Meet Our Team
Monique Nellis - Director/Instructor
.Monique has over four years teaching experience inside the classroom. God planted the dream in Monique long before the center became a reality and has taken Monique’s love for children and passion for teaching to a new level. She is currently acquiring her certification to become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International. She plans on continuing her certification through PATH Intl. in the upcoming years to include advanced level and driving instruction. Called to meet the needs of the community surrounding her, she founded Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center with the hopes of enhancing the lives of those challenged tremendously in how they move, think, behave, and relate to the world around them. She is the first instructor at Heavenly Gaits TRC, Inc. and also cares for the equine and farm management, along with many business aspects at the facility. With this great need, it is her hope that Heavenly Gaits TRC, Inc. will provide a facility where the community can come together and assist children, youth, and adults in achieving various goals through equine assisted activities.
Erin Neely - Instructor
Hello Everyone! My name is Erin Neely and I am the newest Instructor-In-Training at Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center! I am a recent Master's graduate from Clarion University for reading and special education. When I am not out with my favorite horses, you can find me hiking or kayaking. I love to read and try new things. I cannot wait to further my knowledge and expand my love for therapeutic riding and the individuals that we serve through this program. I am beyond blessed for this opportunity!
A.J., the "Big Guy,” is just shy of 16h and is extremely sturdy. He is a brown, Fox Trotter. He is the gentlest giant to be found on the farm. With his height and weight he will be a good fit for our taller riders. With his extra gait, he provides a smooth ride for those with spastic or rigid muscles. His calm and patient demeanor is relaxing to behold. He has spent the majority of his life on mountainous trails in the Allegheny National Forest and is very comfortable in rugged terrain. While introduced to new activities, his temperament never waivers, as he takes each new task in stride.
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Blanket Size 74-75
Barry’s Easy Honor
“Barry is a 15.3h registered quarter horse. He has traveled the United States showing at the collegiate level in western events. He is often referred to as the “Cadillac” as he has many buttons and can do just about anything. After his travels he took some time off to trail ride before his return to fame earning six buckles barrel racing. He has since retired but skill loves to work. He has a lovely lope that he could ride all day. Barry also loves to swim, has a brand, and some black dapples.
“Barry is a 15.3h registered quarter horse. He has traveled the United States showing at the collegiate level in western events. He is often referred to as the “Cadillac” as he has many buttons and can do just about anything. After his travels he took some time off to trail ride before his return to fame earning six buckles barrel racing. He has since retired but skill loves to work. He has a lovely lope that he could ride all day. Barry also loves to swim, has a brand, and some black dapples.
Bobby is a blond Halflinger gelding. He has a stripe on his face. With his short and stout build he will be a great fit for our young riders and those with balance issues. He stands at 13.3h and is a big ball of fur! Although new to games and manipulatives, we is a very sound horse that listens well. He has a big lateral walk and a choppy trot. He trots along but does not mind waiting when asked. Bobby can also be used for driving. He is easy going and can often be found sharing hay with Mr. Chips or Tigger.
Cochise
“Coach” has been a pasture pet for several years but is really coming into his own here at Heavenly Gaits. He is a 15.3h flea-bitten grey Missouri Fox Trotter. He loves head scratches and hanging with his buddy AJ and sometimes Bob. He is treated as insulin resistant and is on a low sugar low starch diet. He has a nice build and can carry just about anyone. He has a smooth canter and can get his gait confused occasionally. He leg yields nicely.
“Coach” has been a pasture pet for several years but is really coming into his own here at Heavenly Gaits. He is a 15.3h flea-bitten grey Missouri Fox Trotter. He loves head scratches and hanging with his buddy AJ and sometimes Bob. He is treated as insulin resistant and is on a low sugar low starch diet. He has a nice build and can carry just about anyone. He has a smooth canter and can get his gait confused occasionally. He leg yields nicely.
Lacy's Shadow is a black paint Quarter Horse. She is nearly 16 hands tall. In her younger years she was a cattle roper. She is the leader of our pack and keeps everyone else in line. At her previous home with Mike and Vandy Shields of Franklin, she has given rides to people with disabilities and is familiar with the routine of Therapeutic Riding. She has a nurturing heart and is looking forward to providing years of service here at Heavenly Gaits TRC, Inc
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Lacy's Shadow is a black paint Quarter Horse. She is nearly 16 hands tall. In her younger years she was a cattle roper. She is the leader of our pack and keeps everyone else in line. At her previous home with Mike and Vandy Shields of Franklin, she has given rides to people with disabilities and is familiar with the routine of Therapeutic Riding. She has a nurturing heart and is looking forward to providing years of service here at Heavenly Gaits TRC, Inc
Blanket Size 75-76.
“Lucky” Charm
“Lucky” is a 14.2h Morgan Cross. He has been as a driving horse all his life but has been a quick learner under saddle. He is really enjoying being loved on and the attention at the barn. He is narrow and has a very lateral walk. He can trot and pace although right now he is working on his trot and transitions. We hope to work on his canter over the next few months. We are working on desensitizing as well. He is not sure about the side by side or cars. He is really very sweet and eager to be your friend.
“Lucky” is a 14.2h Morgan Cross. He has been as a driving horse all his life but has been a quick learner under saddle. He is really enjoying being loved on and the attention at the barn. He is narrow and has a very lateral walk. He can trot and pace although right now he is working on his trot and transitions. We hope to work on his canter over the next few months. We are working on desensitizing as well. He is not sure about the side by side or cars. He is really very sweet and eager to be your friend.
