Meet the herd
Healing with Horses Ranch is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International Premier Riding Center. Our PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI), Equine Specialists (ESMHL), counselors, and facilitators believe deeply in the transformative power of the horse-human connection, and the ability for individuals from all backgrounds to improve their emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities.
The equine herd, our greatest teachers, are the center of our team. We partner with a variety of breeds, shapes, and personalities of equines to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Each horse goes through a careful screening process, to ensure they are both an appropriate match for the program, and that this is the kind of work they will enjoy. Like our instructors, our equines undergo consistent continuing education. They are specifically chosen after extensive evaluation to determine if their behavior, confidence, and physical abilities will fit with our participants & program needs.
At Healing with Horses Ranch, every member of our herd is part of the family for life. In 2025, we became an equine sanctuary, which means each horse will live out their days here, whether or not they’re actively involved in programs. While we are not a rescue, once an equine is here, they can rest assured that this is their forever home.
We are also supported by a community of volunteers that make our entire program possible. In lessons, in facility work, and more, each individual who comes out to the barn contributes to & benefits from the healing environment.
Alexa Ball, LPC-A
Alexa is, first & foremost, Calloway’s mom. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) & PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). She believes the world flourishes when we are brave enough to change our minds – about what we are capable of, about the way the world works, and about how we can operate in it. Her mission is to steward that process in others, particularly in her emphasis in working with at-risk youth at the Ranch. She has previously served as our Board President & Secretary.
In her free time, she works with her hands as much as possible: gardening or starting any number of house projects on the weekends. You’ll rarely find her without dirt under her nails or her canine companion, Luna.
Amanda Hoppe
Amanda started as a volunteer mentor and exercise rider for Animals as Natural Therapy in Bellingham, Washington in 2001 while she earned her Bachelor’s degrees in english and anthropology from Western Washington University. She earned her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification in 2010 a year after earning her Master’s degree in english, and was among the first PATH members to earn the new Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) certification in 2012. Working alongside certified counselors, horses, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs, Amanda specialized in helping children, teens, and veterans overcome social-emotional issues, addiction, and trauma.
After moving to Austin, she joined the team at Healing with Horses Ranch as a part of their equine-assisted psychotherapy & equine-assisted learning programs in 2021. As well as teaching riding & horsemanship, she also teaches english as an adjunct instructor, first for Whatcom Community College starting in 2010, and then for Austin Community College in 2023. She currently lives in Kyle, Texas, with her two boys, husband, and herd of cacti. If you catch her at the right moment, she’ll tell you more than you want to know about werewolves.
Anna-Ruth Lewis, LMFT-A, LCDC
Anna-Ruth is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist-Associate (LMFT-A), as well as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). Anna-Ruth has worked in community based mental & behavioral health for 6.5 years with various populations throughout the greater Austin metropolitan area. She joined the herd in 2025 & facilitates a non-judgemental, trauma informed & person-centered approach to her work with clients. Anna-Ruth specializes in relational work & believes in the importance of embracing vulnerability in an empowering, meaningful way.
Anna-Ruth is originally from Oklahoma City, OK & moved to Austin after completing her Master’s degree in the fall of 2018. She enjoys spending time at the Ranch, as well as with close friends & co-workers. Anna-Ruth also enjoys accompanying her dog Cleo on walks & tapping into creative outlets such as drawing/painting.
Apple
Name Apple
Breed Haflinger mare
Born March 1st, 2006 (Pisces)
Joined the herd Donated by Christine Steffen in July 2018
Likes Performing party tricks, getting treats (but sugar free only!)
Dislikes Hot weather
Most likely to… Pick up a dropped brush and hand it to you!
Thanks to the attentive dedication of our staff & volunteers, Apple is a recent survivor of founder/chronic laminitis, which is an incredibly difficult disease to recover from!
Arianna Roman
Arianna is our Program Director, a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), an Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL), and most importantly, our therapy mule Earl’s mom. She has spent a decade in the field of nonprofit work, making the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities & at-risk youth. Her mission is to support & guide her team of Instructors & Equine Specialists so they can continue to change lives through the power of the horse.
Outside of her work at the Ranch, Arianna enjoys spending time with her partner Jeremy, and is an avid fan of anime & comic books: a quintessential nerd.
