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Untamed Spirit

Untamed Spirit

Therapeutic Riding & Education Program

  • About
    • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Horses
    • The Rainbow Bridge
    • Little Critters
    • Sponsors
  • Programs
  • Herd News
  • Volunteer
  • Counseling & Wellness
  • Contact

Our Team

Barbara S. Ford, LPC, NCC, CTRI.

Education:

  • Add: 2014 - Master’s Graduate Regent University
  • 1978 – Graduate Southern Seminary Junior College, Buena Vista, VA
  • 1980 – Graduate Old Dominion University, BA History, Norfolk, VA
  • 1970’s – 4-H Horse Club member
  • 1980’s – 4-H Horse Judging Leader
  • 1980’s – Therapeutic Riding Instructor for the 4-H Therapeutic Program (PERT)
  • Legal secretary for both civilian and the US Navy (Norfolk and NAS Oceana) for over thirteen years specializing in Domestic Law and Adoptions.
  • 1986 Graduate – Cheff Center for the Handicapped, August, Michigan
  • 1989 – June 2010 – Founder and Executive Director – EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, Virginia Beach, VA
  • June 2010 – 2014 – Owner Forward Motion Farm LLC, a blended equine community in Virginia Beach, VA

Awards and Certifications:

  • 1995 obtained PATH, Intl. (formerly the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Certification as a Registered Instructor
  • 2005 – Recipient of James Brady Professional Achievement Award – PATH, Intl.
  • 2005 – Recipient of 2005 Friend of Agriculture Award – City of Virginia Beach
  • 2006 – Certificate of Non Profit Management – Tidewater Community College/The Norfolk Foundation Workforce Development
  • 2009 – Recipient of National Volunteer Leadership Award – PATH, Intl.
  • 2010 – Recipient of the Community Legends Award – Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
  • Current Member of PATH, International, TRAV (Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia), ACA (American Counseling Association)
  • Former Board Member – Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV)
  • Former Member – Community Animal Response Team (CART) of Chesapeake
  • Former Member – PATH, Intl. Center Advancement Committee