Maestro is a Curly gelding. He is 15h and grullo in color. Although young, Maestro has an extremely laid back personality. He is curious about our toys and ongoings but not spooked in the least bit. He stands and waits very patiently, is quiet, and is an easy keeper. He has Englilsh training with a great extended trot and canters on the correct lead. We will introduce him to jumping as well as neck reining. He has a very choppy trot which will help riders with posting and dressage. Our veterans will work with him on lunging. The Curly breed is hypoallergenic. We are hoping that with careful planning, we can keep his tack and grooming tools from contamination from rooming with non curlies so that he might offer services to those that are allergic to horses. Maestro is on a Ninety day trail period and we are blessed for his time.
Munchkin is a Standard bred with years of cart racing. Although she only placed first once, she was steady at pulling in fourth place. She is brown with a very pretty dapple this time of year. She has a white star right on the middle of her forehead. She sports a tattoo on the right side of her neck identifying the year she was born and where she is from. Mr. Thomas Young of Kennerdale has donated munchkin to provide driving lessons to those that are more comfortable controlling horses from a cart. Until Heavenly Gaits TRC, Inc. has pursed a driving certification, she will be worked with under saddle to see how she rides and where her other potentials lie. She is very curious and will stop grazing to see what is going on around her.
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Blanket Size 75-76
Oreo
Oreo is a 12.1h paint quarter pony. He has one blue eye and one black. He was an active hunter/jumper and has been there done that and does not get too excited about anything other than dinner. He has a very choppy trot. His height is great for our smaller riders that need assistance. He can get friskee off lead if given too much leg. He prefers a long rein. He is treated for Cushing’s disease. Otherwise, Oreo is pretty easy going.
Oreo is a 12.1h paint quarter pony. He has one blue eye and one black. He was an active hunter/jumper and has been there done that and does not get too excited about anything other than dinner. He has a very choppy trot. His height is great for our smaller riders that need assistance. He can get friskee off lead if given too much leg. He prefers a long rein. He is treated for Cushing’s disease. Otherwise, Oreo is pretty easy going.
Pebbles
Pebbles is a 12.h grey Welsh pony. She is an extremely good teacher and as she will make you ride and will not do much of anything without you telling her. She was an active hunter/jumper winning numerous shows and traveling to states. She loves to eat and has a limited diet. She is treated for Cushing’s disease. She does like her space and will remind you to “Social Distance” yourself if you ride too close to another horse. She prefers a short rein and is a great canvas for painting. She has also visited to local nursing home and been in numerous parades. She hangs out with Tigger.
Pebbles is a 12.h grey Welsh pony. She is an extremely good teacher and as she will make you ride and will not do much of anything without you telling her. She was an active hunter/jumper winning numerous shows and traveling to states. She loves to eat and has a limited diet. She is treated for Cushing’s disease. She does like her space and will remind you to “Social Distance” yourself if you ride too close to another horse. She prefers a short rein and is a great canvas for painting. She has also visited to local nursing home and been in numerous parades. She hangs out with Tigger.
Triton, a sorrel, 15.1 hand registered quarter horse gelding came to us after providing years of therapeutic riding to members of T.T.S.R. He has a big walk, but very smooth trot. He is very sweet and one of our few “snugglers” in the barn. When going to pasture, he can be very eager, but is easily corrected. He can often be found near Lacy
Blanket Size 78.
Blanket Size 78.
Tanqueray Martini Gin “Olive”
“Olive” is our guest horse, but, we are all hoping she can make HG her home. She is one of the most affectionate horses in the barn and loves to always have a friend with her. She is a 16h Andalusian thoroughbred cross. Her groundwork is phenomenal and transitions on voice commands. She has a very smooth and extended trot, leg yields, side passes, takes low jumps, and is just an all-around exceptional gal. She is a little rusty as she has had a few years of down time and can rush into her canter but easily transitions with a half halt. We would be blessed to have her join our team!
“Olive” is our guest horse, but, we are all hoping she can make HG her home. She is one of the most affectionate horses in the barn and loves to always have a friend with her. She is a 16h Andalusian thoroughbred cross. Her groundwork is phenomenal and transitions on voice commands. She has a very smooth and extended trot, leg yields, side passes, takes low jumps, and is just an all-around exceptional gal. She is a little rusty as she has had a few years of down time and can rush into her canter but easily transitions with a half halt. We would be blessed to have her join our team!
Tigger is a gelding native to the area. He stands just short of 10 hands and has a very unique color. He is chestnut, but with his thick winter coat has a touch of sorrel. He might possibly have a flaxen gene creating his golden blonde mane. He was been donated from Dennis and Janice Greenawalt in Lucinda along with his cart that he is ever so proud to pull. He is very gentle and loves children. He has been caught "horsing around" with Mr. Chips, and does not like to be left out. We will be tuning in his driving skills over the next few months.
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Blanket Size 50
PaigeAlso, meet Paige the teaching horse.
She is used to teach our students mounting and dismounting, hand/leg positioning/ steering and so much more while providing us valuable information about the rider. |
Our Board Of Directors Secretary: Erin Neely [email protected] Treasurer: Annette Steele [email protected] Directors: Dan Reitz [email protected] |
Our Equine Care Team
Dr. Nicole Drummond Veterinarian North Fork Veterinary Clinic Charlie Wyant Equine Dentist Katie Schick Equine Massage Seth Randolph Farrier Service John Penny Pulse PEMF Technician |