Our Instructors

Stephanie Keene | Vickie Tardiff | Carol Parker | Carey Hoars | Meg Howard | Marley Larrivee |
Annie O'Brion | Veronica Ross | Susan Brackett | Weston Pease | Ethan Owens

Stephanie Keene - Executive Director and Head Riding Instructor (Eagala Level 1)

Stephanie has worked with horses all of her life.She learned about the field of Therapeutic Riding while working as a riding instructor. A physical therapist approached her and asked if she would be interested in introducing children with Cerebral Palsy to the healing world of horseback riding. Stephanie, never saying no to an opportunity to learn something new, began to work with the children (with the help of some amazing horse partners) and after a short time saw such dramatic achievements in them that she was hooked! She trained with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) and received her instructor certification.

Stephanie has remained an advocate for the therapeutic riding field acting as a Region 1 Vice President for NARHA the Maine State Representative and the Vice President of NESAR (New England Special Activities and Resources). She was an active participant in getting the Maine State Equestrian Special Olympics program running, and remains a current committee member, facilitator and trainer of certifying other coaches.

Stephanie has also been on the ground floor of EFMHA (Equine Facility Mental Health Association), a NARHA sub-section, and has been studying to get her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health. She is a MHRT 2 (Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician), and has worked hard to incorporate Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning while integrating the joy of a natural farm experience for all!

Not to be overlooked, Stephanie has trained and worked as a veterinary technician, is a certified blacksmith and iron forger, a Certified Animal Chiropractor and Level 1 Centered Riding Instructor and recently attained her Eagala Level 1 Instructor certification..

As you can see, Stephanie is passionate about learning everything she can to serve the community, the riders at Hearts & Horses and her animal partners to the best of her ability.

Vickie McLeod-Tardiff

My name is Vickie McLeod-Tardiff and I am excited to be joining the teaching staff at Hearts and Horses.

I have recently graduated from Horse Power, a NARHA accredited Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training School in Temple, NH. I also have been assistant teaching and volunteering at a Therapeutic Riding Program in Yarmouth for over 11 years.

I have a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and have worked in that field for 10+ years. I was also the Therapeutic Recreation Director at a nursing/rehab facility in Yarmouth.

My husband and daughter and I live in Cumberland with our sweet Sheltie dog Shoni, and 2 very furry cats Caspar and Willow. My very best horse friend Carousel, lives at Winterberry Farm.

I am looking forward to getting to know the students, staff and horses at the farm, and am happy to have the opportunity to share my love of horses and riding.

Carol Parker (CP)

 

Carey Hoars

 

Meg Howard

Meg is a NARHA certified instructor and she is working on her Master's Degree. Go Meg!!

Marley Larrivee

Marley...

Annie O'Brion

Annie instructs part time and is currently attending Southern Maine Community College

Veronica Ross

 

Susan Brackett

Susan is also a new mom and will be working as a fill in instructor. Congrats to Susan too!!

Weston Pease

Weston is a Level 1 Eagala Instructor

Ethan Owens

Ethan is a Level 1 Eagala Instructor