Meet The Team

The staff and Board of Directors at A Broken Spur Riding Academy, are comprised of individuals from many personal, and professional backgrounds. While we vary in our day-to-day careers and interests, we’re all bonded by a passion of helping the community and appreciation for the effect, power, and immeasurable value that horses have when it comes to improving our quality of life.

Many of us are lifelong horse owners and/or equine professionals, while others have an immense background in community involvement and human resources, and yet we have all witnessed in one form or another, first hand the benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning or Services. When it comes to emotional, mental, and physical conditions. The incredible work that is achieved through our Equine Assisted Services is difficult to accurately describe without witnessing it firsthand. There are countless testimonials from our clients, family, community members, and volunteers that will all attest to the humble, unassuming effect of a horse on a person in need.

STAFF MEMBERS

Sarah Dorsey

Sarah is the 2023 PATH International Region 3 Equine Caretaker of the Year

Founder/Executive Director/ Lead PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Sarah is the visionary behind A Broken Spur Riding Academy, bringing a unique blend of lifelong horsemanship and over two decades of medical expertise to our community. As a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Sarah has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between clinical care and equine-assisted therapies.

Professional Expertise & Education

Sarah’s background is rooted in a deep commitment to human services and healthcare. Her extensive medical credentials provide a foundation of safety, empathy, and clinical understanding:

Medical Background: 22 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, 9 years as a Phlebotomist, and currently practicing as a Nationally Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

Academic Foundations: Holds an Associate of Applied Science from New River Community and Technical College (2018) and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work, with future plans to obtain her Master of Social Work (MSW).

Specialized Experience: Extensive history working with diverse populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, and the elderly.

A Journey of Passion and Resilience

Sarah’s connection to horses began at age eight at Hidden Springs Farm in Summersville, WV. Her transition into therapeutic riding was inspired by her own lived experience navigating a cardiac disability from a young age. This personal journey fuels her profound sensitivity and "knack" for connecting horses with individuals facing their own unique hurdles.

Her path to PATH International certification took her across the country—from Healing Strides in Virginia to Reach 4 A Star Riding Academy in Wyoming—where she honed her skills and eventually founded her first member center, Windy Mountain Farms.

Vision for the Future

Now back in the heart of West Virginia, Sarah has established A Broken Spur Riding Academy in Jumping Branch, Under her leadership, the academy has achieved PATH International Member Center status. Sarah is committed to building a program that serves as a beacon of inspiration, healing, and empowerment for the West Virginia community.

Madison Greene

Co-Founder/PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and ESMHL in Training

Madison is our Therapeutic Riding Instructor and ESMHL in Training. Madison has 20+ years experience as a horsewoman. Her career started at Glade Spring Equestrian Center, and has continued through the years. She has priorly worked for A Broken Spur Riding Academy before as well and has experience with equine assisted services and therapeutic horsemanship. She has trained horses and led trails and a trail guide at A Glade Springs Equestrian Center, has knowledge of horse care from the ground up and is very passionate for the horse industry. She has her Associates degree in Applied Science and holds her Medical Assisting license. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in social work., and once graduated aim to continue to get her Masters in Social work as well, leading us into eventually being able to do more with mental health and our programs. such as an equine facilitated psychotherapy program We look forward to growing and expanding our options for our participants with Ms. Madison.

Erica Meadows

PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and ESMHL in Training

Erica Meadows is in training to become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor along with ESMHL training and further along; ——- training with groups and special needs instructing.

Erica grew up with horses and trained even as a little girl. She loves and respects all aspects of horses and especially enjoys the therapeutic process you receive back from them.

Erica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education that she received from Concord University with fundamentals in Special Education. She has years of experience with children and even special needs. She is a wife along with being a mother of three wonderful children. Erica holds a strong desire with therapy and the benefits that come along with it. Taking the desire for therapy, along with the love for horses and together makes happiness and healing potential ❤️