Shadow Hills Riding Club operates the Saddles for Soldiers program out of their 11-acre facility in Los Angeles County. The club's mission is to use horses to facilitate healing, learning, and growth for individuals and communities. Saddles for Soldiers specifically aims to reduce veteran suicide, provide a safe space, teach new skills, assist with reintegration, and offer both short- and long-term holistic care for veterans and their families free of charge. The program is run by a director, social worker, coordinator, and several PATH International certified instructors.

1. About Us
Saddles for Soldiers is a program of Shadow Hills Riding Club, a non-profit organization located
at the Shadow Hills Equestrian Center, an 11 acre facility in the northeast corner of the San
Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County.
SHRC Mission Statement: Shadow Hills Riding Club’s mission is to implement an expansive
therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate healing, learning and growth.
The Vision Statement: The vision of SHRC is to provide exceptional equine programs to
facilitate growth and healing through self-actualization and awareness resulting in healthier lives
for individuals and their communities. SHRC transforms lives with unbridled possibilities
through the healing art of the equine.
Specific Goals of the Saddles for Soldiers Program:
 To reduce the suicide rate in veterans
 To provide a safe place for veterans to relax
 To teach veterans new skills
 To assist in reintegration after returning from duty
 To provide life skills
 To provide referral
 To help veterans to establish a bond with an animal
 To provide short and long term care to veterans with a holistic approach
 To provide a free service for veterans and their families
Who We Are:
Johnny Higginson, Program Director, Equine Specialist, Advanced PATH Intl.
Instructor/Mentor
Susan Kelejian, LCSW Mental Health, PATH Intl. Registered Instructor/Creative Director
Equine Dell Arte
Casey Gray, Program Coordinator & Alum, Saddles for Soldiers
Tawnya Chatham, PATH Intl. Registered Instructor
Katherine Yang, PATH Intl. Registered Instructor
Shadow Hills Riding Club is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier
Accredited Center. All instructors are PATH Intl. Certified or work under the supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor.