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Our Board and Staff
Nancy Pickering
On a beautiful Virginia fall Saturday morning in 1986, I rode my horse over to a neighboring farm to watch a therapeutic riding session. Must admit, I barely knew programs like this existed! ‘Dude’ and I stayed the whole morning, helped where we could and got hooked! Dude and I went to ’work’ the next weekend; he, the trusted bearer of CP, spina bifida, and autistic children, and I as his horse leader. Pretty quickly, I got involved on the Board of Directors and served as Secretary from the early 90’s until leaving the area in 2001. I saw Fairfax 4H Therapeutic Riding turn into Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program; struggled through NARHA certification for the program; helped train new volunteers,
etc. My pony “Slipper” tried hard to fill “Dude’s shoes, but at 41” tall she became the PR pony!
When Tom and I retired to South Carolina, I pretty much had decided that therapeutic riding was out of my life. After all, I had had a good run in VA! Then…. at a Ride-A-Thon on Spring Island, I rode, mingled with the crowd, and met Denise Bishop. I found out that not only was therapeutic riding alive and well; a program was beginning in the Beaufort area. You know the rest! I’'m one of your instructors at LOVE. I adore my Monday afternoon riders and help Denise, too. Come see us at Sunshine Farm!
Patti Walker
A retired elementary school teacher from New York State.
A lifetime member of Memorial Baptist Church of Mechanicville, NY where I taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, was youth director along with my husband Don.
Since moving to St. Helena Island, SC, I have volunteered at St. Helena Elementary School as well as Heroes on Horseback at Sunshine Stables. Have been involved with LOVE since inception, volunteering in many capacities.
Joni Moritz
I moved to Beaufort with my loving husband, Ben, and children (two and four legged) early in 2006 from North Dakota. Having lived in Charleston for a short period of time I was eager to come back to the south to enjoy the warm weather and the benefits of living near the coast.
I had a quarterhorse while I was growing up and later owned two horses for several years that were gifted to Yellowstone National Park as trail horses. My love for animals extends to four large dogs, five cats, and two part time grand doggies. I have had many animals in my life enjoyed all the gifts and companionship they have given me.
My involvement with handicapped children and non-profit organizations includes a partnership with Open Door Center in Valley City, North Dakota, where I volunteered time with the Children's autistic unit supporting for various activities and events. I am an active member of St. John's Lutheran church in Beaufort serving as a council member from 2007 to 2008 co-chairing the fellowship committee. I also teach Sunday school.
I am employed by TCL as a purchasing assistant and worked in admissions. The experience at the college, like other positions I have held, has given me an opportunity to put customer service first in all areas of my work whether it be internal within our company or outside the organization. That is also how I live my personal life as well "to serve others".
Lastly, I love to sing. I have performed as a soloist for many shows and productions including singing for two governors of North Dakota and elsewhere for special events including weddings and funerals and most recently performed during the 2009 Beaufort County tree lighting ceremony. My friends believe I was born singing.
Serving as a board member of Love for Therapeutic Riding has given me an opportunity to combine many of my God given gifts and abilities. To be able to share with others who truly care about helping each other and being part of and giving of myself to this Love For Therapeutic Riding is truly a blessing for me.
Sonja Wolf
I have always enjoyed the company of animals and children, so six years ago when a neighbor told me Denise was starting up this program in Beaufort I had to look into it. From the first dazzling smile from an otherwise unresponsive child while riding Frogmore I have been hooked.
The child/ animal interaction, while varied, is always at least interesting if not exciting. I am very thankful that Denise has provided me the opportunity to be almost a farm girl.
Nancy Parrish
I am divorced raising 2 children - 1 of which is a foster child, Joan, 18 years old and graduating in May 2011 from Battery Creek High School. Jason is my natural born child, who just turned 30.
I have lived in Beaufort just about all my life. My dad is a retired Marine. I attended and graduated from Beaufort High. I am presently enrolled at TCL, taking Early Childhood classes. I am presently employed by Beaufort County Schools and have been for 18 years. I work at Shell Point Elementary as a Kinder-Assistant, the last 10 years serving as the Behavioral Interventionist. Due to budget cuts, that position was eliminated. I have worked with children with special needs for about 30 years. I have been a licensed foster parent for about 15 years and have had many years of training through workshops and hands on experiences.
I am a member of Shell Point Elementary PTO. I serve as an advisory, and have served in the past as Treasurer and Vice President and President. I have served as a nursery worker, flower committee, and personnel committee at my church which is Shell Point Baptist. When Jason was younger I served on the Local Easter Seal Society which is a United Way Agency. Jason was a poster child for Easter Seals and we were evolved with the United Way Campaign.
My son Jason has Angel Man's Syndrome. He has been involved with therapeutic riding for about 6 years with Denise Bishop. We were initially involved with Heroes on Horseback and now LOVE for Therapeutic Riding.
There are no words really to describe how it feels to have Jason involved in therapeutic horseback riding. I just know in my heart that Denise and Rudy and all the volunteers are teachers sent by God. It blesses my heart to see Jason sit tall and always with a smile for me and all to see. Jason is so happy when he is on the horse he rides which is named Frogmore. Jason has scoliosis but sits up strong and so proud as to say "look at me now".
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LOVE for Therapeutic Riding became operational in September 2009, on St. Helena Island, SC, near Beaufort SC, with three soon to be equestrian athletes with mental disabilities. With the faith of our Lord providing for our needs, our growth
was made possible by several dear friends who also have faith for this type of therapeutic program.
