Club Membership

"Hi Lisa, 

Thank you so much for your work with the Veteran's program. I never thought I would ever ride horseback. When I was a young girl, many of my classmates lived in the countryside and rode horses, and I wished I understood their love of horses.  Seeing horses running in the fields of the more wealthy homesteads of Whidbey Island and watching movies about horses seemed like a world that I couldn't enter.  Riding horses, even the pony rides at circuses or state fairs, was something that my family couldn't afford.  I accepted this.  As I aged, the idea of riding horseback never entered my mind. Finally in my mid 30's, a loose connection introduced me to the Veteran program at Thorncroft where I started my horsemanship journey.  In this therapeutic journey, I've practiced different aspects of mindfulness (oh my goodness there is so much mindfulness), patience, discipline, the interrelatedness of cognition and behavior and a new found leg and core strength.  Thank you so much for organizing this program that has brought me so much joy and growth in such a short time. "

Linda F

"If you are considering equine therapy for yourself or a loved one, Lisa is the instructor you want! She is the consummate horse woman.  You can see by her many certifications that she is incredibly skilled.  In addition to her skill and experience, Lisa cares deeply about each of her students and trailors her lessons to their needs and wants.  Put yourself or your loved one into Lisa's compassionate and expert hands and enjoy the ride! You will congratulate yourself for choosing Lisa and North Cascades Equus."

Aniele K.  

"Lisa....thanks so much for being such a great instructor to my granddaughter, Caroline! She is really going to miss you!!"

Diann S.  

"We have had the pleasure of having Lisa as our daughter's instructor for 4+ years.  Not only is she and excellent teacher, she is patient and kind, works exceptionally well with kids and puts safety above all else.  Riding is an inherently dangerous sport and it's been assuring to know that our child is safe in Lisa's care.  We are so appreciative of the time and dedication Lisa has spent improving our daughter's riding knowledge, ability, and confidence.  Highly  recommend!"

Allison S.

"I've had the pleasure to work with Lisa at All Riders Up Therapeutic Riding center as well as at my barn. Lisa is an excellent riding instructor. She made lessons fun for the students, keep them excited about learning while they are becoming proficient riders. Lisa taught me English riding lessons and it helped me to feel more secure and confident rider in this discipline. She is an extremely knowledgeable equestrian, teacher, a wonderful barn manager and a lover of animals. I would highly recommend anyone all ages to learn from Lisa or keep your horse in her facility. You will be glad you did. I'm so sad to see you leave this area, but am very happy for you too.  You have been such a great teacher at two therapeutic riding centers in our area and an awesome riding instructor and advisor to me in the past too.  You have helped me so much. You were such a wonderful barn manager at my barn too.  I always felt the horses had the best care knowing you were there.  Best wishes and success for your new endeavor."

Lisa P.  

 "I have been honored to know Lisa.  She is an amazing, caring and intuitive instructor.  I have assisted her in Thorncroft's therapy program and she was also my instructor. we are really going to miss her.  I wish her all the best in her new adventure with her family."

Chase D. 

"My son with autism has been involved in therapeutic riding for over 18 years, and Lisa is hands down one of my all-time favorite instructors ever! She is keenly aware and attentive to any and all medical or behavioral issues with the individual rider, even accommodating and supporting mild issues (such as a stressful life event) in the moment.  She does it with pure grace and empathy.  She is skilled beyond measure and pours her entire heart into her students.  My son was absolutely blessed to have experienced her teaching, and to have been exposed to her kindness.  She is a rare gem."

Honey R.

"I've volunteered with Lisa for almost the last 3 years and would HIGHLY recommend her as a Riding Instructor.  In addition to being very knowledgeable about horses, she is an exceptional teacher and instructor.  I've seen Lisa work with new riders as well as with therapeutic riders, and experienced riders from all ages.  She is very patient, understanding, professional and friendly.  Her work with Veterans and Veterans groups is inspiring.  I would not hesitate to have Lisa work with my child or even have her instruct me or any adult who is interested in riding.  Her riders love her as well as the horses she works with!"

Bruce M. 

 "Lisa is extremely professional and a lovely person to work with.  She has many wonderful qualities and is exceptional with children! I highly recommend her riding program as she is dedicated to her students and her mannerism with children and adults is impeccable!"

Tiff G.
 

"Lisa is such a great teacher, I rode with her in a veterans program. She had a way to teach you in a way that you'll understand. I would highly recommend lessons with her!" 

Joe F

 " Lisa is extremely talented and attentive in her work with horses and riders.  She is truly gifted at training and reading horses and people! Her knowledge and abilities amaze me, she reads the most subtle cues from the horse and has helped me learn how to be safer.  Lisa has helped me in so many ways to truly enjoy and improve in my handling and riding of my horses.  She is an exceptional teacher and kind human being!  I highly recommend her as an instructor and mentor to anyone who wants to improve in their skills or learn about horses and proper riding." 

Stephanie M.  

 "I worked with Lisa when she began her journey as a therapeutic riding instructor.  She was already an incredible "horsewoman" and a patient, caring, and dedicated instructor.  Her knowledge and passion for horses is evident in everything she does and her heart for individuals with special challenges is a blessing.  I wish her the best of luck in her new venture and I am sure through her organization, many lives will be touched and changed.  Have a safe trip b ack home, and if I am ever in your neck of the woods, I will be sure to come for a visit."

Debbie A.

   "We had a very loved member of our team starting the next chapter of her life this past week.  Lisa Hirsch, Thorncroft's Office and Admissions Manager, is making a long-awaiting move back to the West Coast to be with her family. Lisa has done so much to improve the quality of our instruction at Thorncroft and has been integral in safely navigating the Farm's reopening this past year.  She has pushed our operational capacity towards recovery and leaves us in a strong position to bring back our beloved riders in the coming months.  We thank her for her commitment to the Farm and wish her the best!"

Thorncroft Equestrian Center