Meet our Staff

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, 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 in Training - Jess Ricchio, B.S., D.C.

Jessica has a Bachelors degree in Animal and Veterinary Science from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park , KS. An avid equestrian for most of her life, Jessica has been involved with AQHA and the Hunter/Jumper industry riding with trainers Kara Seaman, Michelle Khoury and Carol Cisler. Jessica is a therapy instructor in training as well as a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, Jason – who is a CHAPS Volunteer, and their two dogs, Tank and Bindi.

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.

Spot was featured in the Appaloosa Journal this month! Click the link below to see the article.
http://www.appaloosajournal.com/2010/08/c-h-a-p-s/

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 quiet soul that is a dependable mount for independent riders.  His smooth trot gives tentative riders who are ready to graduate from walking the perfect first trot experience.  Max was donated to CHAPS by Bob Sandeen, where he was employed as an outfitter's horse.  A handsome gentleman, Max takes a while to warm up to people, which also makes him a great horse for people who need to develop good boundaries and learn about trust

Therapy Horse - Bob

Our search for the "just right" pony ended successfully with the donation of Bob from Chuck Frymier.  Bob makes adjustments in his stride and energy depending on the rider's capabilities, and has carried many children to their first independent riding experience.  His colorful coat and happy, inquisitive nature make him a much loved member of the CHAPS family.

Therapy Horse - Beetle Bailey

Beetle Bailey arrived at CHAPS during the summer of 2009 on trial and we were immediately struck by his calm demeanor no matter what was going on around him. Beetle is a ‘Medicine Hat’ Paint, so named because of the patch of brown on his head. The Medicine Hat paints were prized by Native American Medicine Men, who chose this horse to ride to battle because they felt they had divine protection. We trust that Beetle will give his riders and participants that same protection and care! His gentle nature and inquisitive mind make him a natural therapy horse for independent riders and participants who are working on confidence and self esteem issues. Beetle was donated by Urban Donnafield of Sheridan.

Therapy Horse - Spanky

Spanky joins our staff as a donation from Jill and Bruce Moriarty of Banner, WY.  While his specialty as a therapy horse is caring for riders of all levels and abilities, his true calling is being an entertainer.  Spanky is adept at removing fly masks from other horses, opening gates, and playing with ropes, buckets, or anything that is not tied down.  His enormously kind personality has given timid clients the courage to ride, and one of the most frequent questions we hear is “Can I ride Spanky today?”  Spanky’s sire is Rugged Lark, one of the most famous and versatile Quarter Horses in recent history.  We think his dad would be proud of the commendable job Spanky does at CHAPS.

Betty, Mouse and Boris - Rodent Engineers

Mouse and Betty came 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.  Mouse, having seniority, enjoys bossing Betty around, and Betty has established herself as a mounting supervisor in the arena. Boris arrived at CHAPS last fall, and auditioned for his job by charming volunteers and moving in, unanounced and uninvited, to the CHAPS office.  He has yet to produce a rodent but is content to supervise Betty, Mouse and the CHAPS staff.

Therapy Horse Hall of Fame

Therapy Horse - Elmo

Elmo was the calmest and kindest thoroughbred, and one of the best therapy horses to serve our clients at CHAPS. Now retired to his owner’s home in Banner, Elmo’s stay at CHAPS will always be fondly remembered by staff and participants alike. Many thanks to Carol and Sam Paul Mavrakis for loaning him to our program in 2009.

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.

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.

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.

Calvin

Calvin was a wonderful therapy horse who was full of spunk and curious. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Bandit

This dapper gentleman was 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.

Therapy Horse - Joe

Joe is one of those horses that only come around once in a while – and we were glad to have him here at CHAPS for a one year lease from Brian and Diana Roetering of Buffalo. Kind and dependable, he gave many riders an opportunity to develop into independent riders and was always dependable and trustworthy.

Minnie, Rodent Control Engineer

Minnie was one of our original cats from the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, and was much loved by all who knew her.

Committees

Horse Selection: Sue Suddith, Kelly McElwee, Dr. Sarah Schreiber, DVM

Budget: Sue Gates, Beth Bailey, Cindy Pilch, CPA

Program Development: Sue Gates, Sue Suddith, Dr. Jessica Ricchio

Facility Committee: Mike Sager, Del Acker

Marketing and Publicity Committee: Sue Gates, Sue Suddith, Kristen Salamon, and DeeDee Connell