|
|
|
|
Special Equestrians, Inc. was founded in 1994 by Gisela and Vernon Rhodes. At that time they were operating White Oak Farm in Jefferson, Ma, a large 25 horse boarding facility with indoor and outdoor arenas. Special Equestrians, Inc. gained its status as a NARHA (North American Riding for Handicapped Association ) Premier Accredited Center in 1995 and offered service to about 80 challenged riders per week. May 2004 Special Equestrians, Inc. moved to Fair Tide Farm in Newcastle, Maine and is now concentrating on lessons and workshops with the concept "Horses and Humans - learning together". Gisela H. Rhodes, M.Ed. started vaulting as a child in her native Germany and rediscovered its benefits while developing a concept for Special Equestrians, Inc. She is certified as a vaulting instructor (NARHA and DKThR) and earned the Deutsche Longierabzeichen Kl. IV (lungeing certificate), administered by the FN (Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung E.V.) Interactive vaulting is her favorite activity for group sessions. She spearheaded the development of vaulting standards within NARHA, and as the chair and member of the NARHA Vaulting committee, she was involved in designing the certification for NARHA Interactive Vaulting instructors. She is board member of FRDI (The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International) and served on the board of EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association) until November 2007. As a NARHA Advanced Instructor and a Centered Riding® Instructor Level 1 she concentrates in her lessons on body awareness of the rider and correct training of the horse. She incorporates yoga, a longtime passion, which helps the student to overcome many physical and mental challenges. Her emphasis lies on the partnership with the horse - only solid horsemanship and respect for the equine and its nature will result in a mutual satisfactory relationship. |
|
|
