Equine Staff
Joan Summers – Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Joan has participated as our Saturday therapeutic riding instructor since the summer of 2003. She has taught as a certified PATH instructor for over 20 years. During the week she works with special needs children in the development of critical skills.
Shelley Cyganik – Therapeutic Riding Instructor Substitute
I have been at Ivey Ranch since June of 2007. Before that I was a therapeutic instructor at TERI, Inc. in Vista. I am a mother of three children; a son and a daughter who are 19 and a 16 year old daughter. I have two horses and I enjoy trail riding and horse camping trips with them. One of my horses and I even volunteer for the Mounted Assistance Unit in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. I love working with horses and kids!
Dani Nichols – Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Dani Nichols is an Oregon cowgirl who went to college in West Texas and now spends as much time on California beaches as possible. In her spare time, she’s also a freelance writer, unabashed horse lover and sunset admirer. She has several years experience in Western riding and is the weekday Therapeutic Riding Instructor for Ivey Ranch, where she loves every minute of her job.
William “Bill” Shoenecker, Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Bill is our Equine Caretaker/Therapy Instructor, with wife Deedee, who live on-site. They oversee the daily feeding, cleaning and supplement schedule of all 19 equine. Bill brings many years of horse experience to the ranch and is a tremendous asset!
Katelyn Vanderweyden – Riding Instructor
Katelyn found her love for horses while volunteering at Friends of Horses Rescue and Adoption in Denver, Colorado where she leaned to ride and care for horses. She soon adopted a young Thoroughbred and eventually competed in many disciplines including Eventing, Hunter/Jumpers and Dressage, as well as Western gaming events. In 2009, Katelyn moved to the San Diego area to work as a groom for Grand Prix Dressage riders and later moved on to begin teaching at Rawhide Ranch in Bonsall where she gained her CHA certification. Katelyn encourages her students to learn both Western and English riding and allows them to choose which area they would like to focus.
Wendy Sears – Riding Instructor
Wendy has trained with International Grand Prix winners and Olympic Show Jumping qualifiers over the past 20 years. She has instructed children and adults in hunter/jumper equitation. Wendy associates the horse’s subtle ability to teach us about ourselves and eagerly shares her knowledge of horseback riding.
Natalie Hamilton, Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Natalie is a self-taught “California Cowgirl”. She has done a little bit of everything in the western world; roping, team penning, and sorting. She participates in local Gymkhanas, doing barrels but her favorite is poles and lots of trail riding! Natalie began teaching lessons when she was 19 and realized that this is what she was passionate about. She is a CHA certified instructor with experience in English and Western riding. When teaching, she strives to shape well rounded horsemen and women, embracing techniques from all disciplines but most importantly to have fun while doing it!
Amber Nietert, Riding Instructor
Amber began her career in the field as a teenager. She worked and traveled with top trainers to national events in the show circuit – working in English, Western and Saddle Seat. In Rocklin, CA she earned her CHA certification in Western and English in 2006 while working as an instructor at Lacy’s Arabian Ranch. Amber is passionate about sharing her love for horses and teaching new riders.
Megan Buff, Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Megan grew up in Spokane, WA. After attending college, she worked with Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Center in Spokane and Riding for the Disabled – Lisburn in Northern Ireland before moving to San Diego in 2010. In addition to working at Ivey Ranch, she also teaches history through the Maritime Museum of San Diego and California Center for the Arts.
Stephanie Hordejuk, Riding Instructor
Stephanie has trained with Adnan Al Baitony at the International Equestrian Center and Patty Morton at Pathfinder Farms over the past 12 years. She instructs English Pleasure and Hunter/Jumper Equitation. Stephanie loves working with horses and children and encourages her students to work hard and share their skills and experiences with others.
