ABOUT
Welcome to Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship!
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Ever since I can remember I have loved horses - all horses. I was blessed to have parents that encouraged and supported my heart's desire to ride and learn about horses. I have been passing on the love of horses by teaching riding lessons for the past thirty years.
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The Lord wanted more from me and so he introduced me to a world I never pictured myself thriving in - the world of special needs. He placed me in a therapeutic riding facility as a volunteer and I fell in love with it! I became a certified PATH instructor (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). After several years, my heart wanted more and so the journey began to what is now Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship!
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Come join us on this amazing journey to witness life changing miracles that happen every day!
GTH Team Members
Introducing our Board Members of Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship. They work together as a team in the best interest to meet the needs of our riders.
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Michelle Patterson - Founder, CEO
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James L. McNatt, CPA - President
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Shea Ruggles - Secretary, Web Designer
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Mary-Katherine McNatt, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CPH, COI - Fundraising Events
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Sean Bull, M.D.
Meet Our Horses
HANK
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SKEETER
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TOBY
ELLIOT
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JAKE
WAYLON
Sponsorship Opportunities
Horses are the foundation of this organization. Please consider sponsoring one of our horses or donating to their care so they can serve the children at GTH. Visit this page to see how you can help.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Consider sponsoring a child to help them with the cost of lessons at this page.
"Thank you Guardian Therapeutic Horse Services for the joy your horses bring to my daughter. Weekly her smile returns when she starts to brush (the horse). Her confidence exudes after every ride. We are so blessed to have found your services."
- Elizabeth's mom
"Meeting Michelle Patterson was one of the best days of all of our lives. Ms. Michelle is attentive to Uriel's needs and listens to the input we have to offer. She is consistent with him so he always knows what is expected of him. She knows when to push him outside of his comfort zone so that he continues to grow, and she knows when to let him stay where he is. Since Uriel has been working with Ms. Michelle his behavior has improved 100%. He has been able to regulate his own behavior and continues to grow in self-confidence. He has gone from being non-verbal to being able to communicate his thoughts and emotions verbally. Uriel's gross and fine motor skills have improved and continue to do so. With lots of hard work by Uriel, Michelle and the horses, Uriel's life is looking great."
- Uriel's mom
"Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship has been life changing for our girls. It has helped build their confidence, strengthen their social skills, and taught them responsibility. Michelle works with children in a way that keeps them engaged and feeling loved and valued. They always look forward to their lessons with her and the beautiful and gentle horses!"
-Lexi and Ellie's mom
"My 4 year old son has attended equine therapy with Michelle for about a year now and has done nothing but thrive since. Michelle has been very respectful, calm, and extremely patient with him. He does not feel safe with just anyone and he does not trust everyone...but he has built an incredible amount of trust with Michell on a horse - which is nothing short of amazing...Michelle does not see my son for his diagnosis (nor any of the other children in her program) but she sees him for who he truly is, and is considered a large part of his progress and care team."
- Beau's mom
