Board of Directors

Chick Moorman, Merrill, MI

Chick Moorman bought his first horse and took his first ride when he was 55 years old.

His favorite leisure time activity now is riding his Arabian gelding, Spartan. Chick is the co-author of The 10 Commitments: Parenting with Purpose and wrote Spirit Whisperers: Teachers Who Nourish a Child’s Spirit. He loves to swing dance, do the country two-step and the Detroit Hustle. He lectures throughout the world, helping parents and teachers raise responsible children.

Thomas Haller, Bay City, MI

Thomas Haller first became interested in horses when he met Valerie and realized that having a relationship with her meant having a relationship with her horse as well. He accepted and embraced the dream of having her horse in their backyard and set out to make that dream come true. Having accomplished that, he now has his sights on providing peace and tranquility for retired horses.

Valerie Haller, Bay City, MI

Valerie Haller has been a kindergarten teacher in the Bay City Public Schools for over 15 years. She first rode a horse after graduating from college and fell in love with riding. She showed her Arabian Gelding, Captain, in the EMAA Circuit for several years, until his retirement. She looks forward to showing again in the future. From the time of her first ride, Valerie dreamed of being able to look out her bedroom window and see her horse grazing in the backyard. That dream came true four years after marrying her husband Tom. She now dreams of providing that same tranquil environment for horses neglected, abused, or ready for retirement. Valerie splits her time between her family, her passion for riding, and her love of teaching. Some days this split seems not so evenly divided.

David Barnes, Bay City, MI

David Barnes retired after 15 years as City Manager of Bay City, Michigan, and has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way, as Chairman of the Allocation Committee of the United Way, and as Finance Director of the Bay City Fireworks Festival. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Bangor Downs, a 180 unit subsidized housing complex, and is the grandfather of four - two boys in Bay City and two girls in Washington State. David exclaims that he always wanted a pony when he was a boy but instead kept getting another brother. He now shares his retirement with the local golf club, his wife of 43 years, Joellen, and his grandsons Reese and Parker. He would like to provide his grandchildren with the pony or ponies he never received, and in the mean time he is opting to serve on the Board of Directors for Healing Acres. He is affectionately know by his grandsons as "The Bondy".

Courtney Kay, Hemlock, MI

Courtney Kay was born in Bay City, Michigan, and graduated from Swan Valley and then attended Delta Collage specializing in small business management. In addition, having worked on and managed several boarding/breeding facilities, she has gained the knowledge and experience to successfully operate her 20 acre boarding/training facility located in the small village of Hemlock, MI.

Having owned Arabian horses for over 15 years, she has been active in many of the Arabian Horse Associations including the Eastern Michigan Arabian Association since 1991. Though her experiences with training and showing include a variety of breeds such as Morgans, Saddlebreds, The National Show horse, Hackneys and Quarter Horses, she has predominately focused her attention on the Arabian and half Arabian. With the support of her husband and two children, she plans to expand the future goals of the business to include a breeding program with the Arabian and half Arabian horse.

Carol Clark, Saginaw, MI

Carol Clark’s interest in horses began in 1998, when she received her first horse, an Arabian gelding, as a gift. She immediately began taking riding lessons and getting to know her horse. She enjoys trailing riding, attending horse shows, doing chores around the barn, camping, and walking, but most of all she likes spending time with her animals. In addition to Zar, her horse, she has a black lab mix named Molly. They are both an inspiration to her, as well as being her best friends. Professionally, Carol has worked in the field of medical education for over 25 years.