At Manito, we offer instruction in dressage, jumping, western, and recreational riding. Every discipline is taught with an emphasis on the balanced seat. Horsemanship and teamwork are a big part of Manito's lessons. Our lessons are taught in the ring, out in our expansive fields, and on the trails. Our program is designed not only to make great riders but to build self confidence and self esteem in our students, and (most of all) to have fun!

Our staff and apprentices are a big part of what makes Manito the wonderful place it is. Here at the barn we are a family and everyone contributes to keep the horses, the students, the boarders, and our visitors happy, healthy, and safe. We pride ourselves on the organization and cleanliness of our beautiful 60 acre, 26 stall facility and invite you to come visit us!

                                          "In riding a horse we borrow freedom."  ~Helen Thomson



RIDING INSTRUCTORS

MANITO EQUESTRIAN CENTER OWNER

Lisa Schadt
M. Lisa Schadt, R.N., attended Bucknell University and the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing. She worked in the medical field for seventeen years prior to founding Manito Equestrian Center. Thirteen of her years in medicine included successfully managing a busy family medical practice. For the past sixteen years, she created, developed and managed Manito Equestrian Center, a riding school located in South Whitehall Township, PA.

Lisa developed a successful summer camp program that continues to operate seasonally after fifteen years. She formed successful partnerships and programs with various local community agencies and schools, including Easter Seals, Allentown School District, Parkland School District, Lehigh County Depts. of Human Services, Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Kidspeace, Northwestern Human Services, Marywood University School of Social Work and Equi-librium.

In 2002, she founded Manito Life Center, a 501© (3) organization dedicated to the mission of helping children surviving trauma through equine assisted therapies and nature-based programs. She presides as president of the board of directors. Her unique program is well received by the local medical and social work communities as well as the school districts whose children have benefited from her programs. M. Lisa Schadt has owned and worked with horses for many years and is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association) Certified.

MANITO LIFE CENTER STAFF

Rebecca "Becky" Small, MSW, LSW- Becky is a licensed Social Worker with a Master's degree from Marywood University. She is a co-facilitator in equine assisted therapies at Manito Life Center. Becky is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Certified.

Christina Gigler, MSW, LCSW, ACSW - licensed clinical social worker, faculty member Marywood University School of Social Work.

Barbara Traupman, B.S., M.S. - guidance counselor St. Thomas More School. Barbara earned her Masters in couseling psychology and human services through Chestnut Hill College. Her post-graduate work is in contextual marriage and family therapy.  

MANITO BARN STAFF & APPRENTICES

HAYLEY WALSCHBURGER first joined Manito as a student, worked as an apprentice, and is now one of our regular staff members. Her understanding of the horses combined with her hard work ethic and wonderful disposition makes her a great addition to our staff. Hayley also runs our weekly Saddle Club and is beginning to assist Lisa with the Life Center.

LYDIA HUEGEL began riding just over a year ago and has thrown herself whole heartedly into the world of horses. She is a wonderful mentor for our up and coming apprentices and her willingness to learn and grow as an equestrian has made her a valuable asset to the Manito team.

KARLY KLEIN is one of our senior apprentices and is a huge help at the farm. Possessing a maturity and work ethic beyond her years, Karly would gladly live at the farm if her mother allowed it. Karly has one horse at the farm, a beautiful thoroughbred named Kincaid whom she full leases.

Chelsea King, Alex S, and Katie K also apprentice at the farm in addition to being regular lesson students. Without the help of our fantastic staff and apprentices, our equestrian center wouldn't be what it is today.

There are currently no openings available for staff, but if you are interested in apprenticing please contact us. No previous horse experience necessary, but a willingness to work and a sunny disposition is a must! During your apprenticeship you will gain hands on horse experience while you clean stalls, help with turn in and out, groom, and learn all of the aspects that goes into horse care and ownership.

(from left to right: Karly & Kincaid, Hayley & Deuce, Valentina & Harry)

MANITO EQUESTRIAN CENTER

manitoequestriancenter@live.com