ABOUT US
FHELC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization bringing equine assisted services to Teller County, Colorado.
HISTORY
FHELC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Stephanie Smith and Holly Fletcher. Holly’s daughter, Maddy was diagnosed with arthrogryposis and hearing loss at birth, and Holly became interested in adaptive riding after hearing about it at a conference. Stephanie had been involved in many non-profit equine assisted programs since 2003 and was pursuing instructor certification when the two women met at church and quickly realized that they had the same vision – to bring adaptive equine assisted services to Teller County, Colorado. The idea of FHELC was born, and the two got to work immediately putting the vision into reality.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- FHELC gave its first lessons in January 2020 in Holly’s backyard barn, with one horse, one pony, and six clients. The program quickly outgrew Holly’s backyard despite Covid shut downs.
- In November 2021, almost two years later, FHELC moved into a 12,720 square foot indoor equestrian facility on a 126-acre historic ranch, complete with outdoor arenas and access to national forest trails.
- In 2022, FHELC became a PATH International Center member, being the only PATH center in a 70-mile radius offering 6 different Equine Assisted Services.
- By end of year 2023, FHELC has served over 350 clients, is home to 12 horses, partners with 5 local schools and many other community organizations, and utilizes over 60 volunteers who have logged over 6000 hours of service.
Objectives Of FHELC Programs
- Address the lack of options for services dedicated to people with special needs
- Offer alternatives to traditional learning, coaching, mental and behavioral health services.
- Offer hands on experiential approaches to learning
- Help individuals become productive, self-sufficient members of society
- Encourage individuals to reach their full potential of personal growth, independence, leadership, empathy and adapt effective communication skills
- Strengthen the community
- Offer volunteer service opportunities for the community interested in helping with our mission
Path® International Center Member
FELC is a member in good standing of PATH® (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International).
MEET OUR TEAM
Stephanie Smith
Executive Director
Founder
Stephanie has over 30 years of teaching, training, and riding experience including showing performance horses such as equitation, barrel racing, team penning, and other disciplines. She received her BS in Animal Agribusiness and Minor in Farm Management from Purdue University in 2001. She is also certified in early childhood education and social emotional development and is a PATH®️ certified instructor in both Therapeutic Riding and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Stephanie is also a certified PATH®️ mentor trainer. Stephanie has served in many non-profit equine assisted organizations since 2003, has worked with children and youth in many capacities including with the public schools, girls’ homes, and church ministry.
Holly Fletcher
Manager,
Founder and Board Member
Holly is the parent of a child with a disability, and has been interested in equine-assisted services since she attended a workshop about hippotherapy at a conference in 2014. In 2016 she completed the Beyond Suffering course offered through the Joni and Friends organization. She created and implemented a program for Brookhaven Church, located in McKinney, TX for a special needs Sunday school to add to their Children’s ministry. Holly moved to Colorado in 2016, and continued to look for opportunities to minister to the special needs community. In 2020, she co-founded FaithfulHearts with Stephanie Smith. Holly has an MLA with an emphasis in English from Dallas Baptist University (2010) and teaches for DBU as an online instructor. Holly desires to bring more opportunities for special needs families to Teller County, and is excited to help offer access to affordable equine-assisted therapeutic activities.
Mary D. Mitten
Operations Director
Mary’s love for horses began in 4-H, where she competed in horse shows, horse judging, and hippology/horse bowl. While earning her degree in child development and psychology, she discovered equine-assisted services and began her career as an intern, later becoming an advanced PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor and Equine Specialist. With experience in the field since 1996, Mary is excited to join the FaithfulHearts Team where she brings together her passion for horses, people, and ministry. In her free time, Mary enjoys refinishing old furniture and soaking up mountain life with her husband and dog.
Rachel Beckmann
Instructor in Training,
Equine Caretaker
Rachel’s equestrian journey truly began through M.A.P. (Mustang Ambassador Program) almost a decade ago. It was through the first summer camp where she found herself truly connecting with horses on a deeper level. Learning each horse’s story and the obstacles they had overcome created an interest that wouldn’t let go. She began continuously taking lessons and attending summer programs, but knew that something was missing. One flyer in a coffee shop set her on a different course: FaithfulHearts. Her eyes opened to the miracles of equine assisted services, and the joy of teaching others the same magic she felt at that first summer camp. Rachel is working towards her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor credentials. Rachel enjoys leading the Junior Volunteers program and working in other classes.
Mandy Gallant
Manager,
Barn Facilities
Mandy was born and raised in the south – Georgia. She grew up on a farm; raising horses, cows, chickens, and ducks and developed a passion for horses and the hard work that goes along with them at the early age of 5. Mandy, a PATH certified instructor, has experience in Cutting Horses, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, trail courses and Hunter / Jumpers. Her passion for horses has not changed.
Mandy served in the US Air Force for nine years, where she traveled and learned about new cultures and met new friends from all over the world. Mandy cherished her time serving her country and continues to learn about and support the Veteran community.
In her free time, Mandy enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Mandy also enjoys spending time outdoors.
Rebecca Filiatreau
CTRI, ESMHL
Becca Filiatreau (aka Miss Filly) is a PATH International Certified Riding Instructor who brings a lifelong love of horses and a strong background in education to Faithful Hearts. She grew up in Kentucky showing horses through 4-H and began her career in therapeutic riding while attending Western Kentucky University, earning her CTRI certification in 2017.
Becca joined FHELC in 2021 as a part-time instructor while working full time as a special education teacher. She later spent a year and a half as a wrangler on a dude ranch near Steamboat Springs, expanding her horsemanship experience. Currently a third-grade teacher in Colorado Springs, Becca is excited to be back with the FHELC team. She recently earned her PATH International ESMHL certification and plans to pursue her CHA certification within the next year.
