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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.

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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.

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Janet Jones

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Executive Director

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Lori Luddon

 

Volunteer Coordinator

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Kealia Akana

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Instructional Aide

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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

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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

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Sophia Tijerina

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Administrative Assistant

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Colleen Nye

 

Riding Instructor - Substitute

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Marcia Cushman Perkins

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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

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Jaqueline Jensen

 

CHA  Certified  Instructor/PATH instructor in training

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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

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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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Employment Application 

Job Description 

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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.

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