Equestrian Bridges Team
Horses + Humans. Purpose + Impact. Community + Connection.
At Equestrian Bridges, our team combines professional expertise with genuine heart for people and horses. Our certified instructors and staff are committed to creating inclusive, high-quality equine-assisted programs that support wellness, confidence, and connection for our Northwest Arkansas community.
Shanna Dozier
Founder & Executive Director
PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Certified Equine Specialist in EAGALA
Shanna is a founding member of Equestrian Bridges and has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission and growth since its inception. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, pairing her academic expertise with more than 20 years of horsemanship experience.
Kristylee Ricketts
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Kristylee serves as a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Equestrian Bridges, bringing years of experience in animal care, education, and therapeutic recreation. She is passionate about connecting people and horses through programs that support growth, confidence, and well-being. She earned her degree in Recreational Therapy with a focus on combining the outdoors, animals, and human development, and has presented research on the healing powers of horses at a national conference. PATH certified since 2020, she has worked with both animals and youth in a variety of supportive and instructional roles. A longtime adventurer who has lived across the country, Kristylee enjoys spending her free time outdoors — gardening, exploring trails with her dog, and seeking out new mountain experiences.
Dan Miller
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Dan brings more than 20 years of horse experience to Equestrian Bridges, where he teaches riders of all ages and backgrounds with an emphasis on English riding. After graduating college, he competed successfully in eventing, dressage, cross country, and show jumping in his home state of Pennsylvania. Before pursuing equine instruction, Dan worked as a chemist and later became a stay-at-home dad while raising his daughter. His passion for horses led him to begin volunteering at Horses for Healing after moving to Arkansas, where he became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.At Equestrian Bridges, Dan is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for riders to confidently learn new skills and develop a deeper understanding of horses. Outside of the arena, Dan enjoys traveling abroad to experience new cultures and scuba diving in warm tropical oceans.
Kate Brewer
Stable Director
Kate coordinates the team within the office and stable, ensuring clear communication and efficient operations that keep Equestrian Bridges running smoothly. She joined the organization after a 23-year career managing a small animal veterinary clinic and brings extensive experience in leadership and client care. Following seven years of volunteering at an equine-assisted facility, Kate discovered her true passion for this work. The joy she witnesses in participants and families at Equestrian Bridges makes each day deeply rewarding. Outside of work, Kate is enjoying her empty-nest years with her husband after raising five boys. She also has her own horse and enjoys riding across her family’s 50+ acres.
Maddie Markell
CHA EWI Instructor
Maddie supports Equestrian Bridges as our Volunteer Coordinator, where she oversees all volunteer trainings, fosters personal relationships, and provides guidance to help each volunteer feel confident, supported, and truly part of the bridge. In addition to her coordination role, Maddie also serves as a CHA-certified English & Western Instructor, enriching our programs with her strong equestrian background. Originally from Pennsylvania, Maddie began her journey in the equine world by volunteering at local barns, where she developed her skills in English riding and jumping. Her passion for animal training extends far beyond horses—she has hands-on experience working with dogs, macaws, camels, and more, bringing a unique depth of knowledge to her work with our herd and participants. Her love for animal care and behavioral training also led her to volunteer at the National Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri, further shaping her commitment to animal welfare and education. Maddie’s diverse experience, dedication to volunteers, and passion for equine-assisted learning make her an invaluable part of the Equestrian Bridges team.
Becky Duggar
Equine Care & Programs Assistant
Becky supports Equestrian Bridges through a variety of roles, assisting with programs as well as feeding and caring for the therapy herd. Her dedication ensures that both the horses and participants receive the attention and care they need for successful sessions. She earned her Associate of Arts in General Studies from Crowder College in 2018 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness, along with a certificate in Exercise Science, from Missouri Southern State University in 2024. Becky plans to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Raised in Missouri, Becky grew up surrounded by animals, an experience that inspired her lifelong love of horses and chickens and continues to guide her passion for equine-assisted programs today.
Kate Remer
Equine Care Assistant
Kate supports Equestrian Bridges by feeding and caring for the therapy horses as well as preparing them for a variety of sessions. She is currently a student at the University of Arkansas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture with a minor in Equine Science. With over eight years of riding experience, primarily in western barrel racing, Kate brings a strong equine background and a deep love for horses to her role. She adores each of the therapy horses and cares for them as if they were her own herd. When she’s home from school, Kate looks after several of her own mules and horses. Beyond the barn, she is also an avid crocheter and enjoys expressing her creativity through all kinds of crafts.
