SPARROWHAWK EQUINE PARTNERS
Our organization is dedicated to providing a unique and impactful approach to personal growth and healing through equine-assisted programs. By combining the therapeutic benefits of horses with a supportive environment, we are helping individuals develop greater self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. Our commitment to helping equine breeds in need and humans in need or in danger is our passion. Our organization is driven by a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of both humans and animals. Some programs and services include: - Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for individuals with mental health challenges - Equine-assisted learning (EAL) for personal growth and development - Horse rescue and rehabilitation programs - Community outreach and education initiatives - Support groups for individuals affected by trauma or crisis Our mission serves as a guiding force for our organization's work. We keep shining a light on the transformative power of human-horse connections!
Sparrowhawk Equine Partners is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization.
At Sparrowhawk Equine Partners, we’re all about putting horses in the spotlight! Our mission? Creating amazing partnerships between horse and rider—whether you’re into eventing, hunting, or simply enjoying the trails. We believe that for true success, the horse should be just as passionate about the sport as the rider. This mutual love is key, no matter the path you choose! We’re dedicated to cultivating a profound trust and connection between horse and rider, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our facility is all about inclusivity and fun—especially for kids! We encourage our younger riders to join Pony Club and participate in our lively online meetings, which dive into a variety of exciting horse management topics. Come join the adventure with us!
About Us
Dawn Barclay
Dawn grew up on a working farm in Kentucky. Raised by her grandparents, her love of horses started at an early age with a Shetland pony named Peanut! Although, she never had a formal lesson in her youth. She was able to ride almost daily in her teens. A big hiatus from horses during her path to becoming a physician and having a family! Life was brought full circle when her oldest child was passionate about horses from a very early age. Then countless hours at the barn being a mom lead her to meet Herschel aka The Game plan. An unlikely partnership led to her returning to riding! Many years of supporting Ayden. Then came the exposure to the perfect pony Brazil.
Dawn is enthusiastically dedicated to the mission of the Bureau of Land Management! One of their fantastic initiatives is the Wild Horse and Burro Program, which was created to bring the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act to life—an important piece of legislation that Congress passed in 1971. This wonderful law recognizes wild horses and burros as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West," giving the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service an important role in managing and protecting these majestic herds within areas where they roamed freely in 1971.
Dawn is leading the way in equine therapy, bringing joy to both animals and humans alike. That's the magic that sparked when she crossed paths with Mary!
Ayden Schain
Our incredible in-house trainer, Ayden Schain, is off on an exciting sabbatical in England! They're sharpening their skills and gathering fresh insights to bring back to our vibrant equine community. Keep tuned in for updates and opportunities for you to get involved in Ayden’s journey.
Ayden's passion for horses has been an exhilarating journey since her childhood! Growing up, her grandparents would whisk her away to a thrilling riding camp every summer in the beautiful Berkshires, MA. At just 11, she finally convinced her parents to get her her very first pony! She was fortunate enough to kickstart her riding adventure at WestWinds Farm, surrounded by amazing friends, all working after school to help cover some of her pony's board.
That’s where her love for the thrilling sport of 3-day eventing ignited! At 17, she tackled her first preliminary and set sights on the next level. That’s when she met Anna Loschiavo, who introduced me to the exhilarating upper levels and guided me from a junior rider into a confident horsewoman and upper-level competitor.
Through Anna’s guidance, she discovered her incredible horse, Fernhill Hole Shot. Together, they’ve conquered multiple CCI3* events, and celebrated top placements at Intermediate, including the thrilling Maryland 3*L! She had the honor to learn from legends like Leslie Law and David O’Connor, whose support has been pivotal in her growth.
Over the years, she's uncovered her true passion for starting and training young horses while simultaneously chasing her upper-level aspirations. She is absolutely dedicated to properly preparing these young prospects, equipping them with the skills they need for a successful future. The journey continues, and we can’t wait to see where it leads!
Tracey Wilkerson
Tracey brings an exciting mix of skills to the table! She’s not only a driving expert but also offers lessons in basic horsemanship for beginners and intermediates. With her training in equine-assisted therapy, she focuses on enhancing mental health through the power of horses! Tracey’s adventurous spirit! A lifetime outdoor enthusiast, she has an impressive background as an Outward Bound instructor, teaching teens through immersive experiences. Her expertise spans various outdoor settings, where she has successfully instructed all ages in vet science, farming, and animal husbandry. The energy and enthusiasm she brings to her teaching are truly inspiring!
Hazel Colby
Hazel’s journey is equally thrilling, having grown up in a vibrant barn environment surrounded by a family of combined drivers and Morgan horses. As a teenager, she immersed herself in the world of dressage and honed her skills alongside top-tier dressage barns. She loves sparking that same passion for horses in kids and teens! Hazel is also on an exciting path to becoming a certified PATH instructor, dedicated to facilitating equine-assisted mental health sessions. And let’s not forget about
Mary Lester
Mary has happily joined our team along with her amazing horses! Hailing from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Mary discovered her passion for eventing at just 8 years old while growing up on a working horse and cattle farm, thanks to the incredible support of her parents, Bill and Kathy.
As she progressed through the levels, Mary had the fantastic opportunity to work alongside renowned figures such as 1992 Olympians Todd Trewin and Jill Walton, FEI 5* Judge Axel Steiner, and Olympic coach Jack Le Goff during her time with Young Riders. After that, she continued her journey with the talented Andrew Popiel and Frederic Bouland. Her dedication led her to the US Developing Rider program, which took her to the East Coast, where she trained with Jim Stamets and later with Peter Atkins.
Mary’s love for Pony Club started at a young age, and she remains actively involved today, teaching and holding clinics at summer programs, spreading her joy for riding. She has competed successfully at the Prix St. Georges level in Dressage and has reached the Advanced level in Three-Day Eventing, even listed for the Olympics! As an enthusiastic event instructor, she’s helped countless horses develop through the levels with great success.
Audrey Bean Bailey - Regular Clinician
Audrey grew up competing in Maine Combined Training Association and the United States Eventing Association as well as being an active member in her local Pony Club. She went on to work for International Event riders David and Lauren O’Brien of Kincora Farm in Southern Pines NC, where she had the opportunity to compete at the Intermediate and CCI Two Star levels in Eventing. After her horse was retired, she moved back to Maine to help run Pendragon Farm with her Mom, Sandy Porter-Bean. Together, they have established a program for any level of rider with the main focus being Eventing and Pony Club. Audrey is currently bringing along several of her Off The Track Thoroughbreds as well as clients horses and has high hopes for all of them!
