MISSION STATEMENT
LEAD Therapeutic Riding promotes horsemanship and wellness for people with physical, mental, or emotional needs, through equine-assisted activities.
Our Story
Meet our Program Director: Dara Jenkins, RN, MSN, CCRN
Dara is dedicated to helping others. She has combined her love of horses with her years of experience in pediatric nursing to become a therapeutic riding instructor. With her skilled experience she can provide a supportive, safe environment for individuals to connect with horses and benefit from the healing power of riding. Therapeutic riding is a powerful tool for physical, cognitive, and emotional healing.
Johnny Salinas
Johnny is the owner of Proactive Mechanical Services, a company providing industrial heating and cooling in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. A long-time equine enthusiast, he has been a supporter of LEAD from the beginning. He is the current Board Chair helping to provide leadership and direction.
Vicki Wiggins
Vicki has been around horses all her life and got her first horse at the age of 10. She has been a licensed. trainer in Texas, California, Oklahoma and New Mexico. She’s worked in the press box at Remington Park in Oklahoma City and did a results line for WWLS Sports Radio.
Rosie Latarski
Rosie is now retired after dedicated 30 years as a customer service agent with Southwest Airlines. She was raised around the horse track in Ruidoso Downs and her connection to horses stretches back to 1964. She is a loving mother who raised a child with different challenges. This experience gives her a unique perspective and deep compassion for her work with LEAD, which is now her main passion in life beyond her faith, which comes first. In addition to sitting on the board, Rosie is one of LEAD’s regular volunteers.
Randy Livingston
Bill Levy
Bill is our newest board member. He has a degree in music education and has taught high school and Jr. high band. He also plays the French horn in the El Paso Wind Symphony. He previously owned a plumbing business. His connection to horses began at age 50 when he joined the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse. Before joining the board, Bill has been a volunteer with LEAD and he still shares his time assisting in sessions. He has witnessed improvements the program has provided the kids. He states, “They have a glow about them when riding”.