Austin Hankins
Austin is a Senior Manager at Apple, Inc. where she’s built a career in service operations for the last 15 years. She began volunteering at Healing with Horses Ranch in 2024, later becoming a writer for the grants committee & board member in 2025. She spends most of her time at the Ranch supporting facilities initiatives where she found her true passion of caring for the land where our beautiful herd lives & works. If she’s not walking around with power tools, you’ll find her driving the tractor or RTV.
Outside of the Ranch, Austin loves traveling to national parks, visiting her family / spoiling her nephews, and spending time with her adorable rescue dogs, Winnie & Zuzu. She endeavors to carry on her dad’s legacy of giving back to communities in need, and is deeply honored for the dedication of a pasture on the Ranch property in his name: Hankins Field.
Avalon
Name Sweet Avalon
Breed American Warmblood mare
Born 2001
Joined the herd Donated by Monte Land in July 2012 (Longest of the current herd!)
Likes Big hugs, jumping little cross-rails
Dislikes Thunderstorms
Most likely to… Be mistaken as missing from her field because she’s hanging out in the trees by the creek!
This brave girl came to the Ranch after surviving the Bastrop Fires of 2011. Avalon was our Horse of the Year in 2018. Fun fact: she did not pass her original therapy horse test at another local therapeutic riding center due to the way she behaved in the barn at meal times… well, thanks to problem-solving, we learned that she just prefers eating in an open area like a pasture, likely due to lingering trauma from escaping the forest fire.
Bailey
Name Bailey’s Irish Surprise “Bailey”
Breed registered Gypsy Vanner/Irish Cob
Born June 15th, 2008 (Gemini)
Joined the herd April 2018
Likes Scratches EVERYWHERE! She’s an itchy girl!
Dislikes Being told what to do (she is very independent), her canine brother Levi chasing her
Most likely to… Follow you around like a puppy dog!
Bailey is our founder Patty’s personal horse who lives on site at the Ranch. She is a former broodmare from Lexlin Gypsy Ranch in Tennessee. Though she has since retired from her role as a therapy horse back in 2023, Healing with Horses Ranch is proudly an equine sanctuary, which ensures that all of our equine staff members have a home for life whether they are actively involved in programming or not. You will often see Bailey in view over the fence absolutely loving her current role of being a gorgeous lawn ornament!
Belle
Name Belarus S Fire “Belle”
Breed Hanoverian x Arabian mare
Born May 22nd, 1999 (Gemini)
Joined the herd Donated by Marie Tribur in April 2018
Likes Acupuncture, playing the mother role with her herd
Dislikes Being alone, unclear instructions
Most likely to… Whinny in your ear as loud as she can
This flashy, sassy girl was a three-day eventer (cross-country jumping, show jumping, & dressage) before coming to the Ranch. You can tell Belle apart from our other chestnut horses from the white bell-shaped spot on her left hindquarter. Belle was voted our Horse of the Year in 2022. She primarily works with our equine-assisted learning & psychotherapy clients.
Bo
Name Bo (formerly Rocky)
Breed Tennessee Walking Horse gelding
Born November 23rd, 2000 (Sagittarius)
Joined the herd Donated by the Beale family in December 2014
Likes Hanging out with people
Dislikes Leaving Belle‘s side
Most likely to… Come when you call him
Bo has a neurological condition that isn’t painful to him, but leaves him unable to be ridden anymore for safety reasons. Thus, he primarily works with our equine-assisted learning & psychotherapy client sessions which are facilitated on the ground.
Bubbles
Name Mister Bubbles
Breed Unknown cremello gelding (maybe Welsh pony!)
Born Unknown
Joined the herd April 2026 (Owned by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor staff member Lola Watson)
Likes Having a job, staying busy, and being curious
Dislikes Confrontations, dogs
Most likely to… Never miss a sunscreen application
Mister Bubbles, officially, or known by one of his many monikers “Bubbles”, “Mr B”, or “Bubs” lives here on site, but is not officially in programming (yet!). Bubbles is a true mystery pony with unknown origins! We do not know his age or breeding, only that he is a certified sweetheart. He has high hopes of applying to our programs to be a therapy pony someday.
Calloway
Name My Texas Chrome “Calloway”
Breed Thoroughbred (OTTB)
Born March 5th, 2014 (Pisces)
Joined the herd Leased from Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor staff member Alexa Ball since 2023
Likes Having his nose scratched on the inside
Dislikes When too many people are looking at him
Most likely to… Accidentally hurt himself by tripping over his own feet
Calloway came to the Ranch as a former race horse! Though his racing days weren’t very winning, he’s sure won our hearts as a therapy horse, which he prefers much better anyway.
