Our Story

Founded Amys Wish With Wings in 2011. She seeks to better the quality of life for the special needs children she teaches. She has been involved with horses her whole life growing up showing, playdays and rodeo. Her passion for her horses and the love she has for her students shines throughout the Barn and arena. Doreen’s credentials include: PATH International (Professional Assoc of Therapeutic Horsemanship International), CHA (Certified Horsemanship Assoc), and Spirithorse certifications. She has over 41 years of operating a successful horsemanship school at Ride With Pride, Inc in Southlake. Making memories today for tomorrow. Enriching the lives of all she touches.

Bob Seebeck was one of the first Board of Directors on Amys Wish in 2011. He was a successful businessman who ran his own business for over 40 years. He remains a world of knowledge and advice to our growth in this industry. You will see him on the tractor, fixing things and helping out at the barn everyday.

Elizabeth York has been on the Board of Directors for Amy’s Wish With Wings since 2017 and is currently serving in the position of vice-president. She came to Amy’s Wish With Wings having been acquainted with the founder through experience revolving around Ride With Pride, a horsemanship school in Southlake, TX. Since joining the board, Elizabeth has been involved in all areas of board operations, as well as volunteering with clients during lessons and special events. As a retired RN and horse owner, she has unique insight into providing equine assisted services for children and young adults with diverse needs.

I have been a lifetime lover of horses, and I have had the privilege of knowing Doreen Bruton since 2005. She has taught both of my children to ride and helped them develop a great love and respect for horses. The barn has become their happy and safe place to be with their own horses. I have been a full-time pediatrician in Irving, TX since 2000. I currently serve on a camp board for children with special needs and am honored to be chosen to serve on the Board for Amy's Wish. I am excited to see the Children of Amy's Wish develop confidence, mobility, trust and independence through riding. I am excited to help further this wonderful organization's growth so that the kids of Dallas Fort Worth can enjoy Doreen's vision for years to come.

I am a 25+ year resident of Southlake and have known Doreen Bruton since 1995 and knowing her has enriched and educated me in ways I would have had if I had not sought her out. I give my time to helping out at the barn and I love being there, it’s my “Zen”. My kids took riding lessons at her barn known Ride with Pride and bought my first horse from her and she helped me choose current and past members of my horse family. I am so excited to be on the board because it is such a necessity to any child that is in need of to build self-esteem and to be included in normal activities. I have served on a few boards of organizations that are of my own special interest and Amy’s Wish could not be dearer to my heart. I am excited to be on this board and hope that my input along with the other board members will help make Amy’s Wish more successful and increase its longevity into the future to give these and other kids the opportunities as all of our kids experience and our communities, as Amy’s Wish with Wings is open to all communities and their needs.

I graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. I am an active member of the Paradise Volunteer Fire Department and a certified EMT. I am a PATH Certified Riding Instructor and teach lessons to special needs children for Amy’s Wish With Wings. I am also a licensed ham radio operator and volunteer my skills to the office of emergency management and national weather service during severe weather events and other disasters that may hinder normal methods of communication. I have been around horses all my life. I have seen the healing effects horses can have on a person, both physically and mentally. My goal in life is to help as many people as I can, whether that’s teaching a therapy lesson or responding to a 911 call. Growing up I competed in 4-H and FFA showing and judging horses and cattle. I also teach at Ride With Pride horsemanship school. I look forward to serving on the board of directors and I am excited to see how we can help connect more people with the healing power of horses.

Upon moving to Texas from Chicago, I wanted to learn something new, give back to the community, and embrace the Texas culture. I found Amy’s Wish with Wings from a Yelp posting and now ten years later Texas has become home. I had been a regular volunteer for years prior to being asked to be part of the board. My experience as a side walker was rewarding and inspirational due to the healing effect of horses. I was able to witness and contribute to riders overcoming various challenges and build strength. With a background in healthcare, nothing quite compares to the therapeutic milieu of being at the barn and working with horses. Amy’s Wish has had a lasting impact on my life, both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and supporting the mission!

Wende has been on the Board of Directors of Amy’s Wish since it began in 2011. She has been a long-time friend of Doreen’s for over 30+ years and they would compete together at The Ft. Worth Stock Show Rodeo as Ranch Girls. Wende began riding when she was 5 years old showing POAs, participating in playdays, then barrel racing. She started teaching riding lessons when she was 14 years old. Wende has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has been teaching for over 30 years. She has taught all grade levels from kindergarten to 12th grade and from Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, to Texas. She has also been involved in Special Olympics for Basketball and Track and Field. She is a mom to 3 children and a grandmother of 1. Wende is excited to see the growth of Amy’s Wish and the number of students that have benefitted from the program.

My family and I have lived in Southlake over thirty years. Born and raised in the DFW area. Graduated from TCU with a BA and a MBA from the University of Dallas. I owned and rode horses on the trails around Grapevine Lake. Long-time member of the Hills Church. After retiring I wanted to serve and hopefully add value to a non-profit that blesses the vulnerable. Fortunately, I learned of Amy’s Wish With Wings and their equine assisted therapy for children to have the opportunity to ride a horse on a trail and in an arena. It’s amazing to see the joy on the children’s faces as they help brush a horse, learn to ride and give a horse a treat. What a blessing for these children to do something that every child wants to do in a little slice of paradise in Southlake. It’s also a pleasure working with the board members in advancing a wonderful program for the children and their families. Amy’s Wish With Wings has wonderful sponsors, our sincere appreciation goes out to each family, individual, organization and business that provides funding. Please consider contributing and/or volunteering to support Amy’s Wish With Wings. You too will be blessed.