EMPOWERED BY A HORSE
Donna Lombardi
Primary Trainer and Instructor
Donna is an AQHA Professional Horseman, an elite group that upholds the highest standard of skills and ethics in teaching horsemanship and training horses. She is also a certified Safe Sport and IEA Coach. In her 35+ year career, she, her horses, and her students have earned numerous national titles, championships, and top ten placings at the AQHA World Show and All American Quarter Horse Congress. She has been National Top Ten rider 29 times. She believes that much of her success in the show ring can be attributed to her love and connection to the horses she has trained and shown. That strong belief led her to study and become certified in Power of the Herd Theory and Touched by a Horse Soulfulness Theory. She specializes in English and Western instruction and training, with a focus on Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Hack, Western Pleasure, and Western Horsemanship and Equine-Assisted Coaching and learning.
Dave Seeley
Assistant Instructor
Dave has been teaching for over 18 years. He specializes in horsemanship skills, connecting with horses and natural horsemanship. Dave has Top five and Top Ten placings at the AQHA All American Quarter Horse Congress, Multiple AQHA and Open show wins and Circuit Championships. His students have won both AQHA and Open Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, and Trail. Dave enjoys spending time with the horses, caring for them and helping others learn from their positive experiences with the horses and in Equine-Assisted Learning/Coaching.
The Horses
Horses are highly social animals and can form strong bonds with humans. Many horses used in therapy have been specifically trained and are comfortable with the therapeutic process. However, it is important to remember that horses, like all animals, have their own unique personalities and preferences.
Horses are sensitive animals and are able to pick up on the emotions of those around them. This is beneficial in therapy as they can respond to the emotional state of the person they are working with.