Carly Johns
Carly is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). She brings over 20 years of experience as an equine professional to Healing with Horses Ranch. Her first ride in her home state of Georgia at the age of eight didn’t go as planned. She did, however, receive her first lesson in resilience as she learned what “getting back on the horse” truly meant. Carly believes that through a partnership with horses we learn resilience, empathy, patience, persistence, and authenticity. She has a passion for facilitating connections between horses & humans, so that they may both benefit from the relationship.
Carly’s success competing in hunter/jumpers as a youth earned her a scholarship to ride for the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of the three time National Championship winning hunt seat team, and captain of the 2007 National Championship Equestrian Team. After college, she headed west to Austin and started her career as an equine professional. Her students & their equine partners have been successful competitors at the local, national, and collegiate level. She has taken riders from their first foot in the stirrup to their highest jump. They not only have learned the skills needed to be successful in the saddle, but have also benefited from all around horsemanship lessons that carry over to their lives outside of the barn.
Carly teaches that all aspects of horse care can be beneficial, from practicing mindfulness observing their behavior, to learning responsibility cleaning a stall. While working at show barns throughout Austin, she also spent time volunteering at Healing with Horses Ranch. After ten years of volunteering, she decided to become PATH certified and officially joined the team. In addition to being a PATH Intl. CTRI, Carly is an Equine Specialist (ES) through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and trained in the Natural Lifemanship model.
She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in counseling & working towards becoming an LPC. Outside of the Ranch, you can find her enjoying Austin’s vibrant live music scene or making her own scene as a self-proclaimed karaoke queen.
Casper
Name Casper
Breed Quarter Horse x Hanoverian gelding
Born 2010
Joined the herd Donated by the Haynes family in November 2023
Likes Being pampered, rolling in the mud, playing with Dusty
Dislikes Walking down the gravel driveway
Most likely to… Fall asleep on your shoulder
Casper was voted Horse of the Year in 2024, after only being a therapy horse for 1 year. He had surgery in the summer of 2025 to address chronic lameness, and has since been enjoying his new position as a “groundwork only” horse while he recovers. His beautiful white coat is as soft as a bunny, and he prefers to keep it dirt brown by rolling in the mud every chance he gets.
Charlie Brown
Name Charlie Brown
Breed American Paint Horse x Clydesdale gelding
Born June 19th, 2002 (Gemini)
Joined the herd Donated by Leslie McCullough in August 2021
Likes Connecting with students, hearing instructions out loud
Dislikes Being startled by wildlife
Most likely to… Lick all the sweat off your arm
Fun fact: Charlie has one blue eye & one brown eye, also known as heterochromia! His former owner helped PATH International write some of their training processes, so photos of Charlie are featured in several of their publications.
Dash
Name Dashing to Starlight “Dash”
Breed registered AQHA Foundation Quarter Horse gelding
Born April 13th, 2008 (Aries)
Joined the herd Donated by the City of Austin Mounted Police Department in 2023
Likes Chiropractors, belly scratches
Dislikes Quick movements
Most likely to… Patiently wait as long as it takes until you’re ready
Dash retired from the mounted patrol because he was not a fan of being out on 6th Street every weekend (can you blame him!?) He definitely prefers the calm environment of a therapy barn, and is his happiest when his rider tells him out loud what to do! For example, he’d rather you ask him to trot with your words than by squeezing your legs. He’s also currently working on learning “left” and “right” commands with our Equine Coordinator.
Davina Merkel
Davina is our Finance Coordinator & a PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) who joined the herd in 2014. However, before then she used to drive by the Ranch & donate round bales over the fence like a magic fairy! She eventually met Patty during an adventure with one of the original therapy horses, Weston, in 2013. It took a while for her to commit, but once she did we just couldn’t get rid of her!
She is from an Air Force family and enjoys traveling & trying new endeavors. She left her full-time job at International Biomedical to become full-time staff at the Ranch in 2015. In her spare time, she tends to her herd of Wagyu cattle, horses, miniature donkey, chickens, snake, and more!
