Our Mission
Who we are and why we exist.
Leg Up Equine Learning Center empowers individuals of all abilities through equine-assisted services, adaptive riding, traditional riding instruction, and experiential learning programs that foster confidence, resilience, connection, and personal growth.
Our Vision: To become a premier equine center where horses inspire healing, learning, and personal achievement while creating an inclusive community that serves individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations.
The founding team
Meet the co-founders.
Sean O'Malley
Co-Founder & Program Director
PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL
Sean's connection to therapeutic riding began at age three, when he first rode at a therapeutic riding center himself. He has spent six years working at a therapeutic riding center professionally, experiencing the program from every vantage point — as a client, a volunteer, and an instructor. That full-circle experience is what drove him to co-found Leg Up.
Nicole Ramirez
Co-Founder & Executive Director
PATH Intl. ESMHL, Eponaquest
Nicole is a PATH Intl. certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, combining a lifelong love of horses with a passion for helping others heal and grow. Raised on a farm in Central Florida, she trained under renowned author Linda Kohanov of Eponaquest. She brings a degree in Elementary Education and 15 years of small-business ownership to the Executive Director role.
Core values
What guides everything we do.
Empowerment
Helping individuals discover their strengths and abilities.
Resilience
Encouraging perseverance and personal growth.
Compassion
Providing a supportive and welcoming environment.
Connection
Building meaningful relationships through horses.
Inclusion
Ensuring opportunities for people of all abilities.
Excellence
Delivering high-quality, professional equine programs.
Where we are
Pre-formation / Concept Stage
Leg Up Equine Learning Center is currently in the pre-formation stage — meaning no land, herd, or legal entity yet exists. What does exist is a clear plan, fully credentialed founders, and a community ready to be served.
We are actively recruiting founding board members, welcoming donor conversations, and building the relationships that will make Leg Up a reality.