Spirithorse International Therapeutic Riding Center

Spirithorse International Therapeutic Riding Center The primary focus of SpiritHorse is “to assist individuals with special needs in reaching their fu Beyond the recreational riding provided by most centers, Mr.

After volunteering for 5 years at a Dallas-area Equine Therapy center, Charles Fletcher founded SpiritHorse in 2002 offering one-on-one therapeutic riding, free of charge, to children and adults with disabilities. At this time, there were no specific industry methods that addressed such a wide range of diagnoses. Fletcher’s primary concern was to develop a healthcare program “to assist individuals with special needs in reaching their full potential through interaction with horses.”

Between 2002 and 2008, our Corinth center provided approximately 88,600 lessons, reviewing and perfecting our methods. From 2009-2011, two studies were conducted to measure the effects of our therapy on individuals with Autism. The first by UT Southwestern Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, the Autism Treatment Center of Dallas & others, the second by Virje Universitiet, Amsterdam. The results of both were staggering – the Autism rating of all participants were found to be positively affected, and 9 children were even rated non-Autistic after 10 weeks of intervention; results were measured “Significant” which is the “Gold Standard” of statistical analysis. Both were published in various, peer-reviewed journals, and these studies stand witness to the power of the therapy we offer through the SpiritHorse Program. More information and links to these studies can be found at our website, www.spirithorsenews.com. Over the last twelve years, at our location in Corinth, our strategic location within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex has allowed us to serve 10 counties surrounding our facility. The reach of this healing, however, is not limited to our main center in North Texas. Officially operating as SpiritHorse International since 2010, there are now 519 SpiritHorse-certified Instructors and 80 SpiritHorse centers worldwide: 63 across the United States, one in Central America, one in South America, four in Europe and one in South Africa. Through these other centers, SpiritHorse’ therapy program serves roughly 5,000 worldwide.

10/03/2025

I did not know a horse could do that...

Written by Alissa Burson

I did not know a horse could bring people into your life that end up meaning the most to you.

I did not know a horse could make the hardest days of your life bearable.

I did not know a horse could teach you to put others first.

I did not know a horse could remind you time and time again that your gut is always right.

I did not know a horse could break your heart.

I did not know a horse could pick you up when you have fallen a part.

I did not know a horse could teach you to dream again, after you thought it was not possible.

I did not know a horse could make you pray.

I did not know a horse could bring you closer to Jesus.

I did not know a horse could teach responsibility, work ethic and dedication.

I did not know a horse could make you believe in something when no one else does.

I did not know a horse could make you learn to forgive and forget.

I did not know a horse could humble you faster than you can say humble.

I did not know a horse could make you a winner.

I did not know a horse could teach you how to lose gracefully.

I did not know a horse could install patience in you.

I did not know a horse could make you listen better.

I did not know a horse could give you their heart.

I did not know a horse could change your life.

I did not know a horse could do all these things, but now I know.

The Senior Certification/Recert class scheduled for September 25-27 has been postponed. We will update you with a new da...
09/19/2025

The Senior Certification/Recert class scheduled for September 25-27 has been postponed. We will update you with a new date as soon as possible.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Executive Director, Ric Lehman. He dedicated his everything towards the mission of SpiritHorse International, leaving behind a legacy of fulfillment, leadership, and a vision forward.

While we mourn this loss, we want to reassure our centers and individual instructors that SpiritHorse International is in a strong position to continue moving forward. Thanks to Ric’s foresight and leadership, a capable team is already in place. Our dedicated team is united in the commitment to honoring Ric’s legacy by continuing to grow, serve, and build upon the strong foundation he continued upon from our founder Charles Fletcher.

Please be patient with us as we transition. We will have a new phone number listed soon. In the meantime, you can reach us by sending a message to this page or emailing us at spirithorseinternationalbod@gmail.com

—SpiritHorse International Board and Leadership Team

Ricky Carson Lehman Ric, a respected husband, father, and friend, passed away on August 22, 2025, at his residence in Palm Coast, Florida. Born on November 11, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan, he was the son of Elmer and Rulah Eloise Lehman. Ric was a graduate of Union City High

Recertification Class August 16 via Zoom or in Palm Coast, FLSr Instructor Class September 25-27 via Zoom or in Pal Coas...
08/06/2025

Recertification Class August 16 via Zoom or in Palm Coast, FL
Sr Instructor Class September 25-27 via Zoom or in Pal Coast.
Email us at info@shionline for more details... Seating is limited.

4 seats left for the August 16, Recertification class. 6 Seats left for the Sr Instructor class on Sept 25th. Both class...
07/28/2025

4 seats left for the August 16, Recertification class. 6 Seats left for the Sr Instructor class on Sept 25th. Both classes here in Palm Coast or via Zoom. Please remember, once your certificate has expired, most likely so has your insurance.

Upcoming Classes -- June 12-14, Waco, Tx, Sr Certification, June 26-28, Palm Coast, FL, Sr Certification/Recert In Perso...
05/09/2025

Upcoming Classes -- June 12-14, Waco, Tx, Sr Certification, June 26-28, Palm Coast, FL, Sr Certification/Recert In Person and Zoom. If you need something else, let me know... 904-814-3803

05/06/2025

WHAT A YEAR SO FAR! Recertifications have been awesome, new centers coming online every month. So much growth and so many miracles. If you haven't recertified yet and are due, time is running out. Check the schedule at shionline.org/training for upcoming class. If you need something else, let us know at 904-814-3803.

May 3rd, recertification, half day, on zoom, $295. Call me at 904-814-3803 with questions. Time to giterdone!
04/14/2025

May 3rd, recertification, half day, on zoom, $295. Call me at 904-814-3803 with questions. Time to giterdone!

03/18/2025

May 3rd-Recertification Class on Zoom or in person at Palm Coast. Limited Seating.

Send a message to learn more

Join me in welcoming Gretchen and Jeremy from Lighthouse Ranch Equine Therapy Center as our newest SpiritHorse Center in...
03/15/2025

Join me in welcoming Gretchen and Jeremy from Lighthouse Ranch Equine Therapy Center as our newest SpiritHorse Center in St Augustine, Fl. We're excited for them and the many people they will serve.

02/24/2025

2 seats left in the March 8th Recertification class. Call me at 904-814-3803 for details.

Send a message to learn more

And another group is recertified. Great job Rebecca, Kris and Brenna. Takes about a half day, completed on Zoom and only...
02/24/2025

And another group is recertified. Great job Rebecca, Kris and Brenna. Takes about a half day, completed on Zoom and only $295 to make sure your up to date with latest info and techniques. Email us at info@shionline.org for more details.

02/04/2025

Recertification Classes set for February 22nd and March 8th Zoom or Palm Coast. www.shionline.org/Training

Send a message to learn more

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Palm Coast, FL
32137

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