Cara Hayden - Founder

As a lifelong equestrian enthusiast, Cara has more than 25 years of management, trainer and instructor experience at well-known horse ranches and stables, equestrian centers and academies in California, New York, Connecticut and Maryland.

She has pursued college studies in all things horse-related, with a focus on equine business management and the veterinary technician profession. She earned her college degree in communications and studied at the Academy of Equine Dentistry.

As an active and hands-on student, Cara attended professional clinics and training with Wendy Wergeles, Ray Berta, Holly Mitten, George Morris and John Lassitor. She learned the disciplines of dressage, jumping, hunter/jumper, natural horsemanship and eventing riding. She currently applies natural horsemanship methods to all English and Western disciplines.

Kate Rodriguez - Co-Founder, Executive Director, Riding Instructor

From growing up riding in scenic Cape May, New Jersey to riding on the beaches of Southern California, horses have been a part of Kate’s life for over 30 years

Having grown up as an at-risk youth, a trauma survivor and raising a child with special needs, she has personally experienced the healing power that horses can provide and is passionate about connecting them with as many people in need as possible. She holds a certification in Equine Therapy from IAOTH (International Association of Therapists) and is currently pursuing certifications as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH International.

With over 20 years of managerial and executive experience in various industries, Kate is a natural leader and as Executive Director, she oversees the daily operations of Equine Empowerment Foundation including Program Development, Education and Training, Community Outreach, Fundraising, Volunteer Management and more.

Madison MacNeill - Riding Instructor

I started taking lessons as a child in jumping but coming from a lower-middle-class household, it was difficult to afford riding lessons so I took up the opportunity to work at the barn and help my trainer in exchange for lessons. Working at the barn as a child, I discovered my passion for riding and caring for horses and knew it was something that I always wanted in my life.

Now I have gone on to have many amazing opportunities, some of which have been assisting at an equine hospital, driving and caring for a great team of draft horses, and teaching lessons to people of all ages and skill sets.

I am currently attending Cal State Channel Islands to receive my bachelors in psychology, which is a step in the right direction towards the goal of becoming an equine therapist. Specifically, I am looking into Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.