Meet the Staff

Linda Darnall
Linda and David founded Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch in 2006 as a way to help the youth of the community using horses. Linda grew up on ranches in Florida and has maintained her love of horses, understanding the healing power of equine therapy and therapeutic riding. Linda is EAGALA certified and working on her NARHA instructor certification.

David Darnall
After over 20 years in the corporate world, David and Linda Founded Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch. David is an executive and business consultant, seeing the significant needs of youth and families in our area and how horses can heal people, helping to get them back on track.

Carri Clement
Carri has worked in the field of equestrian therapy for four years, having received her NARHA certification in 2006. Finishing her degree at U of H in Education, Carri will then go on to earn her ABA certification through Tech Texas University to furthur her work with autistic children. Carri is a mother of one, and her wonderful son is what led her to this chosen profession.She has a true love for what she does and enjoys working with the horses, these very special children and all of the parents involved.

Shirley Wheeler
A native Texan, Shirley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who serves with Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch in the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program. With more than 25 years of training and experience in the mental health field, she enjoys working with clients of all ages, providing services through individual, couple and group sessions. Four years ago she achieved EAGALA certification as a Level II Equine Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP). During EAP training, she and Linda met and soon began to work as a team. Shirley feels blessed to work with horses in this very powerful model, offering healing to those with emotional wounds.

MG Tindall
MG comes to Panther Creek Inspirational Ranch after 10 years on staff at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL. While at Willow, MG specialized in children’s ministry. A native of Texas, she is excited to be back near family and have the opportunity to work with PCI. MG is married to John Tindall and has 2 children, Kali and Cole.

Allison Smith
Allison has always loved horses, but did not begin riding and learning about them until high school. She continues her riding to this day, and loves learning more about them every day. Allison did her undergraduate work at the University of Evansville, in Indiana, where she studied Interpersonal Communication. From there she attended Asbury Theological Seminary where she received a Certificate of Christian Studies. Allison started as a volunteer with us and then joined our staff as barn manager and volunteer coordinator. She continues her barn manager duties while pursuing her NARHA certification.

Meet the Horses

Harley
An all around great Paint horse, Harley is great with kids and works without distraction in the therapy sessions. Harley is a great western horse, and even does English jumping.

Zorro
A former Thorobred race horse, Zorro was rescued from starvation and nursed back to health. Now Zorro has found new life as one of our best "therapy" horses, as he reacts to the emotions of the clients.

Bailey
An 11 year old Welsh Pony, Bailey is a favorite of the kids. She has a great disposition and loves to take photos with the kids. Bailey is excellent at the equine and therapeutic riding with the small kids.

Chocolatte
A 17 year old Warmblood cross, Chocolatte was our first "rescue" horse, found in a horse rescue in Alvin Tx. Chocolatte had been an accomplished jumper and dressage competitor who developed a joint problem and could no longer compete. While others gave up on him, Chocolatte has proven to be excellent with kids and has a personality much like a Golden Retriever. Currently he is recovering from a strained tendon, and hopes to be back at work by the end of the year.

Corsario
A 11 year old Warmblood that is 17 1/2 hands tall. While too much horse for the therapy program, his dispositon is great with kids and he enjoys grooming and bonding with them.

Remmy
Remmy short for Remington is a 23 year old Appendix. Remmy is used in our EAP program. He is a very sensitive horse which makes him do his job well when working with clients that are in crisis.

Pal
Pal is a 15 year old welsh pony that has had a exciting jumping career. His owner, a college bound senior, thought he would make a great therapy pony. Pal is wonderful at giving our Independent riders confidence. His favorite snacks are peppermints!

Gemma
Gemma, or her barn name "mama" is a black and white paint. She is a Gypsy Vanner and is designed to carry our bigger clients. She lives up to her name because she is a big baby sitter. She is very patient and loves to be brushed.

Admiral
Admiral is the baby of the herd. He is only 10 month old and is showing us that he has what it takes to become a great horse. The clients love watching him grow.

Shag
Shag, or as the riders call him 'Shagadoodle" is are 23 year old quarter horse. Don't let his age fool you. He is our go to man, loves the kids and will work all day. Shag was donated by a police officer who retired from mounted patrol, and he is a asset to the herd. Shag loves his job and hanging out with his best buddy, Remmy.

Meet our other therapists

Isaiah
A 5 year old Golden Retriever that never tires retrieving the ball. Isaiah tirelessly works with kids that adopt him for the day, since they often have never had a dog of their own. Isaiah suffers from "obsessive ball behavior".