Equine Assisted Services Providers

Howdy, my name is Seth!

I am from southeastern Wisconsin and was raised by my Mom and Dad with my two brothers. My parents taught me to be strong in who I am and showed me how to have a great work ethic. My brothers and I are all very close in age so with them we learned how to work together even with opposite opinions. From a young age my brothers and I were always involved in sports and other extracurriculars. I moved up to the Eau Claire area back in 2022 to find out what I want to do with my life, and it has brought me here. I will be going back to school in fall of 2025 for animal science and use my degree either for an animal specialist or become an agricultural teacher. My goals and aspirations are to help people find who they are and what they want to be. I know that everybody comes from different backgrounds and may need some support through their journey, I know I did. 

Some of my favorite things to do in my spare time are:

• Anything outdoors (Hiking, fishing etc.)
• Anything to do with animals!
• Crafting and or creating projects
• Cooking and baking 
• Board games    

Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation 

~Outdoor Activities

~At-Risk Adolescents

~Youth and Adolescent Guidance 

~Resilience Support 

Hi, my name is Mike. I’ve always been drawn to helping people better understand themselves, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives. I believe growth happens through action, connection, and learning how to navigate life’s challenges — not just by talking about them, but by practicing skills in real-world settings.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have worked with adolescents and adults in outpatient and community-based programs. I also bring years of experience coaching hockey, which has shaped my strengths-based, motivational, and skill-building approach to care.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through strength training, running, hockey, mountain biking, reading, and, of course, good coffee

Service Array: Wellness Management and Recovery and ISDE

Service Areas:

~Natural Lifemanship

~Equine Services

~Trauma Informed Care

Hi, my name is Heidi.

My husband and I are the owners of Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center, which began in 2020 with the support of a dedicated and caring team. Together we have two adventurous boys and share a strong love for God, family, and serving others. Strides was created as a place where individuals and families can experience connection, growth, and encouragement through the unique partnership between humans and animals.

I grew up in Marshfield, Wisconsin, surrounded by animals of all kinds—equines, dogs, cats, birds, lizards, and fish. Horses became a special part of my life at a young age when I began taking riding lessons, and I have continued riding ever since. Teaching my family the importance of caring for animals has had a meaningful impact on both our animals and our family.

After high school, I attended UW–Stout, where I earned a degree in Early Childhood/Adolescent Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I later earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Leadership from Viterbo University. I spent thirteen years teaching in grades PK, 2nd, and 3rd, where I developed a strong appreciation for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) within the school system. These approaches provide meaningful support for children who may struggle academically, socially, or behaviorally.

Through my background in education, child development, and lifelong experience with animals, I began to recognize the powerful connection between animals and people. Horses, in particular, create opportunities for individuals to build confidence, emotional awareness, and connection. 

My family and I have experienced the benefits of this connection ourselves, which inspired us to create Strides so others could experience the same support, encouragement, and growth.

Through Strides, we provide equine-assisted services, therapeutic riding, skill development, and experiential wellness opportunities for individuals, families, and community groups. My work focuses on trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, relationship building, and experiential learning through interactions with horses.

To further support this mission, I have continued expanding my education in Equine-Assisted Services, Therapeutic Riding, Natural Lifemanship, and Skill Development. I also completed the Natural Lifemanship Dual Certification for Practitioners and Equine Professionals (NLC-P, EP), a neuroscience-informed approach that supports emotional regulation, connection, and relationship-based learning through interactions with horses. In addition, I am a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) to further expand the mental health and wellness services offered within our community.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy continuing to learn and grow in liberty horsemanship, which deepens my understanding of communication, leadership, and connection between horses and people. I am passionate about exploring brain-based and relationship-focused approaches that support both human and equine well-being. I also enjoy spending time with my family, caring for our animals, and continuing to learn new ways horses can help people grow, heal, and build confidence.

My vision for Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center is to create a place where individuals of all ages can experience growth, healing, and connection through meaningful interactions with horses. By combining education, neuroscience-informed practices, and experiential learning, Strides aims to provide a supportive environment where people can build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their own strengths.

Credentials

• Owner & Administrator – Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center
• Natural Lifemanship Dual Certified Practitioner & Equine Professional (NLC-P, EP)
• PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
• Licensed Teacher
• Licensed Administrator

Service Array

 Wellness Management & Recovery I Skill Development & Enhancement I Psychoeducation 

COMING SOON!

Service Array: 

Wellness Management and Recovery, ISDE,

Service Area:

~Natural Lifemanship