Barbara S. Ford, Owner
Education:
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 – Present – 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 Board Member - Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV)
Current Member of PATH, Intl., TRAV (Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia), AHA (American Hippotherapy Association), EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association)
Member - Community Animal Response Team (CART) of Chesapeake
Former Member – PATH, Intl. Center Advancement Committee
Personal:
Mother of twin daughters, Alexandra (attending college at Northern Arizona University) and Ashley (attending college at Regent University and also a PATH, Intl. certified riding instructor)
Ellie Hardnack
- B.S. in Psychology, Regent University
PATH, Intl. Registered Instructor
Has served on TRAV Board - Experience in the therapeutic industry includes teaching, barn management, and volunteer coordinating with programs in Virginia and Maryland.
- 20+ years in the horse industry, including riding for pleasure and competition in the hunter/jumper discipline, show grooming, schooling, teaching, stable assistant and management.
Ellie has been a PATH, Intl. Registered Instructor since 2004, her experience in the therapeutic riding industry comes from her time as Instructor, Equine Director and Volunteer Coordinator at programs in Virginia and Maryland. Ellie rode her first horse when she was four, and has since been involved in riding for pleasure and competition in the hunter/jumper discipline, show grooming, schooling, stable assisting and management. Ellie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Regent University and is the proud Mom of twin girls and stepson.
Ashley S. Ford
- Working on her Bachelors Degree in Business from Regent University.
- PATH, Intl. Certified Instructor
- Founded the First Colonial High School Equestrian Club
- United States Pony Clubber
Ashley has worked extensively in the horse care industry since she was a young girl. At the young age of seventeen, Ashley began teaching horseback riding lessons to a few close relatives and friends, and immediately became one the youngest PATH, Intl. certified instructors when she turned eighteen. She mainly rides Dressage for pleasure, but hopes to pursue showing once she makes it to her Pony Club ‘A’ Rating. Ashley was a working student for her Dressage instructor Jamie Nicalato for seven months and has groomed for many local barns. Previously, Ashley was the Equine Manager of another therapeutic program and was responsible for the care and maintenance of seventeen therapy horses.
Shaun Gayhart
- Obtained his Associates in Fire Science from Tidewater Community College
- PATH, Intl. Certified Instructor
- Proud Dad of twin goats, Taog & Aztec (whom I have attached a picture of!)
- Recruit for the Virginia Beach Police Academy, graduating in July 2011 (hopefully!)
In high school, Shaun played Varsity Baseball and was geared up to receive a scholarship that would enable him to play baseball in college. Unfortunately, Shaun tore a tendon in his elbow and had to get the famous “Tommy John” surgery. After deciding not to return to baseball, Shaun became a PATH, Intl. Certified Instructor in 2010 and Barn Manager for a large therapeutic program. After two years of “barn stuff,” he decided the career he was looking for after all was with the Virginia Beach Police Department. 
So.. he is now a recruit with the VBPD and will hopefully soon be on the streets. Shaun is the proud owner of Taog and Aztec and helps with lessons and barn work anytime he can. This man in charge rules the tractor and gets all of the farm’s bush hogging, dragging, and handy-man work out of the way!
Amanda Rosenstein
Rhonda Delguidice
Alex Ford
Maddie Dubinsky
Emily Gingras
Melissa Baxter
Kailen and Lisa Bonnett
Peggy Fulgham
Chris Livengood
