Our Herd | Empowerstride

Come Inside the Barn

Let me introduce you to our Herd

Gigi, a 25-year old American Quarter Horse Mare

Gigi is a been there, done that kind of horse. She has been in the show ring competing in trail events, spent weekends on trails across three different states, and loves working in the arena. She is the largest of our herd at 15.2 hands.

Smarty is a 17-year-old American Quarter Horse Mare

Smarty has been in the show ring, came from out west, and was used for some ranch work. She is what is referred to as the "Boss Mare" of the herd. She makes sure that the herd is safe and in line always. She is built solid and strong at 14.2 hands.

Joker, a 11-year-old Gelding Pony

Joker is the newest member of the EmpowerStride Herd. He comes to us from a farm located outside of Pennsdale, Pa. He was used as a pulling a pony, but didn't love that job. His owner reached out, knowing that he may be the perfect fit for our programs.

Charlie, a 22-year-old Miniature Horse Gelding

Charlie was pulled out of a "kill pen" in Texas by a horse sale barn in my area, C & C Equine; thank you for saving Charlie. He came to my farm to become one of the EmpowerStride teachers and to teach my granddaughters all about horses and how to properly care for our equine friends. He is loved by everyone who meets him. Charlie is the smallest of the herd at 29".

Daisy, a 26-year-old Mini Sicilian Jenny. She is the newest member of the EmpowerStride Herd. She comes to us from a farm located outside of Williamsport, Pa. Her owner reached out after reading about our programs, knowing that she may be the perfect fit. Boy, is she ever! She loves attention, the children, and her new herd.

Rosie, a 24-year-old Pony Mare.

She is a retired pulling pony. She joined the herd after her owner decided she needed to retire and spend the rest of her life bringing happiness to others. Rosie is a sweet little mare that loves attention from anyone willing to give it.

Coda, a 10-year-old Quarter Horse Gelding.

I bought him at an auction in April 2026 with very little information. I came to find out that he was used in a feed lot in Texas. He worked hard every day to manage the herd of cattle that was being raised. His shortened, fragmented tail was chewed by the calves that were on the ranch. He is a very sweet food-dominant horse that loves his work at EmpowerStride already.

RIP Doc was a Quarter Horse Gelding

Doc was used extensively in Junior Rodeo events and competitions. He has developed Navicular and can no longer be used for rodeo events by his previous owner, Varner Farms. We are so lucky that our paths crossed; Doc was given to me as a generous gift from the Varner Family for our EmpowerStride programs.

We miss him every day! Thank you for helping to change so many lives.

About Our Facilitator

Suzy Foresman, Equine Assisted Learning Certified

With 34 years of experience as an educator, I have dedicated my life to working with children. Throughout my career, I have held various roles, including teacher, literacy coach, principal, curriculum supervisor, and mentor to many in public education. My passion for teaching and helping others has always been a driving force. After retiring, I wanted something meaningful to fill my time, and that's when I founded EmpowerStride, a non-profit equine-assisted learning program. After spending countless hours researching the best way to provide therapeutic opportunities for women and children, I knew it would be vital to learn everything I could, so I enrolled in Equine Connections Academy for Equine Assisted Learning. I studied their programs, took the national certification exam, and successfully attained my EAL certification.
I've had the privilege of working with many individuals, helping them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Everyone can succeed, and I'm committed to providing the support and guidance needed to make that happen for EmpowerStride participants. As someone who is a victim, I understand and can speak to the power of equine therapeutic experiences. I have been blessed to have had horses in my life that taught me to be the person I am today, and for that, I am forever thankful.
Outside of my work in education, I am also a wife, a mother of three boys, a mother-in-law to two incredible daughters, and a Gigi to five amazing grandchildren. I also share my life with four horses, two dogs, and a cat.

My love for horses has been a lifelong passion, and I have found that working with these magnificent animals brings me great joy and fulfillment. I look forward to sharing my passion in our serene environment with those who enter the barn doors of EmpowerStride.