Our Instructors
Carla Murphy
Equestrian Center Director
Carla is a lifelong horse lover. Carla became the Equestrian Center Director in 2006 after working at Glade Run Lutheran Services as a group therapy planner and facilitator. She says, "Most people probably wouldn't see the connection between grooming or riding a horse and therapy or social work; but I see it every day. All riding can be therapeutic!" She's worked hard to build an accepting and challenging program where riders (and aspiring riders) can experience personal growth while they're advancing their equine knowledge and riding skills.
In addition to her extensive personal experience, she is a certified clinician through the American Association for Horsemanship Safety (AAHS) and has a bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University. She also regularly teaches for United States Pony Club and 4-H groups. Carla has a true passion for teaching and is particularly fond of dressage, jumpers, and eventing.
If you would like to speak with Carla about questions, donations, lessons, or reservations you may reach her at stables@lutherlyn.com or 724-496-5535.
Hailey Hughes
Riding Instructor
Hailey is a lifelong rider and has placed in both the Pennsylvania State Horse Show and district 4-H qualifying shows. She has also competed in eventing and dressage shows; and a long time pony club member. Hailey has a bachelor's degree in biology from Westminter College, where she was the president of the Equestrian Club; she has also graduated from Slippery Rock University for her Masters in Secondary Math and Science Education.
She has a passion for the bond that riders form with horses and loves riding and teaching others. Hailey owns a Quarter Horse named Sir Boston Chip, known around the Barn as Rooster.
Volunteers
No horse experience required!
In addition to a committed staff, the LEC is also blessed with hardworking and committed volunteers who help us keep things running smoothly. In addition to helping us care for our herd members, dozens of general maintenance projects are completed by our wonderful volunteers. They keep our students and herd safe by mending and maintaining fence lines, clearing ditches during rainy seasons, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, repairing gates and stalls, cutting grass, cleaning and organizing the tack room (or supply area), helping with therapeutic riding sessions, and much more.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Carla, the Equestrian Center Manager at 724-496-5535, no horse experience is required; anyone can help us make a difference!
