%20(3).png)
About Us
At Once Upon a Ride, we are striving to transform the professional equine assisted service industry. Our commitment to innovation and inclusivity drives us to create high-quality products that empower equine professionals to excel in their practice.
Meet the Founder
Hello, I'm Deborah Levinsky, and I am escatic that you are here! I'd like to share a bit about my journey and the passion that drives me and the work I do at Once Upon a Ride, LLC. As a young girl, my dream was beautifully simple: to work with horses and use their incredible power to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. My introduction to the world of horses began with my father, who owned a horse and would take us on pony rides.
.png)
My incredible mother has dedicated herself to a career as a special education teacher, specializing in working with children with cerebral palsy. Growing up I envisioned a future where I could combine my love for horses with my desire to help those who faced unique challenges. This childhood dream served as the seed for my lifelong journey, which ultimately led me to become an advocate for equine-assisted therapy and a dedicated professional in the field of special education and pediatric therapy.
​
My passion for making a positive impact led me to dedicate a decade of my life to various therapeutic horseback riding facilities. As a therapeutic riding instructor, I have had the privilege of sharing in many magical experiences on and off the horse. It was during this time that I recognized a critical need within the equine community. I found myself yearning for resources that were tailored specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities of the therapeutic riding arena. The lack of such resources inspired me to take action. Over the years, I poured my heart and soul into creating materials and resources that could enhance the experience for both riders and equine professionals. Once Upon a Ride has given me the opportunity to take those resources and share them in a professional and accessible way within the equine assisted service community.
In addition to my time at the barn I also taught as an Autism Teacher in the Palm Beach County School District (Florida) for ten years. I worked closely with students with diverse learning needs and communication challenges. It was during these years that I developed a deep understanding of the importance of differentiated and personalized education for children with unique learning needs. While in the classroom, I had the honor of collaborating with a team of skilled Speech Language Pathologists, enriching my professional experience and expanding my knowledge in the field.
​
Today, I am a Speech Therapist (SLP-A) in a clinic that specializes in pediatric play-based interprofessional therapies. My current work centers around enhancing communication and overall well-being for children. I find immense joy in using a play-based approach to help children unlock their communication potential, build bridges, and open doors to a brighter future!
​
I am eager to hear from you! Don't hesitate to get in touch with any inquiries, feedback, or thoughts. It's a pleasure to meet you, thank you for being here and I truly appreciate your support!
Transform your equine-assisted services with Once Upon a Ride. Our high-quality materials are designed to enhance program participation and instructional planning for both professionals and participants. Join us in our vision to make equine-assisted services more accessible and enriching.
Join Us!
