Site Content
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Mentor the Child
Heal the Hurting
Equip for the future
Hope for the Family
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
That children who experience Discovery Equine will feel unconditionally loved and accepted, believe they are increasingly capable, and know their value as a creation in the image of God
Our Values
Our Mission
Who We Serve
We value our faith, the health of our horses, power of prayer, stewardship of our resources, our team, the horse/human relationship, safety, education, and a clean and welcoming facility.
Who We Serve
Discovery Equine Society
Who We Serve
Children with autism, debilitating anxiety and mental health, trauma/grief, in foster care, adopted, mild physical challenges, and horse crazy kids.
Discovery Equine Society
Discovery Equine Society
Discovery Equine Society
Discovery Equine is a federally incorporated non-profit organization (charitable status pending).
DE mentors youth and families in relational, emotional and life skills within a farm friendly horse environment. Sponsorship of families who cannot afford our services can be done through donations.
Our Sponsors
Discovery Equine Society
Discovery Equine Society
All session fees are subsidized by generous supporters who have sponsored wages, feed, and capital expenditures.
Special thanks to Starline Windows, Golden Yolks Eggs, TNT Hay sales, and so many others who have supported us over the years.
Our Founders
Ernie and Tamiko Charlton
The Charltons, as newlyweds, moved to the location of Cheam Stables in 1996. In 1997 Cheam Stables opened as a boarding operation. It was here that they raised their four children .
Tamiko had a lifelong passion for horses which started with her first pony ride at the age of 3. She has been involved with 4H, Pony Club, Eventing, and Show Jumping. She was certified as an FEI judge for Eventing and the unusual equine sport of Tent Pegging. Tamiko spent time in Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, and India pursuing her passion.
As Tamiko's passion for the horses grew, so did her love for children, especially those with special needs. Recognizing, even before it was mainstream, that horses and these special kids were a therapeutic match. After reading, Hope Rising by Kim Meeder, Tamiko was inspired by the work of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. She journeyed there in 2001 for more information as to how to run a youth program and since then has tried to model its successful program of "one child, one mentor, one horse." After obtaining training and certification in Equine Assisted Learning in 2018, the programs of Discovery Equine were further developed to help all kids navigate the storms of life through Equine Facilitated Learning.
Ernie is a pilot by profession. Since his teenage years in Air Cadets, Ernie has been flying planes for close 40 years and currently flying the corporate aircraft of Starline Windows. His passion, however, has always been his Faith, Family, Fitness, Food, and Fun. Ernie's Faith is felt in his passion to see children and adults thrive in this confusing world. It is displayed in his ongoing work at the church, and his tireless support in the operations, maintenance, building and transportation needs of Discovery Equine.
In 2022 and again in 2023, Ernie travelled with Tamiko to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch for an Ignition Clinic where they worked through programming ideas, met with Kim and Troy Meeder (founders), and started down the path to become a "Similar Ministry" partner.
Ernie and Tamiko are long-time members of Central Community Church. They enjoy spending time with their adult children, travel, rock-climbing, and helping Ukrainian families fleeing war to settle in the community.
