About Us
We are an inclusive community of trainers, volunteers, and instructors serving children, teens and adults that come from all walks of life, all ages, all abilities and all geographies surrounding the greater Atlanta area.
Our mission is to empower riders of all abilities through life-changing relationships with horses.
Our vision is to become the model recognized by professional equestrian organizations throughout the U.S. for bringing riders of all abilities together into a single inclusive community.
Through our Therapeutic Program, we serve individuals with a broad range of physical, cognitive and emotional abilities and all socioeconomic backgrounds. Through our School and Boarder Programs, we provide opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders to excel in the sport of horsemanship.
Our Story
Although it was established in 1999, Chastain Horse Park (CHP), has been a part of the community for generations.
Established
The original stables were built as
part of the park plan in 1939 offering riding lessons and horse boarding for local residents while serving as a popular
destination for horse show competitions.
Restored
After years of disrepair, our founder proposed a plan to rebuild the facility in 1992. Her vision was to create an acclaimed equestrian center which would operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization specializing in educational and therapeutic programs for students with mental, cognitive, emotional and physical impairments and outreach programs for children-at-risk, along with riding lessons and boarding services for the general public.
Thriving
In spring of 1998, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell signed off on a 20-year lease for the facility to be privately operated.
Today, CHP ranks among the region’s premier equestrian facilities having served hundreds of children and adults of all ages and abilities, from all walks of life. Its' facilities house three barns and four arenas for therapeutic riding lessons and Hippotherapy, a riding lesson program, summer and holiday camps, pony birthday parties, and celebratory events.
Board of Directors
Chastain Horse Park is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors who donate thier time and resources to ensure the success of our mission.
Jennifer Flanagan
Board Chair
Steve Fallon
Trish Gross
Holly Sims
Susan Parsons
Lisa Wargo
Fenella Wild
Laura Hollis
Professional Staff
Originally from Michigan, Trish moved to Atlanta in 2015 after successfully creating and building a company as CEO and President. She is passionate about helping companies reach their maximum potential and has a love for Chastain Horse Park and all that it does.
Trish Gross
Executive Director
Lisa has been training and showing horses since 1980. She has also been teaching riders for as long. After graduating from Columbia University, she began her profession career as a hunter and jumper trainer in IL Since then, she has come to be a very accomplished rider and coach.
Lisa Anderson
Head Trainer and Program Director
Originally from New Orleans, Kelcy grew up competitively showing horses nationally and internationally. She earned a spot on the US World Cup Saddle Seat Equitation Team in 2002 and has since served on 3 other Invitational World Cup Teams. Where she has won three gold medals and one silver.
Kelcy Rainer
Therapeutic Program Director
Lorin grew up in Pennsylvania and began riding horses at age 10. Even after her family moved to Singapore in 1982, she continued to ride until the age of 16.
Even though she stopped riding, she introduced her daughter to the sport in 2009 and has been with Chastain Horse Park since.
Lorin Middelthon
Director of Development
Lorin has been riding since she was 12. Riding mostly for pleasure, she did local showing as a child, riding mainly hunters and jumpers. However, she also showed openly in western and saddle seat.
Lori now enjoys trail riding and is trained as a Vet Technician.
Lori Barefoot
Barn Manager
Missy has been riding since she was 5. She studied Psychology and Equine Studies in college.
In 2000, she joined the team at Chastain Horse Park and has over 20 years of experience coaching children and adults. She is currently the leader of the IEA team.
Missy Stewart
Assistant Head Trainer
Sarah has been involved equine assisted activities since she was 14. By the time she was 18, she decided to pursue her PATH Intl. Premiere Accredited Center. She had logged over 4000 volunteer houses at a PATH center by then.
She has always been very involved in horse therapy programs.
Sarah Lloyd
Volunteer Coordinator
PATH International Advanced Instructor
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Alberto Galindo
Facilities Manager
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Margie Good
Administrative Coordinator
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