Program Instructor Team
Ruth Nortje, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor - CPR, First Aid certified (AHA) - Mental Health 1st Aid certification (Natl Council for Behavioral Health) - Completed Military Culture modules: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals (DOD - Veterans Health Administration) - PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes webinars 2016, 2018 & 2022 - Extensive equine experience - 1996 & 2000 Olympian I have worked with & owned horses since I was a young girl. I trained as a sprint kayaker (1992-2004) & competed in 2 Summer Olympic Games & 1 Pan American Games. I then worked for 9 years at an Adaptive Riding & Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies Facility. |
Mike Lombardo (USN Ret.)
Program Instructor Mike served over 24 years in the Navy with multiple deployments to Iraq. His experience includes deep sea diving & salvage, harbor pilot, navigation, ground combat patrol leader & much more. Awards received: Navy Commendation Medal (2005-6), & Meritorious Service Medal (2012-2015) as Master Chief Quartermaster (surface warfare). Mike joined our program in April 2024 and was officially hired as our first employee in July 2024. Mike has extensive horse experience and is a great teacher, an outstanding leader and has a heart for his fellow Veterans. We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome Mike on board! |
Jan Kuhn - EAGALA trained Equine Specialist and Parelli Natural Horsemanship Trained Instructor
Jan joined our program in 2023 and has brought her amazing and extensive knowledge and skill to the programs, taking our participants to higher levels of horsemanship than ever before. Jan owns two horses, Pedar and Lily. 
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Kathy Hart, PATH Intl. Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning - CPR, First Aid certified (AHA) - Extensive equine experience - PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes webinars 2018 & 2022 Kathy grew up with horses and developed her knowledge and experience as a Veterinarian Assistant, breeding and training Thoroughbred sport horses, and as Program Director at a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Kathy brings her enthusiasm and extensive experience to Project Horses for Forces where she coordinates & teaches Veterans group sessions, working with the Mental Health Professionals in interpreting the horses' reactions & behaviors elicited during the session exercises. |
