equineeyes

About Us

Founder image

At Equine Eyes, we empower individuals with visual disabilities by providing trained miniature horses as service animals. Our mission enhances independence, increases mobility, and improves quality of life through innovative service horse training. Each trained horse is provided to each individual free of charge. By fostering the unique bond between humans and horses, we aim to create a world where every person with visual disabilities can lead a more fulfilling and self-sufficient life, and to enhance the effectiveness of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Our horses are more than service animals; they are trusted partners, trained with compassion and purpose. We use positive reinforcement training modalities to ensure our horses thrive and enjoy their roles with the people they serve.

We’re proud to be one of the few organizations worldwide dedicated solely to training miniature guide horses for individuals with visual disabilities. 

The miniature horse is intelligent, intuitive, and calm under pressure, providing many years of assistance and making it a life-changing alternative to traditional service animals for individuals who need a long-term mobility partner.

Equine Eyes is committed to inclusion, innovation, and love, whether we’re working with clients, caring for our horses, or speaking to the public about disability rights and service animal access.

Join us as we continue to expand awareness, transform lives, and redefine what’s possible through the unique and powerful connection between horse & human.

Board of Directors

Founder and Vice President

Horses have been part of my story since childhood. I’ve always believed they have a unique way of reaching people. They have the innate ability to sense what words can’t say and offer connection in moments of uncertainty. That belief led me to dedicate my career to the equine world, working as both a professional farrier and a certified positive reinforcement trainer. I’ve spent years learning how to build trust and communication between horses and humans, always with respect, patience, and compassion at the center. I founded Equine Eyes because I wanted everyone to experience the love of horses through more freedom, connection, and independence. Miniature horses had so much to offer. My lifelong dream was to create a place of healing and hope, and Equine Eyes does just that. It enables me to provide healing and hope while working with such intelligent, emotionally sensitive, and eager equines who are uniquely suited for service work. I am eager to work with an amazing team and am proud that I can help individuals regain their mobility, confidence, and dignity while strengthening the human-equine connection. As Vice President of Equine Eyes, I remain hands-on in the care, training, and development of our miniature service horses. I also work closely with our leadership team to expand access, build partnerships, and ensure our services reach those who need them most. Our mission is paramount—serving the blind community and creating opportunities that empower lives through the symbiotic partnership between handler and service horse.

Kristi Patrice Carter - President

As President of Equine Eyes, I am truly honored to be able to lead such an incredible organization that is passionate about restoring independence and freedom to people who are blind or visually impaired. My aunt, Ola, was visually impaired throughout her entire life, but she was extremely independent. She lived on a farm with my uncle as well as my cousins and was always surrounded by animals. She had a deep respect and love for horses, and she always encouraged me to ride and form a connection with them. Some of my most cherished memories are the times spent on Aunt Ola’s farm, riding horses and simply being. Those early moments sparked a lifelong passion for horses and a deep belief that independence should never be out of reach for anyone.Throughout my career in nonprofit leadership and creative entrepreneurship, I’ve always been committed to helping others strengthen their independence while creating positive change through purpose-driven work.My relationship with Equine Eyes, and my own mini horses, Mickey and Pokey, has shown me how magnificent mini horses are. They possess a quiet strength, are gentle, intuitive, and incredibly capable of connecting on a deep, heart-level. They have the innate ability to provide calmness, clarity, healing, and lots of laughter during stressful or difficult days.

Hollie Major - Treasurer

I’m honored to serve on the board of Equine Eyes. As a lifelong equestrian and animal lover, horses and dogs have always been close to my heart. I’ve been fortunate to turn that passion into a rewarding career. I now own a successful grooming business where I was recently named Best Dog Groomer by the local People’s Choice Awards.My professional background has given me valuable experience in customer service, business operations, and budgeting—all skills I now bring to my role as Treasurer. I take pride in making sure that our organization runs smoothly behind the scenes. This allows our mission to shine in the spotlight. What makes Equine Eyes so special to me is its heart. We’re not just placing miniature horses—we’re building relationships between people and animals that lead to more independence, confidence, and connection. Being part of something that actually makes a difference in people’s lives is impactful. I love helping others as it allows me to feel more of a connection to our shared work.

Dr. Stephanie Gaddy

Hi! I am Dr. Stephanie Gaddy, and I have worked in higher education as both a faculty member and an administrator in a college’s office for disability services. I live in Normal, Illinois. I have my Doctorate in Special Education (Ed.D.) and currently am a faculty member in higher education, instructing doctoral students in Special Education.

I have three grown children and two grandsons. My horse, Sir, a Quarter Horse, lives at Fisher ‘Freedom’ Farms in the impressive care of Holly Fisher. I also want to include my three Beagles, Caesar, Noonan, and Goldie, who I spoil every day.

I became interested in horses a few years ago and have pursued, as well as continue to learn, knowledge about horses and the amazing gifts they give to us. I became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor to support people with all disabilities. As a board member of Equine Eyes, I hope to, with the help of horses, provide more support to people with disabilities. In addition to my academic research,

I also research how equine interactions can better support people with disabilities and those who struggle with mental health issues.

I am honored and thankful to be a part of Equine Eyes’ and will work diligently to promote the wonderful benefits that horses so willingly provide to us

Shelly Merriman

I’ve loved animals, especially horses, my whole life. I raised American Paint horses, judged numerous horseshows, and have served as the President of Decatur Trail Riders, a local nonprofit riding group.I’ve always enjoyed being involved in horse-related activities and supporting the equestrian community, however I can. Being part of Equine Eyes feels like a natural next step. I’m proud to support the mission by providing the facility that is home to our miniature service horses in training.

Peggy Becerra

Being a part of Equine Eyes is a natural extension of my lifelong passion for horses and helping people. Many years were spent raising and breeding miniature horses, and I’m excited about the possibility of introducing some of my most promising minis into the guide horse training program in the future. It’s rewarding to be involved in something that brings so much hope and independence to others.

We also encourage you to visit our friends at CALI Corp(Cheval Assistants & Leaders International). They arethe world’s first 501(c)3 organization dedicated entirely to training and matching people with miniature service horses.

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