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. Since 1994, she has created, developed and managed Manito Equestrian Center, a riding school located in South Whitehall Township, PA.

Lisa formed successful partnerships and programs with various local community agencies and schools, including Easter Seals, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown School District, Parkland School District, Lehigh and Northampton County Depts. of Human Services, Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Kidspeace, local colleges and universities, Northwestern Human Services, Marywood University School of Social Work and Equi-librium.

In 2002, she founded Manito Life Center, a 501(c)(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. Lisa Schadt has owned and worked with horses for many years and has received training through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association).

Lydia started riding at the age of 19 at Manito Equestrian Center. She began volunteering at the farm and quickly developed a love for horses. Lydia is now a riding instructor and the Barn Manager at Manito. She owns a Quarter Horse named Miss Oklahoma or Momo for short. Lydia teaches multiple disciplines with a focus on equitation and overall horsemanship. She takes pride in the level of care she provides to every horse on the farm.

Christine started her journey with horses when she was 12 years old right here in the Lehigh Valley. Her parents agreed to finally get her riding lessons to just “get it out of her system” She started riding and showing in local 4-H, and Penn-Jersey shows and learned both English and Western riding styles. Her true joy came from riding western pleasure and trail. 

She went on to attend the University of Findlay where she received her degrees in Western Equestrian Studies and Early Childhood Education. During her time at Findlay she worked with renowned western trainers such as Art O’Brien and Clark Bradley. 

Christine graduated in 2009 from Findlay and continued working in the field of Education for the next 11 years, gaining her Masters in Special Education from DeSales University. In 2020, her daughter Emma started her horse journey here at Manito.  Emma started taking lessons with Morgan and Lydia in August, 2021. Christine got the chance to enjoy being a part of the horse world again!  Christine started by being a volunteer, coming to help clean stalls and feed. Eventually an opportunity opened up at Manito for Christine to become a part time instructor. With her knowledge in both the equestrian world and her background in special education, it seemed a perfect fit. Her unique abilities have helped her students learn fundamentals of horsemanship as well as having a place to learn and grow.