SpiritHorse Board
Chief Executive Director and Founder
Patricia Gayle Thorn, B.S, M.A., PATH RTRI & ESMHL, SpiritHorse Certified Instructor,
Certified CCHI Level 1-2 English, Western Horsemanship and Trail Guide
Growing up on a small farm in Northeast Alabama, Gayle learned to love animals, especially horses. She always wanted to help people which lead her to becoming a teacher. After attending both Auburn University and The University of Alabama, she taught middle and high science for 26 years.
Having been a horse lover and rider for most of her life, she wanted to share her love for horses in a way that is proven to improve the mental and physical health of people with various special needs. In 2011 Gayle discovered the Spirithorse International Therapeutic Riding Program which started a journey toward developing the nonprofit organization called SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center at the Mercy Seat in 2013.
Now, she shares her love for horses in a way that is proven to improve the mental and physical health of people with various special needs. By the grace and mercy of the Lord, SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center at the Mercy Seat is growing to provide needed therapeutic services and outreach to military families in time of stress.
Vice-President
Patti Pelham Reed, B.A. from Auburn University, Master of Education from AUM, Educator, Life-long Horse Owner and Enthusiast
Mrs. Pelham grew up in Montgomery, AL and was a graduate of Saint James School. She went on to Auburn University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master’s in Education from Aum. For nearly 20 years she taught Art in public and private school settings. Happily married, she and her husband have two elementary age children. She has recently decided to stay home to homeschool her children and develop a small homestead farm in Autauga County. Mrs. Pelham holds the position of treasurer for the Tabernacle Historical Society and Lay Leader of Pleasant Valley Methodist Church. She enjoys painting and photography, and has had a lifelong passion for horses. She has been involved in learning, competing, and teaching with horses. Now, she especially enjoys teaching and supporting her children in equine sports. She is excited to be a part of the Spirithorse board to help the organization grow to be able to help children and veterans in need of equine therapy.
Secretary
Sara Elizabeth Fuller, B.S. Troy University, HR Resource Manager, Radiologic Technologist, Life-long Horse Owner
Mrs. Fuller was born and raised in Montgomery, Al, went to Auburn University and finished her degree at Troy University. She received a Bachelor of Human Resource Management, and is a certified Radiologic Technologist. She worked at Montgomery Cancer Center and Carmichael Imaging for 14 years where she became Manager of the Imaging Department. Sara spent 8 years at OB GYN Associates of Montgomery as the Clinical Manager. She recently decided to leave the working world to concentrate on her two children and volunteer work. Mrs. Fuller’s love of horses has been a part of her life since she was 6 years old. She competed extensively in her younger years, taught lessons, and enjoyed spending all her extra time with horses. She began volunteering last year for SpiritHorse and loved it! Mrs. Fuller is proud to be a Board member now and continues to serve SpiritHorse in every way she can!
Treasurer
Angie Livingston, B.S. Huntington College, Retired from Alabama Power
Mrs. Livingston grew up in Montgomery, Al and lived most of her life in Deatsville. She is the proud mother of two sons and daughters-in-laws. Recently, she retired to help care for her mother and now her new grandbaby. Throughout her 35-year career she received several awards and certifications in the field of energy and construction. After working for Alabama Power Company in accounting, human resources, and marketing her experience will be very valuable as Treasurer for Spirithorse. Her personal philosophy is “It is up to each of us to find ways to bring Love and Goodwill into our communities.” She is glad to be associated with Alabama Spirithorse Therapeutic Riding Center.
Spiritual Advisor
Keith Green
Pastor and founder of Life Brand Cowboy Church a vibrant church located near Prattville, Alabama. A husband to a beautiful wife and together we have 4 wonderful daughters. Currently, employed with the Autauga County School Board. He enjoys spending time family, traveling, ministry life and trail riding. Been involved in ministry for over 26 years and have no plans of quitting. Background is in sales and small Business. Keith is looking forward to serving on SpiritHorse's Advisory Board. Believing that his skills and talents will make an impact in the lives of others who need this ministry.
Veterinarian Adviser
Charles Thorn, DVM
Charlie grew up on Hawk Pride Mountain with deep roots in a farming family. After high school, he joined the Army and proudly served our nation. As a boy from rural Alabama he dreamed of being a veterinarian. Then years after being in the service he attended Auburn University School of Veterinarian Medicine and graduated in 1980. He started a private practice in Northern Mississippi to provide care for animals that he so loved. As a horseman, Charlie owned many horses and played polo.
