Celtic Charms has moved, with all of its horses and critters, from New Jersey to North Carolina and we are now a forever retirement home for our extraordinary therapeutic riding horses. Sadly, we no longer offer lessons.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide care for equines previously engaged in therapeutic riding activities and/or for equines in need of assistance owing to neglect and/or the inability of previous owners to provide a proper level of care.
Who we are
Celtic Charms, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, located on a 72-acre quiet farm setting in Albemarle, NC.
WhAT WE DO
We are rewarding our Celtic Treasures for their years of service as therapeutic riding horses by giving them a retirement home where they can live out their lives happily and in peace.
CONTACT
Christine Landuyt
(732) 539 6754
info@celticcharms.org
20837 Sam Road
Albemarle, NC 28001
What is Therapeutic Horsemanship?
Therapeutic horsemanship, or equine-assisted activities and therapies (“EAAT”), provides students with the opportunity to learn about horseback riding, grooming, tacking, leading, horse care and behavior, and safety around horses. Celtic Charms helped students to reach their full potential, whether learning to maintain a balanced seat, navigating a five-step obstacle course, or going on a trail ride, and it’s fun! All of these activities have therapeutic benefits that can transfer to other areas of the student’s life.
horseback riding
Learning to ride a horse begins with balance, posture, and alignment. This is the foundation of horseback riding, whether you are a beginner or an Olympic rider. What is so wonderful about horses and riding is that the horse provides a dynamic base of support; a rider starts building core strength just by sitting on the horse. As the horse moves the rider is continually challenged to maintain his/her balance, requiring muscles to contract and relax to stay upright. Stopping and starting the horse, changing speed and direction increases the benefits. All of this movement helps strengthen core muscles and build muscle memory, thereby improving the three essentials - balance, posture and alignment.
benefits of therapeutic horsemanship
The many benefits of therapeutic horsemanship include:
developing riding skills and equine knowledge
improved balance, posture and alignment
improved physical and mental coordination
increased muscle strength
increased confidence
improved self-image and self-esteem
improved social skills
increased focus and concentration
improved planning and problem solving skills
learning how to take care of an animal
disabilities
Some of the disabilities that can benefit from therapeutic horsemanship include, ADD/ADHD, amputation, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, depression, developmental delay, down syndrome, head trauma/brain injury, hearing impairment, learning disability, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, speech impairment, and visual impairment.
CELTIC TREASURES
Horses and ponies were carefully chosen for their calm attitude, temperament, manners and adaptability. Ongoing training and exercise ensured their continuing suitability.
We ensure that our equine friends are happy and content by keeping their environment as natural as possible... in herds and out in the pasture.
Beautiful Bridie
bridie
Bridie is our gorgeous 15.3hh, chestnut, draft/quarter horse cross mare, who loved to work. She was strong enough to carry our larger students but gentle enough to carry our smallest!
Finn and Seamus
finn
Gentle Finn MacCool is our 15hh, chestnut, welsh/quarter horse cross gelding. Always ready to please he sensitively followed the directions given by our students. With lots of lift at the walk and trot he's perfect for the student who needed extra movement.
ROCKY
Rocky was a show pony before he “retired” to Celtic Charms. As a pony who had “been there, done that” he would only accept the best from our students. At 30 he more than deserves the best that retirement can offer.
ROCKY is leased to us by his loving family, Christie,
Kira
Little Kira is the perfect size for our smallest students...just the right size to walk next to without intimidating anyone.
Mazoo
Our rock star Mazoo, is a 15.3hh quarter horse paint. Preferring the company of people rather than horses, he commands attention... and gets it! He was always a crowd pleaser at our "Experience the Magic" days.
MAZOO is kindly sponsored by Chelsie and Chanel Desa.
merlin
Our little magician is a 11hh chestnut, welsh gelding who was perfect for our smallest students.
Riley
Handsome Riley is our 15.3hh chestnut (what other color would we have at Celtic Charms!) gelding. From "out west" he's a boys' boy and loves nothing better than to hang out with Mazoo at his new "home on the range"!
Tahra
Lovely Tahra is a sweet, 14.2hh chestnut, welsh/quarter pony cross. Sadly she has been retired for medical reasons but will continue to live with us…her forever home.
TAHRA is sponsored in loving memory of Lou Neubarth
SEAMUS
Seamus is, literally, the perfectly build pony.
SEAMUS is lucky to be sponsored by Thomas Dircks
Our Team
Board of Trustees
President: William M. Landuyt
Secretary: William M. Landuyt
Treasurer: Mark A. Alexander
Trustees: Henry O. Boenning – Wallace M. Conover
Staff
William Landuyt - PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor
Christine Landuyt - Path Intl. Certified Advanced Riding Instructor
Bill and Christine manage the farm on their own as volunteers (unpaid!), and continue to love working with these amazing animals.
Get Involved
As a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, we are dependent on the generosity and support of those people who believe in our mission. We could not run our retirement home without the help of our sponsors.
Be a sponsor
Sponsor one of our Magical Horses!
We need your financial support to help maintain the equine retirement home:
It costs approximately $5,000 per year to take care of one horse. This amount pays for the:-
vet including dental, annual vaccinations, medications and unexpected health issues such as hoof abscess, colic, dental surgery.
farrier including Softride boots
feed including supplements
horse supplies including rain sheets, fly masks,
stable supplies including fly spray, fly traps
hay
shavings
equipment including maintenance of tractor, fencing
Why not "sponsor" one of our horses for a month, six months or a year! It makes a great gift.
Donations can be made by either pressing the Donate button below, via credit card, making a contribution through PayPal, Venmo or by sending a check to Celtic Charms, Inc.
A copy of Celtic Charms' 2022 Form 990 is available upon request.