ABOUT US

TROT was started in July of 2008 when Marika and Nancy started talking about the possibility of helping children with autism. Marika Vierling is the founder and the Equine and Instructor Operations Manager. She is also an experienced horse trainer, instructor and licensed driver. Nancy Woodard is the Department Chair for Special Education at a local middle school and is the Education and Program Manager for TROT. Debra Dyer, the CIO for a large medical center, and Denise Desens, RN, joined TROT soon after as the Business Administration Manager and Volunteer Development Manager respectively.

TROT will become a Center Member of NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) in January, 2009 and our instructors our currently working towards their NARHA certification. TROT is also working towards obtaining a non-profit status.

We started with 1 rider and 1 horse in July 2008 and now have 7 riders and 3 horses. Although TROT has only been open a few months, we have witnessed our riders and horses make those remarkable connections and we are so thankful to be able to provide a place for this to occur.