Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
An innovative therapeutic approach involving horses and humans in a rural setting.

Shelly Vaughn
ACSW, LMSW, ACP, LPC, LMFT

Ms. Vaughn is a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in individual, family and group counseling. She is licensed by the state of Texas as an advanced clinical practitioner, licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Baylor University and her masters degree at the University of Texas at Arlington she worked as a juvenal probation officer in the alternative programs with the Dallas County juvenal department. She served as case manager at Letot Center, a short term residential facility for status offenders.

Ms. Vaughn went into private practice in 1984. Her primary objective for self-employment was to develop the JOYRIDE therapeutic program. She has done extensive post-graduate training with her mentor Richard D. Carson. She is currently an advanced trainee of Carson's Gremlin Taming Institute.

In addition to JOYRIDE, Ms. Vaughn has served as a consultant for businesses and agencies. She has been a continuing education teacher for counselors seeking their post-graduate state licensures. She is the author of the "On Track" drug education curriculum commissioned by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the L.E.T.S. program commissioned by the Dallas Independent School District.

Ms. Vaughn also teaches riding lessons and trains horses.  For more information, go to the Patchwork Frams website at www.ShellyVaughn.com/PatchworkFarms.

Cash Cash is the son of Cay Harla, the equine founder of JOYRIDE. He is a chestnut quarter horse gelding and has been a JOYRIDE therapist all of his 19 years. In addition he competes in both jumping and dressage shows. Cash is the "leader of the pack" and has a James Dean personality - he really wants a hug, but is just too cool to ask for it!

Alex Alex is the new kid on the block. He joined JOYRIDE two years ago at the age of six. He is a bay paint gelding without the "paint" - unless you count the 10 white hairs on his side. Alex is always into mischief and his middle name is "no". His favorite pastimes are licking anything, untying shoelaces and drinking Sprite.

Sassy Sassy is a rescue horse. She joined JOYRIDE at the age of two when she suddenly found herself homeless due to the death of her owner. She is a 12-year-old chestnut quarter horse mare with a beautiful flaxen mane and tail. Her trot is so smooth it feels like she is ice-skating. She's also the "boss mare" in the pasture and keeps everyone in line.

Maidie Maidie has been part of JOYRIDE since she was two days (yes, days) old. Unfortunately, she had to take some time off from her work as a JOYRIDE therapist when she injured her leg six years ago. Rehab for her injury has taken a long time, but she can once again be ridden and has resumed her duties as a therapist. Maidie's a beautiful 12-year-old quarter horse mare and somewhat of a diva. She does not think she should work and believes that her good looks and sparkling personality alone should be enough to earn her carrots.

Lark Lark thinks her life is a soap opera and has earned the nickname of "get over it". She's a relative newcomer to the JOYRIDE program and has been part of it for the last four of her 12 years. She's a beautiful bay quarter horse/Arabian cross mare who loves having her picture taken.

Remington Remington is our "gentle giant" at 17.2 hands (6' at top of back).  He is a 21 year old chestnut Thoroughbred.  Remington started his career on the race track and then moved on to jumping.  He was a famous Grand Prix jumper in the Chicago area.  He joined JOYRIDE 2 years ago when injuries put an end to his jumping career.  He loves to pet Shelly on her head with his chin.

Copyright 2003, Mary Sticken.  Photography by Mary Sticken.