Meet Our Staff
Executive Director and Therapy Instructor - Sue Suddith, MNM
Sue holds a Bachelors degree in Equine Studies from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol Virginia and a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, CO. A lifelong equestrian and devotee of nonprofit organizations, Sue previously worked in the Hunter/Jumper industry with trainers Georgann Powers, Jim Brundage, Ann Thal, Allyson Bealle, and Jim Cantwell. She has served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Library (Sheridan) and the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter. Sue is a NARHA Registered Level Therapy Instructor, serves on NARHA's Higher Education Committee, and is the NARHA Wyoming State Chair. She is also a Certified Equestrian Events Special Olympics coach. In her spare time, Sue enjoys dog agility classes, painting with watercolors, and gardening.
Therapy Instructor - Kelly McElwee
With over 20 years in the horse industry in Colorado and now Sheridan, Kelly is an "A" Pony Club Graduate from the Centennial Pony Club in Ft. Collins, CO ( and continues to be their head instructor). She holds a B. A. Degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University. Her equestrian sport of choice is eventing, and she has ridden with such notable trainers as Denny Emerson, Brian and Linda Sabo, Mike Huber, and Kelly Temple. In addition to her duties at CHAPS, Kelly is organizing a Pony Club in Sheridan, is steadily building a clientele of local riders, and works for Charlie and Hilary Carrel at Colts Unlimited. She is a NARHA Instructor in Training.
Therapy Instructor - Christa Davidson
A lifetime resident of Sheridan, Christa grew up riding and enjoying life in the shadows of the Big Horns. Christa was one of the first volunteers in the planning stages of CHAPS and has been an outstanding advocate for the benefits of therapeutic riding throughout her association with the program, with a keen interest in equine facilitated mental health. After attending the University of Wyoming, Christa also works for her family business, Heartland Kubota, in Sheridan. Her many extra-curricular activities include photography, floral arrangements, dog obedience training, youth ministry, and working with at-risk children. Christa has completed Phase 1 of the NARHA Certification process and is an instructor in Training.
Therapy Horse - Spot
Spot is our "Equine Chairman", having been with us the longest of our four-legged staff. His calm temperament and accepting personality have made him the "go-to" horse in the barn. After a varied life as a pleasure horse and ranch horse, Spot has staked his claim to our adult riders with physical and emotional disabilities and has been embraced by the entire staff at CHAPS. A big, handsome fellow, Spot was donated to CHAPS by Marion Niedringhaus and the T-T Ranch. During his time off, Spot entertains himself by looking for treats in pockets and having his ears rubbed.
Therapy Horse - Dennis
Our gentle giant, Dennis, is a Belgian that forgot to grow. At 14.3 hands, he provides our clients with a wide back to balance on, and kind disposition that everyone falls in love with. Coming to CHAPS from Wright, WY, Dennis was donated to the program by Robert and Tiffany Glasscock. Dennis loves to be longed and has taken to being ground driven, and is teaching our more independent riders about ground work. If we can find a cart big enough for him, we expect that he will soon be teaching clients how to drive! A homebody, Dennis enjoys his stall and supervising barn proceedings.
Therapy Horse - Max
Max is a favorite at Special Olympics and enjoys showing off in the ring with his special riders.
Therapy Horse - Bandit
This dapper gentleman is on loan from Miss Abigail Hedrick of Colorado. In the summer, he spends his time on trail rides with his owner in the Big Horn Mountains. But come fall, he resides at CHAPS and works with clients with physical and developmental disabilities. He has a quiet sense of humor and enjoys being groomed and loved.
Minnie and Mouse - Rodent Engineers
Minnie and Mouse come to CHAPS from the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter and have been diligently plying their trade from day one. If you are a rodent, be afraid. Be very afraid. A country kind of gal, Minnie likes to spend time in the hay room or inside empty buckets, while Mouse prefers the more cosmopolitan lifestyle and has installed herself in the office, where she dusts the computer and naps in the shelves.
Therapy Horse Hall of Fame
Buddy
Buddy was one of our first therapy horses, donated by Michael and Lillian Markovsky of Buffalo, WY. After a distinguished career, Buddy is enjoying a well-deserved retirement at his previous owner’s home. Buddy specialized in our adult clients with physical disabilities. He is a wonderfully caring, quiet fellow and is well loved and remembered fondly by everyone.
Sleepy
Our very first therapy horse, Sleepy’s quiet sense of humor and accepting nature made him everyone’s favorite. Everyone who rode Sleepy fell in love with him. Sleepy came to us from Shelly Holmes and Rancholme in Decker, MT., and has retired to the Special K Ranch in Columbus MT. We think of Sleepy and his outstanding disposition frequently and wish him the best on his retirement.
Reno
Reno came to us from Hillary and Charlie Carrel at Colts Unlimited in Sheridan, WY. His very full life included careers as a field hunter, show horse, feed lot ‘employee’ and lesson horse. After a brief retirement, Reno came back to work as one of our most reliable therapy horses, specializing in children and young adults with limited mobility and speech. Kind and forgiving, Reno loved his job. Reno has retired to Cheryl Barker's ranch in Sheridan, WY.
Calvin
Calvin was a wonderful therapy horse who was full of spunk and curious. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Committees
Horse Selection: Sue Suddith, Christa Davidson, Dr. Sarah Schreiber, DVM
Budget: Sue Gates, Cindy Pilch
Program Development: Sue Gates, Sue Suddith, Christa Davidson, Kelly McElwee
Facility Committee: Mike Sager, Del Acker
Marketing and Publicity Committee: Sue Gates, Connie Thomas, Sue Suddith, Terri Luitjens, and Lynn Reeves