Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach

I became the TRCHB Treasurer when our previous Treasurer Kristi Mailing was transferred with her husband to China in 1997. For the past 26 years I have prepared taxes and done some light bookkeeping. I had been the treasurer of the short lived “Diamond Angels”, a group of women from the Equestrian Center who were concerned about the maintenance of the horses with TRC, and for the last 21 years, I have been the treasurer of Equestrian Trails, Inc, Corral 100. It was a good fit; except for QuickBooks, everything else was easy.

My horse, Azurun, was a rescue from the Los Alamitos Race Track. He is known as a running quarter. I got him

when he was 4 years old, January of 1991. We were with the trainer, Tina Duree, then and trained in Trail, Pleasure, Horsemanship, and Showmanship. We had many fun adventures in the show ring, and finally were Year End Show Champions in 1995, at the ETI Corral 100 Show Circuit. After that, Tina Duree moved out to Anaheim and Azurun and I did English with mild success at the AQHA level. I got tired of driving to Anaheim, so brought AZ back to HCPEC early in 2005.

Besides riding Azurun, I like to ride on vacations around the world. I have been to Ireland, Majorca, and Greece so far. I keep planning many more!! My husband, Mike and I take a trip once a year to somewhere outside the US, and I try to get on a horse each time, even if it isn't in the program! I have ridden a camel, an elephant, and almost got on a Yak in China. He didn't look too friendly, and the whole group we were with would have had to wait, so I didn't get on him but I fed him rice flour, which is a treat for a Yak!The best horse ride was in Jordan, where I galloped a young Arabian gelding in Petra!

Donna Brandt - Vice President
I grew up in Missouri. My grandparents had a 500 acre farm that we went to almost every weekend. I loved that place. They had all kinds of farm animals…and horses. We were never allowed to ride them though. My favorite was a horse named “Paint”. My cousins also had horses in their backyard, just 5 miles from my house. Yet, we couldn't ride them either. When I went to a college, I got involved in their riding program and rode saddle seat. I won some ribbons and found myself hooked.

I moved to California after graduating with an engineering degree and met my husband, Bruce. While living in Santa Ana Heights, we bought two racehorses and kept them in our backyard. We rode every chance we could. After our first child was born, we decided horses were too much work, so we moved to Huntington Beach. There, we had our second child, Jamie, who has severe developmental delays and autism. It wasn't until after our third child was born that I heard about the Therapeutic Riding Center. Jamie started riding with TRC at about 8 years old. She flourished. Pretty soon I was a sidewalker and horse leader. Fast forward 10 years and I am a board member and instructor.

Our entire family is involved with this unbelievable program. We all have volunteered and have helped with our fundraisers. I have seen first hand what this program can do for children and adults with all different types of disabilities. It builds confidence and self-esteem where there is usually little, as well as the obvious benefits of hippotherapy.

Today we own a sweet horse named Trigger that everyone in our family can ride. So, come join us in this rewarding journey as a volunteer, student or instructor! You won't be disappointed when you come away with much more than you can give!!

I grew up in Norco and Moreno Valley, Ca where my family was deeply involved with showing and breeding Pony of Americas. From the time I was 6 years old till I was 20, I showed horses. My family traveled across the country every summer showing our horses. I’ve shown Halter horses, Showmanship, English & Western Pleasure and Equitation, Western Reining and Riding, Trail and Gymkhana. I took riding lessons weekly to bi-weekly for all of the years we showed. We also trained our own horses (under the guidance of an instructor) and many of our horses earned the title of “Supreme Champion”. (This was earned by accumulating a certain number of points in each of the categories above). Frankly, I’m more comfortable with a horse than I am with most people. I cherish the memories of my youth and the unexplainable relationship I had with our horses.

As a board member and Instructor In-Training with TRC my goal is to aid others in experiencing and achieving that fleeting “moment” where horse and human move in accord with one another. To be able to participate and witness “these moments” with the students of TRC has truly been a blessing to me. I would encourage anyone to get involved. Come out and volunteer to help for a day, month, year…if you’re not the outdoors type come to a board meeting and share your ideas. Donate. We are a non-profit, ALL volunteer organization. The cost of housing and feeding a 1,000 pound animal in Huntington Beach is not an inexpensive venture. Your donation is always appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on one of “those moments.

My husband and I have lived in the Westminster / Huntington Beach area for the past 15 years and have four children, three who no longer live at home. By occupation, I am a Contract Administrator for a worldwide copy & printer manufacturer. I joined TRC as a volunteer in Jan 2009 and quickly fell in love with the program and the people involved with it, and wanted to play a bigger role. I was asked to join the board of directors later in the year and accepted.