Kelly Rickard, Director of Alpha Equestrian Center, home of Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding, is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Instructor. She has been practicing in the Woodstock area since 2009. Her motivation for building an Equestrian Therapy Center stems from her deep belief in God and the desire to minister to special needs children and adults and their families through the use of horses. The Center provides a welcoming environment for individuals to learn, grow and achieve their full potential.
Riding Instructor Danielle Isgett holds a BS in Psychology, and is a graduate C3 of Cohutta Highlanders Pony Club. With 9 years of experience, she teaches ages from 5 years to adult, beginner through advanced, with priorities of well-rounded horsemanship, including care of the horse. Her showing experience is in Eventing, IEA, IHSA, Dressage, and Hunters. Danielle is also a PATH Certified Therapeutic Instructor, and promotes safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with special needs.
Rachel Moss holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. She was a neurodevelopmental teacher before combining her passions and coming to teach therapeutic riding lessons for the special needs community. Rachel volunteered for two years at a center before becoming a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. She has been riding for 17 years, competing in local Hunter/Jumper shows.
Therapeutic Instructor Anna Marie Sadler believes that pure horsemanship is the art of motion, with positive interdependency between equines and humans for their mutual benefit. After a 7 year apprenticeship with an FEI Dressage Trainer, she went to the Yorkshire Ring Centre and completed the British Horse Society Assistant Riding Instructorship. Anna Marie holds a Middle Childhood BSE from Georgia State, has worked with exceptional children in Forsyth County Schools, and is a PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Trainer and Riding Instructor Dr. Kara O’Connor Yarbrough holds a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science from Lake Erie College and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life University. She is certified in Animal Chiropractic, Equine Postural Rehabilitation, and Equine Sports Massage. Kara has won multiple championships in hunter, jumper and equitation and continues to compete professionally in those and dressage. Kara is the head coach for two IEA Equestrian Teams: Lassiter H.S. and Pace Academy teams here at Alpha Equestrian Center.
