Eileen Prugh

Eileen Prugh grew up in southern Pennsylvania, mucking stalls in exchange for horseback riding lessons at a therapeutic riding facility her mother helped open. In high school, she chose the same program to fulfill her community service requirements. Eileen studied abroad in Mexico and England, graduating from Holy Cross in 1997. While living in Washington DC, she worked with corporate and political groups crafting their strategic media campaigns until she moved to Jackson in 2004. Wanting to connect with her new community, she began volunteering with JHTR as a side-walker and joined the board a few years later.  When Eileen learned her youngest son Crosby had Down Syndrome, she knew he would one day join the JHTR family. Having spent years watching others develop confidence and skills while riding, she was excited to see him enter the arena at two years old and grow more comfortable with each session. Since then, he’s gained strength and coordination enjoying the lessons and befriending the horses. Eileen returned to the board in 2020 with a new appreciation for the organization, serving alongside its wonderful staff and volunteers.  For her, life in the arena has come full circle.