Gisela, a native German, decided to see a bit of the world after she finished her Master’s degree in Education. Shortly after she arrived in the United States she met her future husband Vernon Rhodes in Boston. They moved to a farm near Worcester, MA and converted it to a boarding stable and a therapeutic riding center. Combining her lifelong passion for horses with her teaching skills she initiated and taught the Interactive Vaulting program for the North American Handicapped Riding Association (NARHA), now PathIntl. When the aging school horses were looking at semi-retirement, the move to Newcastle , ME turned out to be perfect. The horses enjoyed the vast pastures and the freedom to roam. Eventually Gisela became involved with the international organization HETI – Horses in Education and Therapy International – as faculty, board member, executive director and president. She has kept her urge for travelling and has visited many countries to teach and to learn. Her favorite pastime is photographing the animals and the beautiful surroundings of Midcoast Maine. You can reach her at www.fairtidefarm.com
