Facility Manager
Erin Fowle
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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
(will be teaching in July
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Yvonne Wylie
Lead Instructor
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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Sophia Tijerina
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Administrative Assistant
Colleen Nye
Riding Instructor - Substitute
Marcia Cushman Perkins
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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Jaqueline Jensen
CHA Certified Instructor/PATH instructor in training
Lauren Sweezey
Staying busy with her ranch and grandchildren
Our Board of Directors
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Janet Jones
Executive Director
Lesley Jones
President
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Eric Kilcollins
Treasurer/Secretary
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Leah Konvalin
Board Member
Wendy Carr
Board Member
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Marcia Cushman-Perkins
Board Member
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Job Opportunities
Riding Instructor
We are looking for a PATH certified instructor or someone who is interested in being certified. If you have a passion to teach children, adults and veterans living with disabilities please click the link below to view the job description and our application. Email us an application or contact the office if you are interested.
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Office phone: 530 842-3082
Email: jobs@stablehands.org
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to assist us with our programs and our donation development initiatives.
Please contact our team for more information.