Our Team

  • Kim Cochran

    Horses and youth have always been a large part of Kim’s life. Kim serves as the Director of The Equine Journey. She immerses herself in all things equine. Over the last 10 years Kim has devoted numerous hours in educating not only herself but the staff and students that participate in the multiple programs provided by The Equine Journey.

    U.S Center for SAFESPORT Certified

  • Lucy Lewis

    Lucy (aka Brooklynn’s mom) has been teaching in Polk County for 20 years. She has a BA in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities.

    She believes that learning is a life long process that can take place not only in a classroom, but also through real life experiences and opportunities. She feels that working with horses helps build confidence, trust, social skills, communication, as well as many other important life skills that are not so easily learned for some children.

    When Lucy is not teaching she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and watching Brooklynn pursue her dream of riding horses.

  • Ernesto Alonso

    Alonso joined The Equine Journey in 2019, bringing with him an immense knowledge of equine care. Alonso is the Barn Manager, Head Groom and Exercise Rider.

  • Mandy Patterson

    Lead Rehab Therapist

  • Stuart Beam

    Agriculture Specialist

Brooklynn Lewis

Senior Equine Assistant

Brooklynn is 18 years old and has been with The Equine Journey for the past 7 years. She is a Senior at Polk County High School. In addition to working with horses her hobbies include spending time outdoors, hunting, and playing with her dogs, Mitchell and Matilda.

She is extremely passionate about working with and teaching students at the barn, as well as training and riding all of the horses that have joined the program throughout the years. Brooklynn is also U.S Center for SAFESPORT Certified.

Brooklynn’s goal is to pursue a career in the heath field and continue to enhance her riding career.

Lilly McAbee

Junior Equine Assistant

Lilly is a twelve year old 7th grader. She enjoys riding Stella and Sparkle, working with the mini ponies, picking the horses hooves, and swimming.

Lilly is eager to help out wherever she is needed and loves spending hours at the barn grooming and braiding manes.

Carli Shobe

Youth Equine Assistant

Carli is a 10 year old, 5th grader. Carli has progressed so much over the summer, not only in her skills but her abilities to care for the equines in our barn. Carli has a special place in her heart for Stella, but loves all the horses. Carli also assists for pony rides at TIEC as part of Saturday Night Lights.

Jenna Peeler

2024 Summer Scholarship Recipient

Jenna is an eleven year old 7th grader. She enjoys riding Stella and Sparkle, working as a team leader and sharing of her love of horses with the younger students.