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 96 acre, 26 stall facility and invite you to come visit us!

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

Staff Members (left to right: Jillian Eaton, Emmie Mullarky, Sarah Fetzer)

RIDING INSTRUCTORS

JILLIAN EATON is the barn manager and head riding instructor at Manito. Originally from Maine, she graduated with honors from Delaware Valley College in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in equestrian studies. With a strong, competitive background in dressage, jumping, and centered riding she believes strongly in the process of lifelong learning and teaching through positive encouragement. Jillian owns two horses, an eight year old thoroughbred gelding named Darwin who she has trained and shown through 1st level dressage and a seven year old belgian halflinger cross mare named Poppy who is currently in basic training.

EMMIE MULLARKY is a recent graduate of Delware Valley College and the most recent addition to the team. With a strong background in dressage and jumping, Emmie is looking forward to getting started at Manito as a riding instructor and assistant barn manager. She owns one horse, a talented appaloosa mare named Cami who is now in our lesson program.

DEVIN AFFLERBACH is a part time riding instructor who began riding at Manito at the age of six. She has an associate's degree in equestrian studies from Delaware Valley College in addition to a British Horse Society Stage I Certification. Her enthusiasm and love for teaching shines through in every lesson that she teaches. Devin has one horse at the farm, a beautiful seven year old french arabian named Vera.

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

JESSICA MCDERMOTT joined Manito last summer and she has been a wonderful addition to our team! Hard working and dedicated, Jess is well versed in all aspects of basic horse care.

SARAH FETZER is both a riding student and staff member at Manito. Her sunny disposition can always bring a smile to everyone's face, including the horses! She is a great asset to our Manito team.

Volunteers and Apprentices: volunteers and apprentices are also an important part of Manito. Karly Klein, Ivanna, Hayley Walschburger, Jillian Hubbard, Katie Lovell, and Nicole are all part of our apprenticeship program!

(from left to right: Jess & Scout, Jillian & Darwin, Sarah & Rambo)

MANITO EQUESTRIAN CENTER

manitoequestriancenter@live.com