Our Instructors. Our Herd Caretakers. Our Heart.
The people who keep our horses thriving and our programs growing.
Sam (LPC A, ESMHL, Head Therapist) is originally from Georgia and grew up as an Army Brat. Shortly after graduating high school in Savannah, she joined the Army. Once that chapter was complete, Sam transitioned out of the field and into the classroom earning her B.A in Psychology in Naples, Florida. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her military service has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and trauma that can come with that experience, providing her with the empathy and insight to connect on a more profound level. She understands the importance of trauma-focused care, and is dedicated to helping clients heal and overcome the challenges they face. She is committed to fostering resilience and healing through innovative and experiential therapeutic approaches, including equine partnered counseling.
Laura brings more than 35 years of professional equestrian and instructional experience to Riding Unlimited. Growing up on a horse farm on the East Coast, she gained a strong foundation in English, Western, and driving disciplines while helping her family retrain rescue and rehabilitation horses. Her early passion for Eventing shaped her commitment to building trust, communication, and partnership with every horse she works with.
In her twenties, Laura moved to the Midwest and began her career at Pegasus Farm in Ohio, an adaptive riding center. She became a CHA instructor and earned her PATH Intl. certification in 2006. Laura is a graduate of the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute in Virginia and has continued her professional development through decades of clinics, trainings, and mentorship.
Laura has taught riders since age sixteen and is known for her patient, teachable spirit and her dedication to sharing the knowledge she has gained throughout her career. She has a strong passion for working with riders with disabilities, military service members, and first responders, and has helped manage and run several veterans programs.
Today, Laura combines her extensive horsemanship background with her commitment to adaptive instruction, helping riders grow in confidence, skill, and connection through equine‑assisted activities.
Emily is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who has been part of Riding Unlimited for more than 20 years. She is also a Special Education teacher at Sanger Middle School and brings her passion for supporting individuals of all abilities into every lesson she teaches. Emily believes strongly in RU’s mission of “turning disabilities into possibilities” and values the way equine‑assisted activities can improve life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
One of Emily’s favorite horses is Bonanza. Jim Barton rode Bonanza for many years, and Emily describes their partnership as truly magical — a perfect example of the healing connection between horse and rider that inspires her work today.
Emily’s favorite part of Riding Unlimited is the relationships she has built with riders, volunteers, and horses. She also loves the peaceful atmosphere of the property and the beautiful sunsets that make RU feel like home.
Megan began as an intern at Riding Unlimited in the spring of 2025 and recently graduated with her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. She now coordinates the RU volunteer network, manages the horse care and feeding team, and supports both the equine‑assisted counseling and therapeutic riding programs.
Her favorite part of working at Riding Unlimited is the sense of community it provides. Being surrounded by such an incredible group of horses and humans is a gift she deeply treasures.
Although Megan loves every horse in the herd, Teddy—their big, gentle Shire—holds a special place in her heart. He was the first horse she truly connected with, opening her eyes to the healing power of equines. His big, silly face greeting her each morning remains the best start to her day.
Sabrina is a mom of two beautiful girls, and together they are completely animal‑obsessed. She is a herd caretaker at Riding Unlimited, a role that feels extra special because she volunteered here as a high school student years ago. Being back at the stables truly feels like coming full circle.
One of Sabrina’s favorite parts of her week is being out at the barn with the horses and the people who make Riding Unlimited feel like home. She is one of the team members who help feed and care for the horses. Her tasks include prepping and feeding meals, cleaning up their messes afterward, and giving each horse a full look‑over to make sure no one has any injuries — and helping make any little booboos all better.
Sabrina’s favorite horse is Skipper. He is such a sweet boy, and when her day feels cloudy, he is her sunshine. His goofy side can brighten even the darkest of days, making him her cherished bright spot at the stables.
Desiree is a mother of two grown children, two stepsons, and proudly became a grandmother for the first time in 2025. Her lifelong connection to horses began early — sparked during her time as an Indian Princess and encouraged by her mother’s own love for them.
After years of gentle recruiting from her sister, Desiree joined Riding Unlimited as a volunteer. What started as a way to reconnect with horses quickly grew into a passion, and she has now been part of Riding Unlimited for almost two years. Her dedication and steady presence led her to transition from volunteer to employee, where she continues to support the herd‑care team.
Desiree has a special bond with Little Bit. While he can be difficult or standoffish with others, he has always been calm, cooperative, and affectionate with her. From the moment he arrived at Riding Unlimited, he allowed her to handle anything he needed — a connection she treasures.
Toni retired from Edward Jones last year and moved to the area to homeschool her grandson. She began riding in college, competing in hunter jumper events before later transitioning to barrel racing — two disciplines she still loves.
Toni has been part of Riding Unlimited for a year and is grateful to have found a place that feels like home. Although she no longer has horses of her own, she now has a whole herd to love. Caring for a herd comes with many responsibilities, but the wonderful horses and the dedicated team she works alongside make it a true labor of love.
Toni loves all the horses as if they were her own, but Precious holds a special place in her heart. A gentle giant and respected leader in the herd, Precious overcame a rough start in life and is now easy to handle, affectionate, and patient with Toni’s many hugs. Toni affectionately calls her “Mommy,” recognizing her as the matriarch of the barn.