| Our Staff |
 |
 |
| Gwen Grissom HfH Founder Equine/Facility Manager (Owner - HfH LLC) |
 |
|
Gwen has been involved with and owned horses for more than 45 years. She describes herself as a “true horsey person in every sense of the word.” Born in Florida, she was involved heavily in barrel racing until moving to North Carolina. She now enjoys teaching summer horsemanship camps and trail riding on occasion when time permits. Gwen became very interested in therapeutic riding not long after her mother Patricia passed away in 1995. Pat suffered from multiple sclerosis for 32 years, spending many of those years confined to a bed or wheel chair. “I remember the desire in her eyes to be on a horse every time we were at a horse show, which was every weekend,” says Gwen. “She went to as many shows as she could and was a real trooper just sitting there watching us.” Gwen’s experiences with her mother encouraged her to establish Horses for Hope. “I know how much my mother desired to walk and be independent and I would like to give others who suffer from disabilities those opportunities my mother never had.” Gwen enjoys the smiles that horses give to those who ride - from therapeutic riding to regular able-body lessons. “My idea to create a therapeutic riding center to help the disabled, special needs kids and those who are unable to help themselves, no matter what the circumstance, came to be as Horses for Hope with the help of three friends, Dawn, Eric and Mary Ann. My goal is to build a strong organization that will last many years, beyond my own, giving therapeutic benefits to all who participate in our programs.” |
 |
 |
| Dawn Guenot HfH Co-Founder Therapeutic Riding Instructor |
| Sandy Mullican Lead Instructor |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Dawn is one of the Co-Founders of Horses for Hope and Gwen's best riding buddy. She volunteers regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Therapeutic Riding as well as managing her own stable and HfH satelite site in Johnston County. Dawn has been with the Wake County Public School System for 24 years and works with special needs children in the school system. Dawn has been involved with horses most of her life. She purchased her first horse when she was 19. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| *********************************************************************************************************************************************************** |
| ********************************************************************************************************************************************************* |
| ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************** |
 |
 |
| ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************** |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Gwen in her younger days on Lady |
 |
 |
 |
| Gwen on Joe a long time ago! |
| Sox, in his younger days, and Gwen |
| May 18, 1991 |
| Amy Odom Instructor Beginners |
| * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
| Amy Barker Instructor Beginners to Advanced |
Specialties: Most used phrase: What students are saying about Christine: Coming Soon! |
| Riding Since: 1994
Grew Up: Mississippi Specialties: Hunters Western Pleasure Most used phrase: “Pay attention so you don’t get hurt.” What students are saying about Amy: Coming Soon! Pics coming soon! |
| Riding Since: 1995
Grew Up: Germany and North Carolina Specialties: Dressage Hunters Equitation Combined Training Saddleseat Western Pleasure Competitive Trail Riding Barrel Racing Most used phrase: “HEELS DOWN!” What students are saying about Sandy: “Whether you want to jump high fences, traverse an obstacle course, study the elegant details of dressage, or "turn and burn" around the barrels, Ms. Sandy is a highly capable riding instructor. She's also a lot of fun! Ms. Sandy works with each student in class as an individual and she adapts her lessons to suit that day's opportunities. She seems to understand the unique challenges inherent in learning for riders of very different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Her frequent shouted reminders of "Heels down!" do little to hide the fact that she is a truly kind and compassionate instructor.” “The most versatile riding instructor I have ever met, Sandy is not only a stickler for basic dressage technique but also teaches western, barrel racing and jumping. There are not many instructors so versatile (and apparently the word is out, since I can't seem to find an open makeup spot in any of her dressage classes!!)” |
 |
 |
 |
 |