ABOUT US

A True Passion

I am so excited to share my passion of horses and the amazing benefits that they can bring into our lives. I started this nonprofit organization, Lead the Way Equine Therapy, with the intention of sharing the peace, love, kindness, and loyalty mini horses can show and teach us. Horses are there when you need a hug, a listening ear, a quiet friend, or

someone to talk to. They are nonjudgmental, forgiving, and reliable.

Experience first-hand these beautiful traits our minis show us daily at our peaceful private barn.

More About Ms. Shaina

As a registered nurse and also a horse trainer, I’ve personally seen how mini horses can positively impact quality of life. The smiles, laughter, memories, and nostalgia of personal pets are priceless during our visits.

I am a nurse and also have ridden and trained horses most of my life. I’ll never forget when I was working at the hospital and a miniature therapy horse was brought on our hospital floor. The excitement, awe, and genuine joy that this horse brought during her visit truly inspired me. Seeing the patients looking forward to the visits, watching them light up when they petted the horse, and how it was the topic of conversation for days after, was truly therapeutic. This small and loveable horse took their minds off of their pain, current situation, and fears. All they knew at that moment was unconditional love.

I’ve finally been able to make my long-time dream come true and open this organization to share the benefits these miniature horses can offer.

Lead the Way Equine Therapy is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals who need it the most. Equine assisted activities have been shown to decrease social anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, all while increasing coping skills, feelings of overall well-being, social skills, and physical strength under the right circumstances. 

With equine-therapy, you can target sensory, skeletal, limbic, muscular and ocular systems. This means you’re benefiting from physical, psychological, social and educational aspects which truly can make difference by treating the individual as a whole. 

At Lead the Way Equine Therapy we have participants helping in ground-based work such as grooming the miniature horses, learning how to properly take care of them and leading them through a simple obstacle course. 

At Lead the Way Equine Therapy we have exercises and activities to expand on and grow in areas that may be lacking. Each visit can be catered to that individual’s particular need and goals they are looking to accomplish. For example, to help work on the goal of listening to sequencing directions, individuals can follow specific instructions on how to lead the miniature horses through the obstacle course. 

The impressive growth of numerous individuals who come for regular visits is something we strive to accomplish and see first-hand. We are collaborating with Seaside Therapy who offer speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to their pediatric clients. Children and their families can engage in sessions/therapy outside the typical environment on our farm with our therapy trained miniature horses. The excitement, benefits, and fun these visits provide can inspire kids to reach their goals and truly enjoy doing it at the same time! 

Contact Us

  • 239-281-6808

  • 5737 Hidden Oaks LaneNaples, Florida 34119

5737 Hidden Oaks Ln, Naples, FL 34119, USA