Dusty
Name Dusty
Breed Appaloosa gelding
Born 2008
Joined the herd Donated by Ashley Johnson in March 2023
Likes Belly scratches, playing with his best buddy Casper
Dislikes Working too hard, waiting for dinner
Most likely to… Kick the stall walls when he’s bored or wants attention
You can’t miss his gorgeous spotted snowcap coloring that quite literally looks like a dusting of powdered sugar.
Earl
Name Earl Grey
Breed Mule (mammoth donkey x draft horse cross)
Born 2015
Joined the herd Leased from our Program Director, Arianna Roman, since 2023
Likes Routines, attention (especially the “center of” variety)
Dislikes Pool noodles, micromanagement, fences
Most likely to… Steal your hat right off your head when you’re not looking!
Earl towers over most average-sized mules thanks to the purposeful breeding of his extra large parents. Though he previously lived in the snowy climate of Minnesota, he has adapted quite well to the hot Texan summers. You may catch him hanging his head over the fence for scratches or wanting to be right in the middle of whatever is going on around him. He has a fun, goofy personality that is sure to make you smile.
Emilio Anderson
Bio coming soon!
Frida Heidewald
Frida’s love for horses began at the age of six when she started riding lessons in her hometown in Sweden. From the moment she sat in the saddle, she was hooked. After moving to Austin, Frida sought a place where she could combine her passion for horses with her desire to give back to the community. That search led her to Healing with Horses Ranch, where she found a shared love for equine care and the positive impact horses can have on people’s lives. She has now been a volunteer at the Ranch since early 2023 and became a member of the board in 2024. Frida was elected Board President in 2025. As a member of the board, Frida’s primary focus is on our equines, ensuring the well-being of every equine in our program.
Gold
Name Invictus Gold
Breed registered APHA solid Paint gelding
Born March 9th, 2016 (Pisces)
Joined the herd Donated by the Frost family in 2023
Likes Trail rides with his human & horse friends
Dislikes Sharing hay
Most likely to… Treat every trail ride like a red carpet appearance… just in case!
Gold is our youngest herd member! He competed as a young stallion in Halter classes for the first part of his life, and his winning looks produced a couple babies who are out in the world somewhere. Halter is a type of horse show class where horses are shown “in hand,” meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation & suitability as breeding stock. A solid Paint horse is one that meets the APHA registration requirements by bloodline but does not display typical white markings on their coat. In Gold’s case, both his parents were registered with APHA, so he shows how it is possible for Paint horses to carry white-spotting genetics but not display them in a visual way!
Hannah West, PTA
Hannah started at the Ranch in 2017 as a volunteer and earned her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification in 2020. In 2024, after leading many sessions in our VFR program, she officially became the first Veteran & First Responder (VFR) Program Coordinator.
She started riding horses at the age of 7 and competed in the hunter/jumper/equitation disciplines for 15 years. Hannah has a big love for animals which led her to earning a Bachelor’s degree in animal science from Tarleton State University where she also competed on the college’s club equestrian team.
Outside of the Ranch, Hannah works as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Hannah’s favorite thing about her jobs is that she is able to have a positive impact on those she works with. When not working Hannah enjoys running, hiking with her dog, and traveling with her husband Cody. Fun fact: Hannah & Cody got engaged on a trail ride along the trails of Healing with Horses Ranch!
Hercules
Name Hercules
Breed Belgian Draft Horse gelding
Born 2007
Joined the herd Donated by Barbara Allen in October 2021
Likes Naps after breakfast
Dislikes Having his scheduled nap time interrupted
Most likely to… Stand under the fan instead of work
Hercules came to the Ranch after several career changes including being a vaulting horse, and serving on the San Antonio Mounted Police Department. He is our tallest herd member who is a pro at teaching confidence.
Jaheer Jones
Bio coming soon!
Jen Londino, BCBA
Jen originally joined the Ranch as a volunteer in 2019, and became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) in 2025 under the advisement & coaching of founder, Patty D’Andrea. Jen is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2023, including nearly a decade of experience with Applied Behavior Analysis for children on the spectrum. She specializes in behavioral intervention & inclusion for all developmental disabilities combined with equine partnership.
When not working or at the Ranch, Jen spends most weekends at COTA with her partner for all car events (Forza Ferrari!)
John D’Andrea
John has 35+ years experience in the aerospace, heavy equipment/agriculture, and high tech industries doing operations, product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and business process design. Additionally, for the last 25 years, he also worked in non-profit space as a volunteer, board member, and now as the Executive Director of Healing with Horses Ranch.
