About
Equestrian Spirits, Inc., a Registered 501(c)(3) Public Charity, is a full lifetime (no-kill) holistic animal shelter.
The majority of our horses are Thoroughbreds. From retired stakes winners to abandoned broodmares our unique program offers opportunities for these horses and other animals to redefine their lives.
After several years of our good food, vet care and training, an emaciated, fractious, lame black gelding went on to win the Maclay finals at Madison Square Garden in 1988. While Night Moves began a rewarding new career; others simply live out their lives grazing in peace at our farm.
BOARD MEMBERS
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“Our sanctuary is based on love, freedom, and the principals of the true art of Classical Horsemanship. With rescue and rehab horses, trust is imperative. We cater to each individual’s needs as they arise. With the right balance between the freedom of choice and the enticement of what an animal loves the most, a bond will form between horse and human, allowing the team to achieve their personal desires. Given the choice, most horses will guide themselves in the direction of their greatest ability; while their handlers must learn to encourage and reward, careful not to inhibit that forte. As reflected in the wisdom of Xenophon (360 B.C.), ‘"Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.’"
Laurie Wolf’s lifetime career in the equine industry brings vast knowledge and varied abilities to the sanctuary. A diverse history in Show Jumping, Dressage, Thoroughbred racing, naturally gaited horses, and Paralympics, Laurie guides the (non-breed specific) herd toward directions in which they find comfort and peace. Laurie L. Wolf Director/Founder READ PROFILE
Laurie has spent over sixty years studying, practicing, teaching and promoting the art of Classical Horsemanship. She believes in horsemanship principles dating to the 400-B.C. writings of the Greek historian, philosopher, horseman and military general Xenophon. This has resulted in a lifelong passion for applying these ideals to modern riding disciplines of every kind. Laurie began her involvement with the world of horses at Glen Head Stables on Long Island, New York. She has studied and/or worked professionally in the horse industry in New York, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Florida since the late 60s. As a teenager, Laurie was accepted for and completed an apprenticeship under internationally respected German Riding Master, Manfred Lange. This experience was influential in her early decision to focus on the disciplines of Jumping and Dressage. She went on to show in Jumper, Hunter and Equitation divisions with Smoke Run Farm on Long Island. Later, Laurie was selected for and participated in the prestigious equestrian studies program at Lake Erie College in Ohio. Her long career has included experience with: showing at recognized and non-recognized horse shows; freelance and private instruction and training; managing stables and large show facilities; owning and operating her own training and boarding businesses; judging horse shows; organizing and leading 4H and United States Pony Club activities plus serving as a groom, handler, assistant trainer, exercise rider, trainer and manager at a variety of Thoroughbred breeding farms and race tracks. In the 70s she acquired her Apprentice Jockey’s License, judged Competitive Trail Rides for the Maryland Quarter Horse Ass. and Doncaster 4H, and taught several years at the 4H District Horse Science Fair in Maryland. Her students have been accepted for equestrian studies at Morvan Park Equestrian Center and with well-known instructors such as Bruce Davidson and Linda Zang. They have qualified for Quarter Horse World, Arabian Regional Finals, 4H State, Insilco awards and numerous local Year-End awards in Maryland and Florida. Laurie’s personally trained Dressage mare Cimmeron Fancy, participated in the 1996 International Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned three ribbons for her rider Sharon Konneman of the Australian Paralympic Team. Currently Laurie oversees and cares for the residents of Equestrian Spirits, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)(3) housing small animals, donkeys and horses, some of whom have been rehabilitated for show and lessons after suffering abuse and neglect prior to coming into her life. Also included in her herd of friends are the get of famous show and racing stock including grand-get of War Admiral, Saint Ballado, Secretariat, three Breeder's Cup nominees and several show champions who retired to the sanctuary after completing safe and successful dressage or jumper careers. Laurie's clients have included Reve and John Walsh of America's Most Wanted, Rafael Valle and "Ivory Pal", who was named the 2004 and 2005 Horse of the Year by the national organization Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH), as well as a variety of other students, from beginners through advanced. Laurie has trained horses ranging from Warmbloods, Norwegian Fjords and barefoot Gaited Horses to Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Baroques and Miniatures. In 2017, Laurie temporarily retired from judging and competition to set up the new facility known as Amik Run in Morriston, Florida which houses the Equestrian Spirits animal family and Centaur Farm study programs. She dedicates her career to her beloved Show Jumping Champion, Amik Jubal of Xanadu. |
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“My role as veterinary advisor for Equestrian Spirits is to serve as a consultant for general questions of animal care, and to address specific problems in individual animals, if I am the appropriate veterinarian to do so. As a holistic veterinarian, my concern is to identify and treat the roots of a problem, not just its symptoms.”
As a World-Renowned Holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Peck has a strong research background: M.S. in Reproductive Physiology (Equine); 30 years experience in basic, applied, and clinical research. She has post-graduate training and teaching experience in alternative medicine: homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, soft tissue therapy, Bowen and NeuroEmotional Technique (NET). She is certified in applied kinesiology (functional neurology), kinesiotaping , thermal imaging, etc. Her clinical interests are: subtle lameness, chronic pain, neuromuscular function, metabolic issues and environmental toxins. As a co-founder, attending veterinarian and veterinary advisor, Lynn had planned to share our facility with her myriad of students while teaching a holistic approach to the animal world. Instrumental in obtaining our Forever Home, Lynn had planned courses in Animal Bowen, Applied Kinesiology, Kinesio Taping, chemical detox and homeopathy, among others. Her passing within days of our taking possession of the farm presented us with the challenge of continuing her legacy according to her wishes. It is with her spirit of teaching, healing and compassion that we have dedicated our holistic focus. This is the spirit with which we began our ‘All Holistic Hearts for Animals’, fondly known as AH-HA! We hope to generate enough interest in our plans to be able to restart our classes in 2022 as Lynn had scheduled within her dream. Lynn S. Peck, DVM, MS, clCAK Co-Founder/Veterinary Advisor |
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“As a teacher and mental health specialist I bring an alternative dynamic into our program of animal rehabilitation. With my health care expertise, organizational skills, and attention to detail, I use my patience and kindness to ensure a quality of life which many have lost. Believing that all lives have a purpose I look for new paths to rebuild their hopes and their comfort.”
Earning her bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Polly went on to teach over 20 years including 13 years with inner city children. Currently working as a behavior specialist, she earned her Master's Degree in special education and behavior analysis. Since 1992 Polly has been using and teaching aromatherapies and natural health modalities for people and animals. Polly McMillan Co-Founder |
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“Due to a degenerative disease I suddenly found myself blind. Forced into early retirement I have a personal understanding of what these animals endure through unexpected life changes. My physical challenges drive and direct me to help our animals find their way to rediscovery of purpose.”
As a Paramedic for nearly 27 years and a Firefighter for 7, De possesses a natural comfort with medicine and hard work. Assisting surgery at the Small Animal Emergency Center in Bradenton, FL, and studying equine psychology and service dog therapy, she focuses her energies towards healing and safety. DeLania Lockliear Co-Founder |