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Equestrian Center

Our Instructors


Carla Murphy
Equestrian Center Director

Carla has been riding since she was nine years old and competing in English riding since the age of 12.  Carla became the Equestrian Center Director in 2006 after working at Glade Run Lutheran Services as a group therapy planner and facilitator.  She says, "Most people probably wouldn't see the connection between grooming or riding a horse and therapy or social work; but I see it every day.  All riding can be therapeutic!"  She's worked hard to build an accepting and challenging program where riders (and aspiring riders) can experience personal growth while they're advancing their equine knowledge and riding skills.  

In addition to her extensive personal experience, she is a certified clinician through the American Association for Horsemanship Safety (AAHS) and has a bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University.  She also regularly teaches for United States Pony Club and 4-H groups.  Carla has a true passion for teaching and is particularly fond of dressage, jumpers, and eventing.  

If you would like to speak with Carla about questions, donations, lessons, or reservations you may reach her at stables@lutherlyn.com or 724-496-5535.


Teresa Davis
Lesson & Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Teresa with Phoenix

Teresa grew up with horses and has volunteered for a therapeutic riding program in Massachusetts for many years. In 2013, she began volunteering at Lutherlyn's Equestrian Center assisting with the care of the herd and barn work, as well as volunteer training and coordination.  Shortly thereafter, she began teaching lessons, helping with special events, and assisting Carla during each of the Horse Camp Programs offered by Lutherlyn every summer.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a key member of our staff at the Lutherlyn Equestrian Center where she plays a major role in daily operations.  

She is certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International and is a certified AAHS riding instructor.  Teresa strives to inspire and build confidence in all her students while having a great time.  She has a bachelors degree concentrating in community services from Clarion University.  For more than a decade, Teresa has also been working for a local organization where she cares for individuals with disabilities and special physical and emotional needs.  She incorporates this experience and her certifications to help bring joy to individuals of all needs and backgrounds (and her students, of course!).  She loves teaching horsemanship and currently has a horse named Phoenix, who will give kisses when Teresa asks.


Hailey Tammaro
Riding Instructor

Hailey is a lifelong rider and has placed in both the Pennsylvania State Horse Show and district 4-H qualifying shows.  She has also competed in eventing and dressage shows; and a long time pony club member. Hailey has a bachelor's degree in biology from Westminter College, where she was the president of the Equestrian Club; she is going to Slippery Rock University for her Masters in Secondary Math and Science Education. 

She has a passion for the bond that riders form with horses and loves riding and teaching others. Hailey owns a Quarter Horse named Sir Boston Chip, known around the Barn as Rooster. 

 


Volunteers
No horse experience required!
In addition to a committed staff, the LEC is also blessed with hardworking and committed volunteers who help us keep things running smoothly.  In addition to helping us care for our herd members, dozens of general maintenance projects are completed by our wonderful volunteers.  They keep our students and herd safe by mending and maintaining fence lines, clearing ditches during rainy seasons, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, repairing gates and stalls, cutting grass, cleaning and organizing the tack room (or supply area), helping with therapeutic riding sessions, and much more. 

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Teresa (one of our instructors and volunteer coordinator) at 724-996-4577, no horse experience is required; anyone can help us make a difference!

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