MEET OUR ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Sheryl Cloud
Officer
Sheryl has dedicated her life to working with children, bringing experience and compassion to every role. As a former elementary music teacher and private piano instructor, she has inspired young minds through music and volunteer work as an accompanist.
Her journey with FaithfulHearts Equine Learning Center (FHELC) began in 2020, despite no prior equine experience. Through hands-on learning, she developed a deep appreciation for equine-assisted learning and now actively supports FHELC’s mission.
Beyond FHELC, Sheryl volunteers at her church, mentoring mothers through MomCo and contributing to outreach efforts. Her background as a church Administrative Assistant strengthened her organizational and leadership skills. With a passion for education, music, and community service, she is a valuable asset to FHELC’s board.
Dr. Christine Wickizer
Officer
Christine Wickizer, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in work with children and families. Her practice focuses on brain–behavior relationships and supporting individuals with developmental, emotional, trauma, and neurological differences through compassionate, strengths-based care.
A lifelong horse lover and owner of five horses, Dr. Wickizer has experienced firsthand the powerful impact of the human–horse connection. She values equine-assisted activities for their ability to support regulation, confidence, physical development, and emotional well-being, particularly for individuals with diverse needs.
As a Board Member of Faithful Hearts Equine Learning Center, she is honored to support the organization’s mission and advocate for therapeutic riding as a meaningful complement to traditional clinical services. She brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role, along with a deep belief in the healing potential of horses. She is also the proud mother of two children and values family, community, and opportunities that foster growth and connection.lease
Baylee Carter
Officer
Baylee Carter brings entrepreneurial leadership, strategic vision, and deep community commitment to the Faithful Hearts Equine Learning Center Board of Directors. As Owner and Broker of Coldwell Banker Beyond, she leads a values-driven organization recognized for excellence, integrity, and service, earning Best Franchised Real Estate Office and Best Real Estate Relocation Services from 2023–2025. Baylee has also been named Best Realtor in Colorado Springs (2023–2025) and featured in Real Producers magazine for her leadership and impact.
A cum laude graduate of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a degree in Medical Anthropology, Baylee brings a holistic, people-centered approach to leadership. As a board member, she is committed to advancing FHELC’s mission through strategic growth, community partnerships, and initiatives that expand access to Christ-centered equine-assisted services for individuals of all abilities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Affordable therapeutic equine assisted activities to achieve physical, social, and emotional goals.
- Weekly group or private lessons, group classes, workshops and summer programs.
- Workshops focused on leadership skills, relationship skills, self-confidence and self-awareness.
- Basic horsemanship skill instruction including groundwork, team building activities, grooming activities, and a riding component.
Help participants learn and use social, emotional, physical and relationship skills along with Fruit of the Spirit virtues in horsemanship activities.
Apply skills and virtues in relating to others, relating to horses, and to horse training.
Build physical, social and emotional confidence through horsemanship skills and activities.
- Improved quality of life through participation in our program
- Solace from the burdens and stresses of everyday life.
- Form trusting connections in a loving environment.
- Safely experience the joys and benefits of working with equines..
- Learn to observe the horse’s body language, interpret it, and assess how to respond.
- Must fill out an application, a health history form and provide a physician’s statement, or sports physical.
- Applicants between the ages of 4-6 years of age* must have a diagnosis or referral from a medical or educational professional.
- Participants without a medical diagnosis must be at least 7 years of age.
- Under 5’ 150 lbs
- 5’ – 5’6” 175 lbs
- 5’6” – 6’ 200 lbs
- 6’1” – 6’5” 205 lbs
Eligibility of each applicant will be determined by the equine director, board of directors and careful consideration of all factors provided on application.
Factors that may disqualify individuals for participation:
- Physical/ psychological/medical conditions that are contraindicated for equine assisted services as determined by the current PATH International Standards Manual, and the applicant’s medical provider.
- Individuals with a history of animal abuse or fire starting.
- Individuals whose body weight exceeds the limit for the available equines. (For Riding Activities Only)
- Individuals whose condition or special need requires specialized equipment or specially trained staff that this facility does not currently have access to
- Individuals whose behavior poses undue risks for equines, staff and/or volunteers.
- Failure to pay for services or excessive amount of missed sessions
Yes, private riding lessons have limited availability, and are not eligible for discounts or scholarships.
Costs vary by program, see individual service section details for prices.
Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm.
Call for availability, most after school times are on a wait list.
FHELC has a sponsorship fund dedicated to subsidizing the cost of services to individuals with a financial need. Please contact the office for a financial aid application. Funds are limited and may not be available at all times.
No, FHELC is not a boarding facility.
Please contact the equine director to discuss the equine donation process. FHELC will consider accepting donated horses that meet our criteria including:
- Gelding
- Under 20 years of age
- Reasonably sound, and in good health
- Rideable at a walk, trot and canter
- Excellent ground manners
- Gets along well in a herd
Yes, please see our wish list.
Lessons are offered in 9-week sessions during the school year. FHELC offers summer programs and workshops that are one to three days in length.
Due to the sensitivity and confidential nature of some of our services, visitors must make an appointment, please contact the office.
Absolutely! There are volunteer duties for most people and abilities. Please see our volunteer section for details and applications.
No, FHELC does not file with any insurance or Medicaid. If you are seeing a licensed therapist or counselor, we may be able to contract with them to provide services as a collaborative partnership, and billing can be arranged through your provider.
Your prayers are much appreciated!
We take monetary donations to support horses, clients, and programs.
We accept volunteers.
We accept donations of tack and other equipment.
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CLICK HERE and see our donate page for ways to donate.
Yes, all major credit cards are accepted. Please see Billing Policy