Instructors

Head Instructor, Morgan Matteson

morgan@brighthorizonsriding.org

Morgan is a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor.

In 2001 Morgan Matteson began volunteering at Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Center in Pendleton, OR. From there her dreams began to take shape. After high school she pursued her nursing degree with the intent of having her own therapy center on the side but she discovered that she could instead earn a degree in Therapeutic Horseback Riding. In the fall of 2008 she began at Rocky Mountain College, in Billings, Montana, and in the summer of 2010, she had an internship at Healing Reins TRC in Bend, where she learned how to teach therapeutic riding lessons.

In December 2010, during her Christmas break, she purchased her horse Wynn who she had started that fall in school in the "Colt Breaking" class at RMC. By February of 2011, Morgan discovered that Wynn was pregnant, and in April welcomed her (mother's) new colt Hodge into the world. This May she graduated with a B.S. in Therapeutic Horseback Riding. She began her new job as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Bright Horizons TRC located in Siletz, OR nine days after she graduated. She then became certified through PATH Intl. in June. She loves her job and cannot imagine doing anything else. "I get to play with horses and see many different people and children every day. I enjoy making the relationships with these special people and I hold each of my riders and their family members in a very special place in my heart! I could not ask for a better life."

Part-time Instructor, Tammy Vance

tammy@brighthorizonsriding.org

Tammy is a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. She infuses the organization with her enthusiasm for instructing and her vast knowledge of horses.  Students and volunteers alike benefit from her extensive background as a barrel racer, drill team member, gaming competitor, wilderness pack team leader and horse owner.  Tammy has also been involved with 4-H and was the 1991 Lincoln County Rodeo Queen.  Tammy resides in Siletz with her husband Corey and two children.

Tammy Vance with her daughter
click to enlarge

Tammy Vance with her daughter