Established in late 2016, Walk in My Shoes Therapeutic Riding is Johnston County's leading therapeutic riding program.  This 501(c)3 non-profit program offers safe and fun equine assisted activities to all ages and are led by PATH certified instructors.

Program Director and Instructor Melissa Behan began volunteering with another therapeutic program in 2010.  She quickly fell in love with the program and it's riders, and pursued receiving her PATH certification, which she completed in June 2013.  Thanks to Kelly and Stan Coats of Hillcrest Farms, Melissa was able to pursue her dream of running her own therapeutic program.  The program currently caters to over 30 riders and  is growing all the time! 

Melissa has over 15 years of riding experience and participated in many Pony Club events over the years. She owned several horses throughout her youth, and has experience in the hunter/jumper ring, although her heart always enjoyed Three Day Eventing the most. Melissa was lucky enough to train and work for some of the top Three Day Eventing coaches in Washington State, and loves sharing their teaching styles and what she has learned with her riders. Melissa currently resides in Clayton with her loyal dog Chewy, and works as a Business Services Consultant for a local company. Melissa says " Working with our riders and running this program has been a life changing experience that I am truly grateful for. It is so rewarding and I look forward to every moment that I get to spend with the riders, horses, parents, volunteers and staff."
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