Our Staff
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AVRIL FEDERANKO
Therapeutic Riding Instructor Happy Hooves and Eden Farms I moved to South Carolina from England in 2008. A year later I came to Eden Farms as a volunteer and then in 2011 became an instructor. I started my horse career in events and show jumping, which I loved and then later became fascinated by the discipline of dressage. I rode my own dressage horses in England for over 25 years and was lucky enough to have the pleasure of owning a horse capable of Prix St George. I achieved this with the great help of my trainer Paul Hayler, a talented and dedicated teacher who is a successful international rider, trainer and judge. My intention was to retire when moving to this lovely state, but couldn’t stay away from horses. So here I am and delighted to be involved with Eden Farms and Happy Hooves. I now have the pleasure of helping train horses and teach riders of all ages. I have also obtained my Therapeutic Riding certification from PATH since being here. |
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NICOLE McWHORTER
Therapeutic Riding Instructor Happy Hooves and Eden Farms I have been at Eden Farms since 2014. I started bringing my girls out for arena rides in 2013, shortly after we moved to the area, in hopes that they would fall in love with horses just like I did! Not long after, I started volunteering and very soon after that I was asked to fill a spot on the Eden Farms staff. I had the pleasure of leading Tonka during one of our events, Christmas at the Barn. I had heard about Helen and her story during my time at Eden Farms and had helped with numerous therapy lessons and programs, but it was during that Christmas at the Barn that I got to meet Helen’s family and hear their story. That is where my journey as a therapeutic riding instructor began. (Helen’s Hugs is a non-profit organization established in memory of Helen Corontzes who died tragically in March 2006. All funds generated provide opportunities for special children to participate in therapeutic equestrian programs. Tonka was Helen’s beloved horse, who now resides at Eden Farms.) I am married and have two wonderful children. I have lived in the Upstate most of my life and just moved to this area five years ago. I started riding as a young girl, and one of the horses we had was an Arabian named Niko. He was my first horse love and will forever hold a special place in my heart! I enjoy teaching lessons every week and meeting new students. I look forward to seeing my regular students weekly, and I hope to continue to instruct here at Eden Farms and Happy Hooves for a long time! |
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BECKY SWEENEY
Equine Specialist and Barn Manager Eden Farms, Proud Home of Happy Hooves I help riders of all ages and abilities enjoy and improve their lives through equine related programs and therapies. It’s exciting to know that God's magnificent horses can be used to run fast, jump high, and hit the trail, but deep down I felt they could do even more and have greater purpose. In therapy lessons, I see people's perspectives changed, hope restored, and healing begin when they interact with horses. This isn't just a rare peek every once in a while: we see it all the time at Eden Farms. Every time you work with the horses it is like a blank slate: no judgments or presuppositions. Like with Christ, horses do not judge and accept you where you are. Everyday is different (and busy!). I love working with my family, being outside with the horses, and knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of others right here in the Upstate. When I graduated college, I was sure I wanted to live overseas as a missionary, but now I know this is my mission field. Since Happy Hooves was started in 2005, the more I see the effects of equine therapies, the less I truly understand as to what is really happening with the healing and growth-taking place. I believe that God has a special plan and purpose for every person (and horse!) that comes through our barn gates. My job is to give them the best horse experience I can with the resources I have available to me. I am an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist, and wear many hats at Happy Hooves. I am happily married and mother of three great children, I co-lead two different Girl Scout troops, am a class mom for First Presbyterian Academy, as well as active in my church. |
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EMILY VAZQUEZ
Feeder, Caretaker Happy Hooves and Eden Farms I joined Happy Hooves and Eden Farms as an intern, and prior to that, I studied psychology while working as a teacher's aide for 2 years at a school in the inner city of Milwaukee. During this time, I became interested in equine therapy as a viable option for special needs and at-risk youth. After moving to South Carolina, I began searching for an internship that would allow me to personally observe and experience all that equine assisted therapy has to offer. I was thrilled to discover that Happy Hooves would be able to help me along in my journey! My plan is to complete my internship and, thereby, my B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University this spring, and will continue with Happy Hooves as Feeder/Caretaker/Camp Leader. I love staying active both mentally and physically, and am happiest when I can engage in both simultaneously. Working at Eden Farms and with the Happy Hooves program has been an enormous blessing because it allows me to do that! I love how engaging every moment is and that I am constantly gaining new knowledge through meaningful interactions with my coworkers, the students, parents, and teachers who visit us every day, and even the horses! Some interesting things about me: this year, my husband and I are on a quest to visit each one of South Carolina's State Parks. I am addicted to the Sulphur Springs Trail at Paris Mountain State Park. I love reading cookbooks and memoirs. I enjoy DIY projects and fancy myself handy with a power drill. |