John is a motorsports enthusiast with numerous 2 & 4-wheeled projects in work at all times. John got involved with performance driving 20 years ago, and regularly attended track day events for many years. He completed time trial events & is a performance driving instructor. He loves spending time with his wife, Patty, their kids, and looks forward to passing on his car addiction to his grandchildren.
Judy Myers
Judy has loved horses her entire life. She first found the Ranch after her daughter sent a link that brought her to a horse yoga class that took place at the Ranch. As soon as she arrived, she knew that it was a place she wanted to be. That same day, she inquired about volunteering, but it wasn’t until she retired from teaching that she was able to commit on a recurring basis. She has now been a volunteer at the Ranch since 2020, and became a member of the board in 2024. Everyday at the Ranch is a new day; a day full of love & possibilities! It is her mission to learn about and take care of our horses. Additionally, she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of our students & clients.
As a board member, her focus is fundraising, but she also assists with the program & volunteer committees. She is dedicated to helping Healing With Horses Ranch grow in order to reach more people. She does this in memory of her father, a WWII Veteran.
Judy is a tap dancer & a member of the Austin Tap Ensemble at Art Beat Dance Center in Cedar Park, Texas. She is not only passionate about horses, but all animals! Outside of the Ranch as a nature lover, she enjoys enjoy hiking in forests & mountains with her husband, Sam. Together they have a wonderful daughter & son-in-law.
Justus Wesloh, CPA
Justus is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who joined the Ranch as a volunteer in 2023 and became Board Treasurer in 2025. He uses his public accounting & corporate finance experience to support the Ranch through accounting & project budget preparation as a member of the grants committee.
Justus graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2017 with a B.S. in accounting and is pursuing a Juris Doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin in the class of 2028. Outside of the Ranch, he enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and travel involving any of these activities. He is an advocate for active lifestyles and furthers this as a member of the leadership team of a local Austin running club.
Katie Hange
Katie has been a dedicated volunteer at the Ranch since 2016, and currently serves as the Facility Coordinator. In 2024, she earned both her Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) & Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) certifications. Katie has over 15 years of experience in training & leadership and believes teaching others is the best way to learn & grow.
Katie Mikulcik
Katie started her Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) training & student teaching process at a PATH Intl. facility in Kentucky. In 2020, after moving to Texas, Katie quickly found the Ranch to call her therapeutic riding home. She went on to earn her CTRI certification later that year. Her horse Tucker joined the Ranch herd in 2026.
Outside the Ranch, Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in parks & recreation administration, and additionally holds a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification. As a recreational therapist for the City of Austin, Katie runs recreational programs for adults with disabilities.
Kayla McKee
Kayla is both our Client Coordinator & Community Outreach Coordinator who joined the herd in 2025, becoming full-time staff in 2026. With a background in education, youth development, and student support services, she is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where clients feel seen & supported.
Outside the Ranch, Kayla enjoys hunting for quirky thrifted treasures, floating the river, and spending time with her partner & their dog.
Laura Summers
Laura is our Equine Coordinator, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), and Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL). She grew up in northern New Jersey and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013 with double degrees in fashion entrepreneurship & Italian studies. At UMass, she rode on the equestrian team & the drill team, started her art & design business, and met her partner.
Laura has called Austin her home since 2015, and was a volunteer at Healing with Horses for two years before becoming an employee in 2022. She’s been riding for over 20 years, and in her spare time loves hiking, gardening, sewing her own clothes, reading, drawing, singing to her cats, and rearranging her house.
Lisa Garza, LPC
Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background in trauma-sensitive yoga & a lifelong love for horses. She joined the herd in 2019 as a volunteer, where she became attuned to the extraordinary sensitivity of horses. She fosters a nonjudgmental, empowering space for clients to explore their inner experiences in relation to the outer world. Through interactions with horses, Lisa helps clients cultivate self-awareness & build healthier relationships. She places a strong emphasis on authenticity, believing that being true to oneself is crucial for overall well-being.
In 2025, Lisa became a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) in addition to naturally stepping into the role of Clinical Coordinator, in which she handles additional program development, communications, and community engagement for our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program.
Lisa is an Austin native who enjoys reading historical fiction & fantasy novels, gardening, and all things floral. She loves camping and traveling with her husband & their two dogs, especially if it means getting out of Texas during the hot summer months!
Lola Watson
Bio coming soon!
