The Carlisle Difference: Quality & Expertise
Carlisle Academy is a Premier Accredited Center of PATH, International, a USPC designated Pony Club Riding Center, as well as a International Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence by the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Para-Equestrian Association. The Academy works with 100 students per week and serves over 300 participants each year. The Academy is led by the Head of School, Sarah Chappell Armentrout, an Advanced Level PATH, International Instructor & Mentor, certified since 1995, maintaining a strong belief in an inclusive environment, a collaborative team approach, and program excellence.
Our Sports Program is staffed by a team of nationally certified instructors and internationally qualified coaches. We offer recreational, adaptive, para-equestrian sports, and pony club programs for youth and adults within an inclusive, community-building environment. The Sports Program has a distinct sport orientation offering both educational and competitive opportunities, complemented by the availability of Carlisle’s on-staff therapists who can provide athlete consultation on functional movement, strength, and equipment needs.
Our Therapy Program is led by a full-time occupational therapist, Susan Grant, OTR/L, HPCS, a practitioner of 35 years earning the esteemed status of Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) through the AHCB Board Certification, which represents the highest level of credentialing in the field. Additional on-staff physical and occupational therapists hold their AHCB-Certified Therapist or HPCS credentials with further specialization in Sensory Integration and Neuro-Developmental Treatment certifications. Professional horse handlers are on staff to long line and manage horses, creating safe, consistent lessons and optimal outcomes for the riders. The team is rounded out by lesson apprentices and clinical interns offering side walking support, while gaining professional mentoring in therapy and education. With our composition of highly talented and credentialed staff, the Academy has emerged as a center of excellence and leader within our industry.
Carlisle Academy has an affiliation and/or certification through the following equestrian organizations:
Staff
Sarah Armentrout, Head of School, Advanced PATH, Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor Certifications, Carlisle Pony Club Center Administrator, sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com
Irene Steltzer, Finance & HR Director, isteltzer@carlisleacademymaine.com
Susan Grant, OTR/L; HPCS, Therapy Program Director, Registered PATH, Intl. Therapeutic Riding and Driving Instructor Certifications, sgrant@carlisleacademymaine.com
Ally Abrahamson, Program Coordinator, PATH Instructor in Training, Horse Handler, Pony Club Instructor & Therapeutic Recreation Specialist,
aabrahamson@ carlisleacademymaine.com
Whitney Kent, Apprentice Coordinator, PATH, Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Horse Handler, apprenticeships@ carlisleacademymaine.com
Janet Smaldone, PT; HPCS: Staff Therapist
Rebecca Henry, OTR/L, AHCB-CT: Staff Therapist
Jane Tremlett, Dressage Instructor: CHA Level 3 Certified Coach, USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist and “L” Judge Graduate
Cynthia Paquette, Recreational Instructor: CHA Level I Certified Coach; Horse Handler
Trish Mason, Horse Handler Team Leader: Pony Club Assistant Center Administrator
Lucy Hunt, Graduate C-3 Pony Clubber: Pony Club Riding Instructor
Sarah Belanger: Horse Handler
Kristen Metevier: Horse Handler
Guest Instructors
Scott Monroe: Para-Driving Coach, Combined Driving Judge & Technical Delegate, Level II PATH Certified Driving Instructor, World Champion Singles Driver
Kate Murphy: USHJA Certified Instructor, USEA Area 1 Champion
Deb Dean Smith: Professional Dressage Instructor; USDF Gold Medalist
Richard Watson: Grand Prix Jumper & Trainer
Hanneke Gerritsen: FEI 5* Paralympic Dressage Judge and Deputy Chair FEI Technical Committee
Michel Assouline: Team Great Britain Para Equestrian Dressage Coach & International Dressage Rider