Read Our Stories
The Hands
Gina
is our Founder and Executive Director of Healing Hands Horsemanship.
As the daughter of the first professional world champion trampolinist,
Gina grew up in the gymnastics environment, traveling with her
family throughout the United States.
Horses were always a childhood fantasy and as her father recalls,
Gina asked for a pony every day of her life!
Gina loved to visit her Uncle John, in Ohio, who had several beautiful
quarter horses. At a very young age, her uncle placed Gina on top of
one of his prized stallions and the fantasy became a lifelong passion.
Later, pursuing her passion of working with horses, included owning, training and rescuing horses along with studying with great horsemen and horsewomen. This led to discovering philosophies of Horsemanship and working in several different types of professional horse care and professional training environments. Gina's early years also included work at the Monmouth Park racetrack in New Jersey.
Professionally, Gina has combined her understanding of breaking large skills into developmental steps for her students to accomplish personal awareness through progressive activities with her gentled horses. Gina now shares horse training skills through this non-profit horsemanship lessons program.
The Horses
Roxie
Roxie is 9 years old and has been a part of the Healing Hands team since 2011. She was rescued from slaughter at a Last Chance Ranch and was purchased for her weight in horse meat for only $175. Roxie’s value to us is priceless because although she came with little to no training, she has shown a great affection and appreciation for human contact and has become a remarkable lesson horse for all ages and abilities!
Although she is a young lesson horses, Roxie considers herself the "leader" of the group and likes to keep track of her other horse friends.
Roxie can carry a rider that weighs up to 180 lbs
Rain
Rain, formerly known as Cali, is 15+ years old. She is an important part of Healing Hands Horsemanship. This sweet Pinto Mountain pony has completely taken to our students and has developed some lifelong friendships. Joining us in 2015, Rain is a favorite lesson horses and is a very gentle equine on-staff.
Pretty girl "Rain-maker" never misses an opportunity to be in front of a camera and is a great choice for a photo-shoot, or for your special birthday celebrations!
Rain can carry a rider who weighs up to 130 lbs
Mime
Mime is our beautiful little registered Shetland pony, "All Eyes On Me", who was donated to us by John Walker in 2013. Mime is 12 years old and has a background in team driving, which means she's had plenty of experience working side by side with other ponies!
Strong and determined, Mime has an infectiously charismatic energy that resonates with our younger students. She loves attention and can't wait to show off her pretty black coat when you step into the arena.
Mime’s size contrasts with her big personality, making her an endlessly fun time to be around. She comfortably carries all ages and abilities under 100 pounds and is currently our special birthday party pony!
Lightning
Lightning is our oldest lady, being in her early 20s. She's a registered Quarter horse with the AQHA.
A wonderful horse for beginners, Lightning is very calm and sweet. Healing Hands Horsemanship is very fortunate to have this loving horse donated for our students to enjoy.
Having worked with children in the past, Lightning has easily accepted her place and has already made some lifelong friends at the ranch.
Lightning can easily carry a rider who weighs up to 190 lbs.