Newsletter
WINTER 2026
New Website
We’re excited to share the launch of our newly redesigned website, a refresh that better reflects the heart of the Therapeutic Riding Center and the community that makes our work possible. The updated design was created by volunteer and board member Reilly Kavanaugh-Heine, whose care and attention to detail helped translate TRC’s mission into a more welcoming, functional online home.
Beyond a new look, the website introduces thoughtful updates designed to better serve our riders, families, volunteers, and supporters. Visitors will now find a dedicated invoice payment page for easier transactions, along with an events calendar that allows us to share upcoming programs, fundraisers, and special moments as they happen.
Our volunteer section has been expanded to highlight achievements and recognize the individuals who give so much of their time and energy to TRC. We’ve also introduced a growing photo gallery that will continue to evolve, capturing the everyday magic of our horses, riders, and community.
Each horse now has an extended profile, complete with stories and photo galleries that honor their unique personalities and important roles in our program. For families and supporters, the site offers more flexible giving options and a new space dedicated to participant and family testimonials — sharing firsthand experiences of the impact therapeutic riding has at TRC.
This website update is more than a redesign; it’s an investment in connection, accessibility, and storytelling. We’re proud to offer a platform that grows alongside our program and reflects the care, collaboration, and community at the core of everything we do.
We hope you love it!
Two Locations. One Mission.
TRC is thrilled to announce that we are acquiring a second therapeutic riding location!
Hula & Hooves
“Ohana,” the Hawaiian word for “family,” stretches beyond bloodlines to encompass every cherished friend, neighbor and loved one who feels like kin. Our Hula and Hooves fundraising event breathed this sacred spirit of Ohana into every heartbeat of the evening. As the sun dipped low, volunteers, students, teachers, donors and dear friends of the Therapeutic Riding Center gathered on the courtyard of the Red Horse Barn. The air was alive with the sweet, heady scent of fresh plumeria, mingling with the warm, smoky aroma of sizzling teriyaki chicken drifting from the buffet. Vibrant tropical blooms—fiery reds, electric pinks, and sunny yellows—glowed softly under the fairy lights, as laughter rippled through the crowd like gentle waves. Yamas Teriyaki House (yamasteriyakihb.com) served a feast that delighted every sense: tender Teriyaki Chicken and Teriyaki Beef bursting with savory-sweet flavor, paired with steamed fresh vegetables and white rice. Aunty Maile’s provided a sumptuous Kalua Pork and Macaroni Salad. For dessert, two different cakes from King’s Hawaiian topped the meal. The colorful “Paradise” cake consisted of three delicious layers of pink guava, orange passion fruit and green lime chiffon cake topped with cream icing and fresh kiwis and strawberries. The “Wonder” cake was a chocolate lover’s delight. Then the lights dimmed, the drums began their deep, rhythmic heartbeat, and the extraordinary professional hula group, Halau Hula A Kawika Luau ‘O Leinani Dancers (kawikaleinani.com), took the stage. Their hips swayed like ocean swells, graceful hands painted ancient stories in the air, and the rich voices of guitar, ukulele and chant wrapped the entire barn in a warm, timeless embrace of Hawaiian music and dance. Throughout the evening, guests mingled and browsed around the tables of carefully created baskets of goodies and other donated items for the silent auction. Every guest felt the pull of the islands, the shared aloha and the unbreakable bonds of Ohana. Many thanks go to the hard work of the Board of Directors, our silent auction gift donors, meal providers, bartenders, entertainment, and others who made our Hula and Hooves fundraising event a success. Meet Freckles!
TRC Welcomes New Equine Partner!
After months of searching, TRC has finally found an excellent Therapy Horse to add to our stables. We are proud to introduce our newest member, Freckles, to our family. Freckles is a 20-year-old quarter horse who was part of a rental string for trail rides in Palos Verdes. He is super friendly and loves to be groomed. His color is known as a “flea-bitten gray”. A flea-bitten gray is a specific stage or variation in the graying process of horses carrying the gray gene. Gray horses are not born gray—they start with a base color (bay, black, chestnut, etc.) and progressively lose pigment over time, turning lighter with age. In the flea-bitten phase, the horse has a predominantly white or light gray coat sprinkled with hundreds or thousands of tiny, dark specks—usually reddish-brown, brown, or black, depending on the original base color. These specks resemble flea bites (hence the name) and are scattered fairly evenly across the body, though they can be denser in some areas. Unlike dapples (which have larger rings that fade), these flecks are permanent pigmented hairs that remain even as the horse continues to gray. What Makes an Exceptional Therapy Horse?
Not every horse is suited for the vital role as a therapy horse. They are true heroes, requiring a unique blend of temperament, physical soundness and patience. Key characteristics include: Calm and Steady Demeanor — They remain unflappable amid unexpected noises, movements, or multiple handlers.Tolerance and Patience — They tolerate people on all sides, accepting grooming from volunteers, allowing a lead and side-walkers along with carrying riders with varying abilities.Excellent Ground Manners — They stand quietly for mounting, lead easily and enjoy human interaction without being overly energetic.Physical Soundness — They are healthy, with strong hooves, good conformation and the ability to carry riders comfortably at walk, trot and sometimes canter.Age and Size — They are typically mature horses (8–20 years old), and are often breeds like Quarter Horses, drafts, or ponies, depending on rider needs.
