Erica A de Flamand
Head Instructor & Coach of JR.EQ. / Certified PATH Intl.Therapeutic Riding Instructor + ESMHL
Originally from Connecticut, Erica brings over 20 years of experience in the saddle, and a teaching foundation built on classical Dressage, Hunt Seat and Combined Training. She has been in the instructor arena for over twelve years, and has worked with summer camp programs for fourteen. Her training began with a pony named Hobbit (who was known for running her through fences), and continued at Cedar Brook Farm, Guilford Riding School, Bramblea Farm, the University of Connecticut, Ingram Equine and Whitehaven Plantation.
Her riding/showing experience includes: Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, Vaulting, Natural Horsemanship, Breed-Specific Circuits and the basic training/conditioning of horses, weanlings through adult. Erica is also a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Instructor for Mitey Riders, and has worked with special needs kids on horses for over 15 years. She holds an additional certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning from PATH Intl. She is also Red Cross certified in CPR + First Aid. In her other life, Erica is owner, designer + photographer at the creative services studio, the Summer House. | > Email Erica: Click [here]
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About Misty Meadows Farm
Home of the Misty Meadows Mitey Riders
Marilyn and Harry Swimmer began their Misty Meadows dream in 1968. With three children — Scott, David and Jody — Misty Meadows took shape as a premier facility for the breeding, training and showing of Saddlebred horses. In 1993 the Swimmers changed gears, and dedicated their farm in Weddington to a therapeutic riding program where 70+ special needs children ride horses each week, free of charge, assisted by over 250 wonderful volunteers. Riders with challenges like cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida or autism benefit from relationships formed with other students, volunteers and even the horses, whose gentle rhythmic movements closely parallel those of human gaits. Misty Meadows Mitey Riders therapeutic center is fully accredited by PATH Intl. and continues to gain respect of professions like the American Physical Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy Association. The Mitey Riders goal is to continue to provide the opportunities and benefits of their program for as long as there are people with physical and mental disabilities.