Patricia Gayle Thorn, B.S, M.A., PATH RTRI & ESMHL, SpiritHorse Certified Instructor,
Certified CCHI Level 1-2 English, Western Horsemanship and Trail Guide
Growing up on a small farm in Northeast Alabama, Gayle learned to love animals, especially horses. She always wanted to help people which lead her to becoming a teacher. After attending both Auburn University and The University of Alabama, she taught middle and high science for 26 years.
Having been a horse lover and rider for most of her life, she wanted to share her love for horses in a way that is proven to improve the mental and physical health of people with various special needs. In 2011 Gayle discovered the Spirithorse International Therapeutic Riding Program which started a journey toward developing the nonprofit organization called SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center at the Mercy Seat in 2013.
Now, she shares her love for horses in a way that is proven to improve the mental and physical health of people with various special needs. By the grace and mercy of the Lord, SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center at the Mercy Seat is growing to provide needed therapeutic services and outreach to military families in time of stress.
Vice-President
Patti Pelham Reed, B.A. from Auburn University, Master of Education from AUM, Educator, Life-long Horse Owner and Enthusiast
Mrs. Pelham grew up in Montgomery, AL and was a graduate of Saint James School. She went on to Auburn University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master’s in Education from Aum. For nearly 20 years she taught Art in public and private school settings. Happily married, she and her husband have two elementary age children. She has recently decided to stay home to homeschool her children and develop a small homestead farm in Autauga County. Mrs. Pelham holds the position of treasurer for the Tabernacle Historical Society and Lay Leader of Pleasant Valley Methodist Church. She enjoys painting and photography, and has had a lifelong passion for horses. She has been involved in learning, competing, and teaching with horses. Now, she especially enjoys teaching and supporting her children in equine sports. She is excited to be a part of the Spirithorse board to help the organization grow to be able to help children and veterans in need of equine therapy.
Secretary
Sara Elizabeth Fuller, B.S. Troy University, HR Resource Manager, Radiologic Technologist, Life-long Horse Owner
Mrs. Fuller was born and raised in Montgomery, Al, went to Auburn University and finished her degree at Troy University. She received a Bachelor of Human Resource Management, and is a certified Radiologic Technologist. She worked at Montgomery Cancer Center and Carmichael Imaging for 14 years where she became Manager of the Imaging Department. Sara spent 8 years at OB GYN Associates of Montgomery as the Clinical Manager. She recently decided to leave the working world to concentrate on her two children and volunteer work. Mrs. Fuller’s love of horses has been a part of her life since she was 6 years old. She competed extensively in her younger years, taught lessons, and enjoyed spending all her extra time with horses. She began volunteering last year for SpiritHorse and loved it! Mrs. Fuller is proud to be a Board member now and continues to serve SpiritHorse in every way she can!
Treasurer
Angie Livingston, B.S. Huntington College, Retired from Alabama Power
Mrs. Livingston grew up in Montgomery, Al and lived most of her life in Deatsville. She is the proud mother of two sons and daughters-in-laws. Recently, she retired to help care for her mother and now her new grandbaby. Throughout her 35-year career she received several awards and certifications in the field of energy and construction. After working for Alabama Power Company in accounting, human resources, and marketing her experience will be very valuable as Treasurer for Spirithorse. Her personal philosophy is “It is up to each of us to find ways to bring Love and Goodwill into our communities.” She is glad to be associated with Alabama Spirithorse Therapeutic Riding Center.
Spiritual Advisor
Keith Green
Pastor and founder of Life Brand Cowboy Church a vibrant church located near Prattville, Alabama. A husband to a beautiful wife and together we have 4 wonderful daughters. Currently, employed with the Autauga County School Board. He enjoys spending time family, traveling, ministry life and trail riding. Been involved in ministry for over 26 years and have no plans of quitting. Background is in sales and small Business. Keith is looking forward to serving on SpiritHorse's Advisory Board. Believing that his skills and talents will make an impact in the lives of others who need this ministry.
Veterinarian Adviser
Charles Thorn, DVM
Charlie grew up on Hawk Pride Mountain with deep roots in a farming family. After high school, he joined the Army and proudly served our nation. As a boy from rural Alabama he dreamed of being a veterinarian. Then years after being in the service he attended Auburn University School of Veterinarian Medicine and graduated in 1980. He started a private practice in Northern Mississippi to provide care for animals that he so loved. As a horseman, Charlie owned many horses and played polo.