These equines often come from varied backgrounds—retired show horses, lesson ponies, or family mounts ready for a gentler purpose. Acquiring a new therapy horse is a thoughtful, multi-step journey. Many centers like TRC rely heavily on community support, because purchasing suitable horses can be costly. Common paths include: Donations and Free Leases — owners seeking retirement or a new purpose for their equine often donate or lease them to programs. This provides tax benefits for donors and a meaningful second career for the horse.Evaluation and Trial Period — horses undergo thorough vet checks, temperament assessments, and on-site trials. They must prove reliable in lessons, handling side walkers, leaders, and varied stimuli.Training — Once accepted, the horse receives specialized training to adapt to therapeutic work, ensuring safety for vulnerable riders.
A Call to the Community
As TRC continues to grow and serve more participants, the need for reliable therapy horses remains ongoing. If you have a calm, sound horse looking for a purposeful retirement, consider reaching out to TRC or similar programs. Your equine could become a lifelong friend and healer to someone in need.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, click the links below.
New Tack Shed
A Space Built With Care: Our New Tack Shed
Behind every successful lesson at TRC is a great deal of preparation, care, and teamwork — and that work often begins in the tack shed. This season, we’re excited to share a meaningful update to this essential space with the completion of our new saddle racks.This project was truly a labor of love. Cherry led the effort from start to finish, coordinating details and ensuring every piece came together with intention. Darrin brought the vision to life with his craftsmanship and attention to detail, transforming ideas into a functional, well-built reality. We’re also incredibly grateful to the volunteers who donated their time and energy, helping assemble and install the racks that now support our daily operations.These updates may seem small, but they make a big difference. A well-organized tack shed allows our instructors and volunteers to focus on what matters most — our riders and horses. With safer storage, easier access, and a space designed to work as hard as we do, this upgrade supports smoother sessions and happier horses.We’re proud of what this project represents: community, care, and the quiet work that keeps TRC moving forward every day.
Volunteer of the Session
Cherry Blaine
We can’t get too far into the new year without recognizing our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Cherry Blaine!
As we officially close out last year, we want to celebrate Cherry for her incredible dedication to TRC. She wears many hats as both our Equine Care Captain and a devoted board member, and she truly is the heart of our horse care program. From making sure every horse is fed on schedule and receives medications properly, to ensuring they’re surrounded with care and attention, Cherry goes above and beyond every single day.
Her compassion and commitment keep our horses healthy, happy, and ready to do the life-changing work they share with our riders. We truly couldn’t do what we do without her.
Thank you, Cherry, for your leadership, kindness, and the countless ways you show up for TRC. We are beyond grateful to have you as part of our family.
Volunteer of the Year
Suzanne Leskovar
We’re thrilled to recognize Suzanne for her incredible contributions this session! From her thoughtful work creating our Hula & Hooves silent auction baskets to her compassionate presence with our mental health group each Wednesday, Suzanne brings warmth, enthusiasm, and skill to everything she does.
She’s not only amazing with our horses but also deeply encouraging with our students, always quick to notice their progress and celebrate their achievements.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your dedication, kindness, and the positive energy you bring to the arena every week!
July - October 25
October - December 25
Reilly Kavanaugh-Heine
We’re excited to recognize Reilly Kavanaugh-Heine as our Volunteer of the Session!
Although Reilly has only volunteered with TRC for a little over a year, she has jumped into the volunteering experience with two feet, and is a staple in many areas of importance at the barn. She volunteers every Friday, regularly helps at each volunteer training, runs all our social media pages, and is an active member of our TRC board. Reilly is thoughtful and friendly with new volunteers, patient and kind towards our students, and amazingly creative in all areas of social media and design- if you’ve enjoyed a TRC Instagram reel or appreciated event branding and design, chances are that Reilly was behind it. She is a great example of being generous with both your time and talent!
Her love for our horses, students, and our program is evident in all that she gives to TRC and we are thankful to have her as part of our team!
Thank you, Reilly, for giving of your time and talent in the ways that you do! We appreciate the positivity, care, creativity, and intentionality you bring to TRC, whether it’s in the form of encouraging another volunteer, cheering on our students, or making a funny Instagram video. We’re so grateful for you!
Help Wanted
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
The Therapeutic Riding Center (Huntington Beach and Long Beach locations) is hiring a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) to lead adaptive horseback riding lessons for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.
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• Plan and deliver safe, individualized therapeutic riding lessons per PATH Intl. standards.
• Adapt instruction to participants’ needs and goals (mounted/unmounted activities).
• Collaborate with volunteers, side walkers, and staff for safety and support.
• Monitor equine health/behavior during lessons.
• Track progress, maintain records, and ensure positive, encouraging sessions.
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• Current PATH Intl. CTRI certification (required).
• Experience in therapeutic/adaptive riding (preferred; 1+ years).
• Strong horsemanship and disability knowledge.
• CPR/First Aid certified.
• Patient, communicative, team-oriented, and passionate about equine-assisted services.
• Flexible availability (weekdays + some weekends).
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• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Meaningful work in a supportive, scenic environment.
• Professional growth via PATH Intl. opportunities.
Apply with resume, cover letter, CTRI proof, and references to Donna@TRCHB.org (subject: CTRI Instructor Application).
Join us in empowering lives through horses!
The Therapeutic Riding Center Team