Purple Pony
Therapeutic Horsemanship
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors meets monthly to so that Purple Pony runs smoothly. They collaborate to plan fundraising events, schedule lessons, ensure policies are being followed, signing up new volunteers, and riders, and much much more! We wouldn't be Purple Pony without them!
PRESIDENT;
BOARD CHAIR
DANIEL
KILKER
Gail Ehmann lives in Chili Center with her husband Jim. She owns a home-based business imprinting
ceramic mugs with sublimation. After spending 30 years raising their three children, Gail was looking for
a way to fill her empty nest in 2010. A lifelong love of horses, childhood riding lessons, a degree in
Elementary Education and a love of working with kids made therapeutic riding a perfect mix to give her
a purpose. After a year of volunteering, lessons, and barn chores, she was invited to join the Board of
Directors. She soon found her niche as volunteer coordinator, using her organizational skills and
experience coordinating volunteers for Gates Chili Marching Band. Gail loves all aspects of her
involvement with Purple Pony, from behind the scenes planning to working with the volunteers, horses
and riders.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
GAIL
EHMANN
REBECCA DONOHUE
GRANT WRITER;
EQUUS FOUNDATION LIAISON
Becky shares her love of horses and helping others through volunteerism with Purple Pony’s Therapeutic Horsemanship program. Hailing from a local two hundred year old farm family, she finds satisfaction in the barn participating in rider lessons and caring for horses.
The opportunity to combine where you came from to what you’ve become solidifies her commitment to the program. It can be the healing power of the horse for riders, camaraderie between volunteers, or the familiar scent of childhood memories.
Embracing the dedication of the organization, Becky utilizes her diverse professional background in business management and finance as a board member, grant writer, and EQUUS Foundation liaison.
INSTRUCTORS
Lynnette Short has been with Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship in some capacity since her children were young. They started as riders in the program. Lynnette became a volunteer who started as a side walker, then a horse leader. Eventually, Lynnette was in charge of tack for Friday night lessons in addition to leading. She joined the Board of Directors in 2014 as the person in charge of Equine Care. This role she gladly shares now with Patty Famiglietti. In 2015, Lynnette trained to become a PATH certified instructor under the guidance of Karen Reeverts.
On a personal note, Lynnette lives in Ogden with her husband who also volunteers for Purple Pony. She is a special education teacher in the Holley Central School District. Lynnette has worked with students with special needs of all ages since 1988. She loves working with this population of riders and these horses. We also have special volunteers who give their heart and soul to the program to give it life.
LYNETTE SHORT
EQUINE CARE
PATH INT'L CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Kylee has a bachelors degree in human services. She has been around horses for about 5 years and loves it! Kylee has been with Purple Pony for a year. She absolutely loves teaching and watching the students grow. There’s nothing better than seeing their independence. The smiles on their faces during class makes it all worth it.
PATH INT'L INSTRUCTOR
KYLEE
BUCHEL
Karen has been associated with PP since 2005 when it was established as a 501c3 organization.
In 2006 Karen earned her registered level instructor certification through PATH International and has been teaching classes, and mentoring new instructors throughout the years. Having worn many hats for the organization, Karen understands the "iceberg" principle and dedication necessary to make a program such as Purple Pony function effectively.