Here 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!

Staff Members (left to right: Jillian & Darwin, Devin & Vera, Karly & Kincaid)

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 one horse, a seven year old thoroughbred gelding named Darwin who she has trained and shown through 1st level dressage. She has lots of plans for Manito including a winter show series, starting a dressage team, and attending local shows with her students.

HEIDI GEIGER is the newest addition to the Manito teaching staff. A life long horse owner and rider, Heidi is a fantastic addition to our equestrian center! In addition to teaching, she also runs the Saddle Club, a group for young children that meets once a week to build up their stable management and horse handling skills.

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 six 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. 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 49 years experience with horses, and is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association) Certified Level I.

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 employed by Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and is also a co-facilitator in equine assisted therapies at Manito Life Center. Becky is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Certified Level I.

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

Barbara Traupman, B.S., M.S. - guidance cousenlor 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 this summer and she has been a wonderful addition to our team! Hard working and dedicated, Jess is well versed in all aspects of horse care. She will soon be bringing her handsome quarter horse gelding, Scout, to Manito.

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.

JENNA KISTLER is a riding student, staff member, and apprentice! Her favorite horse in the entire barn is Walter and she is solely responsible for spoiling him to distraction.

Volunteers and Apprentices: volunteers and apprentices are also an important part of Manito. Jenna Kistler, Karly Klein, Ivanna 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