Happy Trails Riding Academy Camp

Happy Trails Riding Academy offers equine-assisted services and therapeutic riding with exceptional horses in a therapeutic riding facility. The program takes place at a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and uses horse movement that provides a three-dimensional motion that no gym equipment can replicate. Participants take part in a supportive group environment that enhances communication, social skills, independence, and self-confidence, and the program serves individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities, including those with ADHD, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and post-traumatic stress.

• Ages: 6–18 years old

Happy Trails Riding Academy’s mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities through accredited equine-assisted services, fostering independence, confidence, and personal growth in a supportive and empowering environment. Participants range in age from six to 50+, with the majority (90%) under the age of 18. The program is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and is the only fully accredited therapeutic riding center in California’s San Joaquin Valley between Bakersfield and Modesto.

The leadership and staff team includes a board and program staff with defined roles. The leadership team includes Ray Lewis (President), Jarrod Harbour (Vice President), Jose Arias (Secretary), and Andre Gaston (Treasurer). Additional board and advisory members include David Allen (Attorney at Law, Allen Law Group), Cheri` Barnes (Retired, Tulare County Office of Education), Erin Brooks (Tulare County Public Defender), Debi Callahan (Mortgage Advisor, Longbridge Financial), Janice Castle (Retired, VP Bank of the Sierra), Rollin George (Owner/Operator JF George Enterprises), Roland P. Hill (Retired, County of Tulare Assessor/Clerk Recorder), Verna Mondall (Safety Director, Walmart Distribution Center), Laura Morrelli (Vice President, Tri-Counties Bank), and Ed Wristen (Retired, CalFire Chief). Program leadership and operations are managed by Leslie Gardner (Executive Director), Nicole Payne (Director of Services, PATH Intl. CTRI, PATH Intl. ESMHL), and Beth Spuhler (Director of Operations, PATH Intl. CTRI, PATH Intl. ESMHL).

The instructional and support team includes PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI), PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), and an Occupational Therapist. Staff in these roles include Lozen Hendrix (PATH Intl. CTRI, PATH Intl. ESMHL), Klara Bergtholdt (PATH Intl. CTRI, Occupational Therapist), and Ireland Eckard (PATH Intl. CTRI, PATH Intl. ESMHL). Additional team members include Kay Connley (Volunteer Coordinator), Scott Willis (Facility Manager), Kayla Tilley (PATH Intl. ESMHL, Class & Barn Manager, Instructor in Training), and Crystal Rodriguez (Class & Barn Manager).

Last updated March 24, 2026.