“A Place of Peace”

Shannon is the Equine Assisted Learning Specialist at Lasata Farm, bringing a rich background in psychology and a deep passion for helping others heal and grow. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Neumann University and began her career in the psychology field as a Therapeutic Staff Support, working with youth with autism, trauma, and behavioral needs, a calling she has followed ever since.

Over the years, Shannon has pursued extensive training and certification to deepen her practice. She holds her Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner certification through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and is certified in ©Stable Moments, a specialized program supporting foster and adopted youth. Through these qualifications, she provides equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy (psychotherapy offered in partnership with Restore Counseling Center) sessions for individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, and more.

At the heart of Shannon’s work is a belief in the unique and powerful partnership between humans and horses. She is dedicated to walking alongside each person on their journey toward healing and personal growth, creating a space where real transformation can happen.

When she’s not at the barn, Shannon loves adventuring with her husband and their energetic children.

My name is Gianna, and I’m a senior at Kennett High School. I’ve spent nearly half my life at Lasata Farm, a place that has truly shaped who I am. I grew up obsessed with Barbie horses and My Little Pony, and for my 9th birthday I finally convinced my suburban mom to let me start riding lessons. My very first time on a horse was at Lasata Farm, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted horses to be a part of my life forever.

I began volunteering here at 13 and eventually started working, helping feed and care for the horses. Through this job, I’ve been able to form meaningful connections not only with these incredible animals but also with the remarkable people who make up the Lasata community.

When I’m not at the barn, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and dogs, reading, and gardening. I’m excited to continue my journey at Lasata while attending Penn State Brandywine in the fall.

Penny is a chestnut quarter horse mare foaled in 1999. She arrived in the spring of 2014, as a horse deemed hopeless by several trainers. Our farm family met her and quickly surmised she was far from hopeless. We simply needed to help her find who she was meant to be. We accepted her in our program and surely she began to shine. She carries an amazing load here at Lasata. She’s faithful, steady, kind and careful with her riders. Her forte has become building confidence in new riders and helping riders with disabilities realize their true equestrian potential. She’s marked accordingly in that the arrow blaze on her face reminds us who sent her our way.

Sophie is a Quarter Horse/Belgian cross who is an amazing teacher for those who are patient to learn. She’s opinionated and determined, yet a team player when she feels safe, purposeful and valued. She’s the herd leader amongst her peers. Her current claim to fame…back rubs for humans. She demonstrates perfectly the adage; “I will scratch your back if you scratch mine.” Sophie is sturdy and strong with a wide base of support, perfect for those with challenged balance. Her resume includes foxhunting and carriage driving.

Beau arrived in 2010 as a 3 year old needing some education. After graduation, he went home with his owner until Fall of 2015. His owner wanted more for Beau’s life, so he made his home here. He is a dark bay mule who should have been born a golden retriever. He loves deeply. People can’t help but smile at him, whether it’s his antics, his funny looks, or his loud bray. Beau is trained under saddle English or Western. He has the most elegant movements you will see from a mule, as if he floats on air.

Mabel was adopted from LAPS (Large Animal Protection Society) in October 2018. LAPS had seized her from her prior owner because of severe neglect. Mabel is a matriarch of her herd. She came to us along side her daughter Hazel. Mabel is always mannerly. Many who want and need consistency and dependability within horse behaviors adore her. She loves to be loved. She loves long walks in the woods and grooming sessions without time constraints. She is a pretty little lady, aside from her black body and mane and tail, she has white legs and a white blaze. She is trained to ride and drive. She is the tallest of our miniature horses at 33” tall.

Max was born in 1993. He is a buckskin pony who has taught countless kids how to ride. He was utilized as a camp pony for years over the summer months at a camp in Chester Springs. He also spent many days on the hunt field. In his day, he would showcase himself proudly over any fence you faced him to. He enjoys gulping grain slushies and munching lush grass with the very few teeth he has left in his head during his retirement.

Jonah’s lot in life is to make people smile. His giftedness was evident the moment we met. In 2007, we “rescued” 3-year-old Jonah from a cemetery in inner city Baltimore, where a llama was setting out to eat him alive. He demands attention and will hee-haw his way right into your heart. He loves to be groomed, is instrumental in equine assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions and is an ace in the hole when it comes to teaching patience. He wants me to tell you, no one gallops and bucks simultaneously as well as he can. Come see for yourself. You’re guaranteed to get the giggles.

Simmie is a Halflinger gelding born in 2009. He was foaled, raised and “broke” by an Amish family who felt he was good for nothing. When we met him, he had been chain tied to a hay feeder for some time, standing in several feet of his own waste. His feet were in terrible disrepair, and his coat was caked with feces. It didn’t take us long to fall in love with this guy. He’s quirky, opinionated yet willing and very communal. He’s also extremely easy on the eyes. Simmie’s forte is best displayed with riders with attention challenges such as his. He has a profound way of keeping riders on task.

Zoe is a gray and white paint jenny donkey, foaled in 2012. She is a precious soul with the kindest spirit. She will sit in your lap if you allow her to. Zoe is owned by a family from West Chester who graciously allows her to be part of our programs. Zoe is a wonderful teacher of groundwork tactics and is gifted in making the little folks feel safe.

Diva is a drafty built black mare foaled in 2000. She was a gift we received when we moved to our new facility in the winter of 2016. She is owned by a family from Unionville. Diva had been a show pony most of her life, teaching countless children how to ride. She is an extremely gifted mare. She can instill confidence in the most timid riders. She’s patient, extremely clear in her needs, energetic when she’s called to be, all the while steadfast and dependable. However, don’t dare get in the way of her food. And don’t even think about being late with her dinner. Her name is so fitting. We are honored to have been given the opportunity to work alongside this mare.

Uber is on loan to us by a lovely family minutes from our farm, to which we share this fine fellow. He was born in 2013 and has lived a full, and accomplished life already. He was a ranch hand, a racetrack pony, he took a 4-year-old boy down into the Grand Canyon and did some rodeo work. He is so fun to look at with his giraffe spots. He is a very well rounded horse and very versatile within his skillset. He works with new horse enthusiasts on up to those who are seasoned in their skills.