President, Chief Executive Director and Founder
Patricia Gayle Thorn, B.S, M.A., Path Certified 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 and Speech Therapist Advisor
Shelley Triboulet M.S., CCC-SLP, Certified CCHI Level 1-2 Western Horsemanship.
Shelley was born in Roswell, New Mexico, raised in the Air Force, veteran 8-year reservist RP2 USN. Earning her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Science in the field of speech pathology from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. For the past 20 years she has worked with various cliental settings. Having 14 years’ experience with special needs children in school and outpatient clinical setting providing excellent feedback on programs for the children at SpiritHorse. Always enjoying riding and being around other horse lovers. “Sometimes in life you get lucky and find something that is a match made in heaven.......the combination of horses, children and a Christian based program like that found at Spirit Horse is a perfect place for anyone to bless and be blessed!”
Treasurer
Odis James, CPA
A native farm boy with deep roots in Deatsville, Alabama. After graduating high school Odis was drafted into Vietnam war. After 3 years Odis returned to Alabama and attended Auburn University with a degree in accounting. He worked several years with the IRS and now owns his accounting business. As lifelong horse owner and rider he is excited about being part of this organization.
Secretary and Equine Maintenance Advisor
Lorna Aho
Born in England, Lorna has been a pony nut since she was five. She became an accomplished competitor while in high school. Lorna was a founder board member of several Dressage Associations and President of the Macon County Humane Shelter. Build and establish Bare Bones Farm, where they breed, train and compete Sport Ponies.
Through the loan of one of the small but spicy foundation mares, to SpiritHorse, that Lorna became involved with the program. Lorna is interested in advancing the role of SpiritHorse’s animals in helping rehabilitate veterans, as she has experienced the healing power of animals all her life, and knows they can keep you from the pits of despair, and encourage physical and mental growth.
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.
Physical Therapist Adviser
Danielle Smart, MSPT
Danielle is a licensed Physical therapy and had practiced for the past 15 years, she holds a license in Massachusetts, Vermont, Colorado and Alabama. Originally from Massachusetts, she grew up riding horses from the age of 5 years old. She was a member of the Bernardston 4-H Trailblazers for 11 years and president for 3 years during her youth. Throughout her youth Danielle showed horses in local, state and Tri-State horse shows. In college at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut she was a member of the Equestrian team. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and when on to get her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy. While in college Danielle volunteered at several locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts that offered Hippotherapy for children with disabilities. Years later Danielle completed her Level Treatment Principles in Hippotherapy with the American Hippotherapy Association and just recently completed her Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop with PATH International. Danielle is looking forward to completing her Hippotherapy certificates as well as her PATH International certifications.
Nancy Jo Heart, Chair of the Events Committee
Nancy Jo Heart grew up in Manchester Connecticut and has enjoyed traveling across the US and abroad. Having lived in six of the 50 states she has made her home in Alabama in love with both of people in the atmosphere. The majority of her career has been in writing and refining operational procedures and project management in the pharmaceutical and cruise Industries. Volunteering with SpiritHorse TRC is satisfying and rewarding when witnessing the interactions between students and horses and the benefits, joy, and personal growth those interactions bring.
Patricia Gayle Thorn, B.S, M.A., Path Certified 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 and Speech Therapist Advisor
Shelley Triboulet M.S., CCC-SLP, Certified CCHI Level 1-2 Western Horsemanship.
Shelley was born in Roswell, New Mexico, raised in the Air Force, veteran 8-year reservist RP2 USN. Earning her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Science in the field of speech pathology from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. For the past 20 years she has worked with various cliental settings. Having 14 years’ experience with special needs children in school and outpatient clinical setting providing excellent feedback on programs for the children at SpiritHorse. Always enjoying riding and being around other horse lovers. “Sometimes in life you get lucky and find something that is a match made in heaven.......the combination of horses, children and a Christian based program like that found at Spirit Horse is a perfect place for anyone to bless and be blessed!”
Treasurer
Odis James, CPA
A native farm boy with deep roots in Deatsville, Alabama. After graduating high school Odis was drafted into Vietnam war. After 3 years Odis returned to Alabama and attended Auburn University with a degree in accounting. He worked several years with the IRS and now owns his accounting business. As lifelong horse owner and rider he is excited about being part of this organization.
Secretary and Equine Maintenance Advisor
Lorna Aho
Born in England, Lorna has been a pony nut since she was five. She became an accomplished competitor while in high school. Lorna was a founder board member of several Dressage Associations and President of the Macon County Humane Shelter. Build and establish Bare Bones Farm, where they breed, train and compete Sport Ponies.
Through the loan of one of the small but spicy foundation mares, to SpiritHorse, that Lorna became involved with the program. Lorna is interested in advancing the role of SpiritHorse’s animals in helping rehabilitate veterans, as she has experienced the healing power of animals all her life, and knows they can keep you from the pits of despair, and encourage physical and mental growth.
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.
Physical Therapist Adviser
Danielle Smart, MSPT
Danielle is a licensed Physical therapy and had practiced for the past 15 years, she holds a license in Massachusetts, Vermont, Colorado and Alabama. Originally from Massachusetts, she grew up riding horses from the age of 5 years old. She was a member of the Bernardston 4-H Trailblazers for 11 years and president for 3 years during her youth. Throughout her youth Danielle showed horses in local, state and Tri-State horse shows. In college at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut she was a member of the Equestrian team. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and when on to get her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy. While in college Danielle volunteered at several locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts that offered Hippotherapy for children with disabilities. Years later Danielle completed her Level Treatment Principles in Hippotherapy with the American Hippotherapy Association and just recently completed her Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop with PATH International. Danielle is looking forward to completing her Hippotherapy certificates as well as her PATH International certifications.
Nancy Jo Heart, Chair of the Events Committee
Nancy Jo Heart grew up in Manchester Connecticut and has enjoyed traveling across the US and abroad. Having lived in six of the 50 states she has made her home in Alabama in love with both of people in the atmosphere. The majority of her career has been in writing and refining operational procedures and project management in the pharmaceutical and cruise Industries. Volunteering with SpiritHorse TRC is satisfying and rewarding when witnessing the interactions between students and horses and the benefits, joy, and personal growth those interactions bring.