About

Our Team

Head of Operations

Larissa Bokan

In fall of 2015, Larissa started as a volunteer for the co-founders Dorey and Terry. The barn was Larissa’s way of having horses while she was away at college. By that summer, she was teaching lessons; by that fall, Oreo joined Larissa in the program. Larissa helped Dorey with sessions and caring for the animals for many years until Dorey’s passing. At that time, Larissa stepped up to run the program for Terry, until she eventually took over the charity in September 2021. We have had many changes to the program since Larissa has taken over, but she always aims to continue Dorey’s legacy and provide a safe, enjoyable horse experience for all involved. While Larissa is not present daily due to my career as a veterinarian, she oversees the animals well-being and the 4h group activities.

Riding Instructor

Annette Bokan, A.K.A. Mom

In 2020, Annette volunteered to help Larissa with the riding program while she completed her doctorate of veterinary medicine. Annette has been in the horse industry for 30+ years specializing in hunter jumpers. She has a unique way of challenging our riders to be independent thinkers. She aims to let all riders work through their emotions and understand why and how they can overcome the challenges of the day. Her favorite saying is ” this is your ride not mine”, allowing each rider to decide for themselves what their goals are and what they want to achieve with their equine partner.

A Message from Our Founder

“I believe I have always been called to a healing ministry, having studied nursing and, more recently, religion. I have a deep faith, and I believe that God desires us to be as healed and whole as possible in this life. So while our program is in no way overtly religious, our therapeutic riding program is underpinned with a great deal of prayer. Often times I invite the riders, staff, and volunteers to form a circle, hold hands, and set an intention (or pray if they are comfortable) of safety, healing, and fun while we are together with the horses.

I had the privilege of growing up with horses, having started riding when I was only 4 years old. I hope to give others the same privilege. We have had several junior and senior high students – some from Westminster Presbyterian Church’s neighborhood outreach, Teen Hangout, as well as college students and senior citizens – come and volunteer with us. It is a wonderful opportunity both to help others and to be around horses. We can always use more volunteers, so please contact us if you are interested.

So many of us are off-center and out of balance in our overly busy day-to-day lives, whether or not we have special needs. Being with the horses, handling, grooming, and riding them helps us slow down and become mindful of how we are in the moment and gives us perspective on how we are living our lives. Our horses are our partners in our healing endeavor. Horses help us to get grounded because they are such spiritual, energetically sensitive, emotionally responsive creatures. They mirror back to us our own emotions and energy. If we are angry or tense, the horse we are working with will also be tense and uncooperative. If we are anxious, they are spooky. hen we are calm, they are relaxed and well-behaved.”

– Dorey Riegel, Founder of Healing Horse Stables