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Riding with HEART
Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation & Therapies
The mission of Riding with HEART is to improve the quality of life of physically and cognitively challenged adults, children, and their families and to provide youth development through our diverse equine-assisted programs.
Meet the Team
Carla Harbourt
Executive Director
PATH CTRI Riding Instructor
Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
Carla came to Riding with HEART in 2011 as a volunteer with her daughter. Growing up on a horse farm, Carla enjoyed riding, as a Pony Club Member, showing and just being in the company of horses. After a career in IT, Carla dedicated herself entirely to being a stay-at-home mom. She became a RWH staff member in 2017 and earned certifications as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. In 2017, Carla assisted in the creation of an additional program, BraveHEARTs, serving the unique needs of our veterans, law enforcement and first responder community and their families. Carla lives in Hunterdon County with her husband and two children.
Cassandra Lesko
Equine Manager
Regular and Special Education Certified Teacher
Certified in Horse Powered Reading
Cassandra began volunteering at Riding with HEART in 2021 and has become a permanent member of the Riding with HEART Team as our Equine Manager and Horse Powered Reading Instructor. Cassandra holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in special education and is certified as both a regular and special education teacher. For 10 years, Cassandra thrived as a classroom teacher. Since she joined Riding with HEART, she has earned her certification in Horse Powered Reading.
When Cassandra had her first daughter in 2007, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom raising her daughters and caring for her family. She worked with her daughters’ girl scout troop and became a part-time substitute teacher so her focus could remain with her two girls. In 2020, Cassandra and her daughters began horseback riding, and loved it so much, they even bought their own horse. In addition to her passion as a teacher, her love of horses and animals brought her to a position at a local animal sanctuary from 2022-2024.
She is thrilled to have the opportunity to combine her love of horses and teaching children while helping to empower students in their learning journey.
Remington Taylor
Instructor - PATH IT
Equine Trainer
Ground Hosemanship & Riding
Remington (Remy) has been riding for --- years
Esther Twombly
Program Administrator
PATH CTRI Riding Instructor
Volunteer Coordinator
Esther Twombly lives in Asbury, NJ with her husband and their daughter Hailey. She began riding at the age of twelve and strives to always learn more about riding and horsemanship. Esther is a graduate of Wilson College, with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics. She began working at Riding with HEART in June of 2018 and in July, 2018, she became a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. In addition to teaching at Riding with HEART, Esther has worked at Lord Stirling Stable. She enjoys working with her students, sharing her love of horses, and seeing them progress and gain confidence. She has been teaching at Riding with HEART for four years and added the roles of Volunteer Coordinator and Program Support.
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Stephanie Wood
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Stephanie combines her passion for horses with her love of teaching and is a certified teacher in the State of New Jersey with a certification in special needs. Stephanie studied at Centenary University and successfully compete on their IHSA Western team and English team in Equitation and Hunter. During her career, she studied under Lee-Ann Hyde and Charlie DeAtley. Continuing her Western riding career, Stephanie helped run a Western trail riding business. Today, she trains young gaited and non-gaited horses. Through her training and lesson programs, Stephanie seeks to empower people at every age and walk in life to become successful riders and horse owners.
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