Kelsey Phillips
Communications Director
CHA & EWI Certified Instructor
Kelsey serves as Equestrian Bridges’ Communications & Outreach Director, leading marketing, storytelling, and community engagement efforts that elevate our mission. She also supports programs as a CHA English & Western Instructor, blending her communication skills with her lifelong love of horses. Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Communications, and Technology, with a minor in Agricultural Leadership, from the University of Arkansas. Raised on her family’s horse ranch in Northwest Arkansas, she grew up training and competing in barrel racing—experience that continues to shape her passion for equine-assisted programs today. In addition to her work at EB, Kelsey is the founder of KP Media, a videography business specializing in agriculture and equine storytelling. Her creative expertise strengthens EB’s voice across digital platforms and community outreach.
Elayna Wells
Speech-Language Pathologist
American Hippotherapy Association Level One
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Elayna discovered her love of horses at just eight years old and has carried that passion into her work at Equestrian Bridges. With a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Arkansas and more than a decade of experience as a speech-language pathologist, she brings both clinical expertise and compassion to her role. She has completed the American Hippotherapy Association’s Level One training and is a former PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor, adding specialized knowledge to the programs she supports. Elayna is dedicated to helping riders of all ages and abilities build confidence, experience growth, and find joy through meaningful time with horses. At home, Elayna enjoys life with her “herd,” which includes three beloved dogs and her daughter.
Kimberely Wells
Administrator Assistant
Kimberley grew up in Northwest Arkansas on a working cattle and broiler ranch before spending time in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas City. She has called Rogers home for more than 25 years, where she enjoys her faith, family, friends, Beaver Lake, animals, and giving back to her local community. Retired from successful careers in retail management and secondary education, she brings decades of experience in business, marketing, organization, student success, and client service to her role at Equestrian Bridges. Since 2021, she has supported the organization through marketing efforts and volunteer work, and now serves as the Administrator Coordinator. Her commitment and wide-ranging skills ensure that both administrative and daily operations run smoothly, allowing the mission of equine therapy to thrive.
John Fish
Equine & Stable Manager
John ensures the wellbeing of the horses and oversees the smooth daily operations of the barn at Equestrian Bridges. He holds a degree in Animal Science from Andrews University and brings over 25 years of horsemanship experience, including 15 years managing a large-scale commercial horse operation in Keystone, Colorado. John’s deep love for horses and his extensive background fuel his commitment to the transformative mission of EB. At Equestrian Bridges, John is dedicated to making the facilities the best they can be in Rogers while helping guide the organization’s transition to its new property in Lowell. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife Aimee, walking their dog Luke, and exploring Northwest Arkansas. He’s also an avid fan of disc golf, roller coasters, scuba diving, downhill skiing, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Colorado Rockies.
Cory Bourque
AQHA Pro-Horseman & Team Wrangler
Therapy Horse Trainer and Equine Team Leader
Cory brings decades of horsemanship experience to Equestrian Bridges, beginning his career as a teen working on ranches and excelling in bulldogging. Alongside his wife, Nicole, he owns and operates the 2 H Bar Ranch in Abbeville, Louisiana, where they raise their two children, Hunter and Haylee. He has trained with renowned clinicians including Dennis Reis, Chris Cox, Jack Brainard, and Eitan Beth-Halachmy, refining his skills in colt starting, horsemanship, and problem-solving with horses. His achievements include winning the Dennis Reis Colt Starting Challenge in 2010 and the Louisiana Equine Council Colt Starting Championship in 2011, as well as competing in the Mustang Million and Mustang Makeover with top placements. Cory also shared his horsemanship expertise in the feature film Secretariat and now contributes his deep knowledge and belief in the bond between horses and people to the mission of Equestrian Bridges.
Brooke Smith
Equine Care Coordinator
Brooke serves as Equestrian Bridges’ Equine Care Coordinator, bringing over two decades of horsemanship experience to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our therapy herd. An Arkansas native, Brooke holds a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Science from the University of Arkansas. Brooke’s career includes managing and training horses across a variety of disciplines, as well as serving as a wrangler in Angel Fire, New Mexico. She has experience starting colts, working with wild mustangs and rescues, and training horses for clients throughout Northwest Arkansas. For Brooke, equine therapy is a deeply personal calling. She believes in the healing connection between horses and humans and takes pride in fostering relationships that bring peace, confidence, and understanding to both. Outside of her work, Brooke enjoys fox chasing, showing, and trail riding her two horses, as well as crafting, camping, thrifting, and spending time with her husband and their four “fur babies."