Magpie
Magpie is our newest resident barn cat to show up one day & decide to call the Ranch home. This little void officially joined the herd in late 2025, after quickly earning his way into his adopted sisters’ domain as well as into our hearts.
Megan Oberdoerster
Megan first joined the herd in 2019 as a volunteer, then became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) in 2025. She first fell in love with horses on a family vacation to the Outer Banks when she was young. She loved watching the majestic wild horses on the beach wandering up to their rental house and even sticking their nose right into her car window. The rest is history.
She began taking riding lessons and joined IEA & IHSA teams. This gave her the opportunity to work with a wide range of horses. After moving to Texas, she continued riding & began volunteering at Healing with Horses Ranch. Additionally, Megan competed in the Bluebonnet Training Challenge and was partnered with Maybelle (pictured). They came in fourth place and Maybelle was adopted by a youth rider at the barn they trained at! Megan is constantly amazed at the healing power of horses and is honored to help others experience the joy they bring.
Outside of the Ranch, Megan loves outdoor adventures, gardening, and spending time with her human & pet family members.
Michael Starr, LCSW-S, RPT
Michael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) who works with our equine-assisted psychotherapy clients. Michael has loved horses since childhood and was thrilled to join the herd at Healing with Horses in 2022. She works with children, teens, and adults, and may be a good fit for your family if you or your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or loss. She also specializes in working with youth showing behavioral difficulties at home or school, those who have experienced a traumatic or difficult event, and youth or families experiencing difficulty adjusting to a life change. When she’s not seeing clients, Michael loves singing, swimming, hanging with her cats, or playing with her rambunctious toddler.
Minnow
Our Calico princess Minnow joined the herd in 2021. Like her adopted sister Mouse, she wandered onto the property one day & decided to adopt us. You would never believe she used to be feral, terrified of humans & uncatchable, because she now enjoys a good belly rub & all of the attention she can get.
Mouse
Mouse, affectionately named after the job she gave herself, joined the herd in 2019 by showing up to the Ranch & deciding it was too good to leave. You can usually find her curled up in a variety of places, including but not limited to: a cushion, cat tree, stack of saddle pads, box of tools, feed bin… if it fits, she sits.
Oreo
Name Monastery Overture “Oreo”
Breed Miniature Horse mare
Born May 29th, 2008 (Gemini)
Joined the herd Donated by Anne Rule on Christmas Eve 2012! (Second by only a few months to Avalon as being with us the longest)
Likes Visiting new places
Dislikes When people reach over her back to brush her other side instead of walking around
Most likely to… Be seen downtown in sparkly boots! No, really.
Oreo is our smallest equine with one of the biggest personalities. She is the alpha boss of her pasture and often the face of the Ranch at community outings. Oreo’s registered name comes from being bred & raised by a sisterhood of nuns in Brenham, Texas at the former Monastery of St. Clare.
Patty D’Andrea
Patty is the founder of Healing with Horses Ranch. Starting with a love of children & horses, she wanted to engage with a community of like-minded people when she & her family moved to Texas in 2001. She started as a volunteer at another center and was told that she needed to become an instructor because she talked too much! That started her journey! In 2004, Patty did become a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and kept on learning & trying to improve. She is now a PATH Intl. Advanced-Level CTRI & Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL). She founded Healing with Horses Ranch with the encouragement of her husband John in 2011 to share the healing powers of horses, and held the first lesson in January 2012. Her mission today is to train others so that they too can share the same passion of horses in a safe, effective, and empathic way.
Patty has always loved horses, dogs, cats, and, well… all animals! She loves to travel & explore nature. She is mom to her princess pony Bailey (who lives in her backyard), dog Levi, & John’s cockatiel Cricket. But mostly, she loves her husband, their two children, and their five grandbabies who call her Neigh Neigh!
Peach
Name Peach (formerly Kate)
Breed Haflinger mare
Born 2010
Joined the herd Donated by Karla Moyer in November 2017
Likes RUNNING AROUND! ENERGY! EXCITEMENT! Green grass (especially on the other side of a fence)
Dislikes Fences, being told to slow down
Most likely to… Break a fence in her way (fences fear her), accidentally swallow a rubber duck just in case it’s a snack (true story)
Fun fact: Peach was originally trained to pull carts, and had not actually been ridden much when she first came to the Ranch. She was voted our Horse of the Year in 2019.
