Laura Friday
Executive Director, PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Laura is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, EAGALA Certified Professional, and has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky, as well as a bachelor’s in both Equine Science and Social Work from Asbury University. Laura has experience in Western, Dressage, jumping, Polo, and in training both ranch horses and police horses. Laura’s love for horses started early on at the age of eight and has grown into her professional career! She developed a desire to use horses to serve people while in high school and continued to expand her knowledge and experience at Asbury and while working summers with clinicians, and at various barns and camps. Laura enjoys developing programs, teaching about the equine assisted services industry, creating curriculums, training horses, teaching therapeutic riding lessons, and supervising interns from various universities. Aside from her love of horses, Laura enjoys hiking, gardening, creating art projects, spending time with her friends, and traveling the world.
Brielle Draper
Barn and Equine Manager
Brielle graduated from Midway University with a degree in Equine Management in 2019. She was hired at Hooves of Hope in 2021 and is currently pursuing her PATH Certification as a therapeutic riding instructor. Here at Hooves of Hope Brielle manages equine care and conditioning, as well as needed maintenance around the barn. She participates in facilitating all of our programs and will soon be teaching therapeutic riding lessons. The impact horses had to her own personal growth has fueled Brielle's desire to work in the equine assisted activities and therapies field! Brielle has experience in both western and english riding as well as trail riding. Brielle lives in Midway with her two horses, two dogs, and cat where she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Jenna Schell
Administrative Assistant
Jenna graduated from Asbury University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Equine Studies. She has a lifelong love of horses and a passion for using them to help individuals improve their mental health. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Jenna's job entails filing, data entry, writing and editing newsletters, developing community relations, communicating with our participants, and grant writing, all which keep our programs and center running smoothly! Jenna has experience in riding English, dressage, and jumping. She enjoys riding horses, spending time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, and playing games with friends!
McKenna Phelps
Volunteer Coordinator
McKenna graduated from Asbury University in 2023 with a degree in Equine Studies and a concentration in Equine Assisted Activities. Growing up in Pennsylvania, it has been her dream to be in the Equine Assisted Services industry since she was six years old. Her love of both people and horses has fueled her desire to serve in the equine assisted services industry. McKenna grew up riding western pleasure, and during her college years she gained experience in training service mounts. As a college student, McKenna led Jessamine Connection, a therapeutic riding program for college students, and took athletes to Special Olympics. McKenna is currently pursuing her PATH Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. As the Volunteer Coordinator, McKenna works alongside our volunteers to train, support, and educate volunteers so they can best support our participants! McKenna lives in Wilmore where she loves playing volleyball in addition to hiking with friends and with Neiko, her Australian Shepherd.
Pam Tiemeyer
Book Keeper and Equine Assistant
Pam has a love for horses that started as soon as she knew what they were. She trail rode as often as she and her sister could through the years and still is an avid trail rider. She has many years working with horses and clients in Hippotherapy and Therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Pam has been at Hooves of Hope for seven years and helps care for and train new horses that come into the program, as well as help give refresher courses to our horses after long winter breaks. She also assists in lessons as a side-walker or horse leader. Pam loves working at Hooves of Hope because she is able to encourage people with horses. Pam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Shorter University. Pam has many hobbies that include riding her horses, playing with her grand-kids singing, playing guitar, dog training and swimming. Pam and her husband, Keith, have three grown children and three grandchildren. They live in Lancaster with their three dogs, four horses, and one donkey.
Cindy Preston
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Cindy is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, achieving her certification in 2010 at Equest in Wiley, Texas. Cindy is a life-long equestrian enthusiast and grew up eventing in the Mid-Florida pony club. She holds a Bachelor in Science Degree in Physical Education from the University of Central Florida. In addition to teaching therapeutic horseback riding lessons, Cindy takes her certified therapy dog, to Lord’s Legacy Life Ministries every other week. She is the proud Christian mother of three boys and the wife of a former Army surgeon. Cindy has a passion for serving individuals with special needs through animal-assisted activities and therapies.
Jenny Jackson
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Jenny is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, PATH mentor, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Sociology from the University of Kentucky. She has taught thousands of hours of therapeutic riding lessons to individuals with a wide range of diagnoses. She has mentored over 30 individuals in attaining their PATH Certification and is currently the PATH Int. Kentucky State Chair and sits on the Special Olympics of KY Equestrian Committee. Jenny has experience in riding English, dressage, jumping, and has ridden competitive trail. Jenny’s expertise and knowledge of the equine assisted services field is fueled by her desire to support both individuals and families who have loved ones with any type of diagnosis. Jenny resides in Richmond, Kentucky with her husband Steve, where they enjoy riding horses and raising USDA Prime Angus beef!
Shane Adams
Facility and Maintenance Manager
Shane served in the United States Army for 17 years and worked on the Kentucky State Police force for 11 years. Shane’s love of horses started as a child at his grandparents farm, and was rekindled as he found therapeutic riding to be helpful for his personal recovery from an injury sustained during his time as a state police officer. Shane has volunteered in equine assisted services for the past 7 years in various capacities from leader to side-walker to barn maintenance. Shane has been influential in serving veterans in our Operation Hope Veterans Program as he mentors veterans who are suffering from PTSD as well as Drug and Alcohol Addiction Disorder. Shane was hired at Hooves of Hope as a part-time Facilities and Maintenance Manager in 2021.
Blair Newsome
Founder
Blair’s love for horses started as a very young girl. She grew up on a horse farm, showed hunter jumpers, dressage, side saddle and western along with training, breeding, trail riding, and riding for pleasure.
She graduated from the College of Charleston with a BS degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in Athletic Training. She also graduated from Midway University with a BS degree in Equine Therapy. Blair founded Hooves of Hope in 2006 after witnessing first-hand the impact a horse can have on individuals with various diagnoses during a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/Speech Therapy program which used the equine movement. Blair provided the horses, equine expertise, and support for this program and it led her to found Hooves of Hope in order to provide these services on a regular basis. Blair has been married to her husband Adam since 2005. She and Adam have 2 children: Olivia and Warren. They own and operate a 90 + acre farm in Garrard County.