Rebekah Fookes
Rebekah serves as the Development Director & a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) at the Ranch. She joined the herd in 2018 as a volunteer while balancing her long-time job at Amy’s Ice Creams and pursuing her Bachelor’s degree. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in applied learning & development, along with minors in sociology & social work. With experience working with youth, she is passionate about helping young people discover their voice & strengths. She believes horses are uniquely capable of facilitating this process in ways humans can’t! Her mission at the Ranch is to inspire generosity in the greater Austin area & beyond, ensuring the magic of equine-assisted services continues to grow & thrive.
Rebekah’s love of horses began early, starting riding lessons at age 6. Her late grandmother played a significant role in fostering that passion, putting her on horseback before she could even walk. Many of Rebekah’s childhood summers were spent helping her grandmother drive cattle on horseback in the Teanaway Valley in central Washington. She also competed in equestrian activities through 4H and on her high school’s equestrian team outside of Portland, Oregon. While she has explored many disciplines, she has always been drawn to English-style events, particularly jumping & dressage.
Outside of the Ranch, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her partner, cat, and dog. She loves astrology, art, interior design, a good show or movie, going to concerts, and soaking up the sun.
Rosemary
Name Rosemary
Breed Quarter Pony mare
Born 2003
Joined the herd Donated by Silvia Speyer in July 2021
Likes Putting her face in the garden hose when it’s hot outside
Dislikes The sound that comes from the giant power lines when it’s humid outside
Most likely to… Let you know if you’re brushing too fast
Rosemary is also known around the Ranch as “Rose” or “Rosie”. She came to us from local barn White Fences after retiring from a career in show jumping. Fun fact: Rosemary is a mother! She previously carried a half-Fresian baby named Rosebud, who still lives nearby in the central Texas area.
Stu
Name Stu
Breed Paint Pony gelding
Born 2003
Joined the herd Donated by Hannah Atwood in March 2022
Likes Avalon
Dislikes Everyone else, being touched
Most likely to… Follow you around an obstacle course with no lead rope
Stu previously worked as a trail horse at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Bastrop before coming to the Ranch! He brags the title of our most sure-footed horse who never trips over anything. Stu is extremely sensitive to energy, and thus is a fantastic teacher of boundary setting, patience, and finding your center.
Sweet Pea
Name Sweet Pea
Breed Donkey john (not to be confused with our Executive Director John)
Born 2006
Joined the herd Donated by Kiera Quiring in June 2016
Likes Scratches between his ears, socializing in the community
Dislikes Baths, flies
Most likely to… Sing the song of his people when experiencing feelings of FOMO
When Sweet Pea first arrived at the Ranch, he experienced a sesamoid (in the “ankle” area) bone fracture & wore a cast up to his knee during his recovery. He worked his way back to health to become our “Horse” of the Year in 2021.
Tucker
Name Fast Jackson “Tucker”
Breed AQHA registered Quarter Horse
Born April 5th, 2010 (Aries)
Joined the herd Leased from Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor staff member Katie Mikulcik since February 2026
Likes Playing with Earl
Dislikes Too many girth adjustments
Most likely to… Notice if you’re nervous
Tucker was previously a race horse, a barrel racing horse, and then a hunter jumper before coming to the Ranch. He’s our newest herd member who is so far smashing his next career as a therapy horse!
Zaria Rodriguez
Bio coming soon!
Zoe Lacey
Zoe is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) who initially began as a volunteer in 2015. She quickly fell in love with the work the Ranch does & the benefits it provides everyone who steps through the barn doors. She realized the power of a horse in helping people to recognize & grow their confidence & resilience. Zoe knew she wanted to help others discover this powerful relationship with horses, so she became a CTRI in 2021. You will also find her often leading horse handling & other trainings for new volunteers.
Outside of her work at the ranch, Zoe has a Bachelor’s degree in geosciences and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking & camping, playing with her pup, Arlo, and working on various art projects. You can check out some of her art work on the Ranch shavings trailer (a collaborative art project with other volunteers) & the 2023 volunteer t-shirt.
Board of Directors
If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please contact our Executive Director at john.dandrea@healingwithhorsesranch.org & our Board President at frida.heidewald@healingwithhorsesranch.org
Frida Heidewald
Austin Hankins
Justus Wesloh
Hilmar Noble
Adriana Groot
Emilio Anderson
Judy Myers
Andy Sultenfuss
Crystal Rodriguez
Jamie Southard
Matt Nail