The Hearts Behind the HorsesOne Team. One Shared Mission.At Sunny Brook Stables | Home of Red Heart Horse, our team is united by a shared belief: horses have the power to change lives.
Whether we're teaching a child's first riding lesson, caring for a retired sanctuary horse, leading a stewardship program, or welcoming a family to the farm, we work together to create meaningful experiences for both horses and people.
Although Sunny Brook Stables and Red Heart Horse serve different purposes, they are supported by one collaborative team committed to exceptional horsemanship, compassionate care, and lifelong learning.
Whether we're teaching a child's first riding lesson, caring for a retired sanctuary horse, leading a stewardship program, or welcoming a family to the farm, we work together to create meaningful experiences for both horses and people.
Although Sunny Brook Stables and Red Heart Horse serve different purposes, they are supported by one collaborative team committed to exceptional horsemanship, compassionate care, and lifelong learning.
Dr. Grania Gothard Holman
Director & Owner of Sunny Brook Stables
Founder, Director, and President of Red Heart Horse, Retirement, Rescue, & Rehab 501c3
Barn Manager & Owner
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Dr. Grania Gothard HolmanFounder & Director
Sunny Brook Stables | Red Heart Horse Dr. Grania Gothard Holman is an educator, equestrian professional, and nonprofit leader with more than 33 years of experience in education and the equine industry. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Instructional Supervision and studied at both Auburn University and The University of Alabama. Throughout her career, Dr. Holman has taught and mentored learners across every stage of education—from preschool through higher education—as well as in music, equestrian instruction, and leadership development. Her professional experience spans special education, K–12 education, higher education, music education, literacy and foreign language education, curriculum development, instructional leadership, and educator preparation, including teaching and living abroad. Her educational philosophy emphasizes meaningful learning experiences, individualized instruction, and developing confident, compassionate leaders. As the founder of Sunny Brook Stables and Red Heart Horse Retirement, Rehab & Rescue, Dr. Holman has dedicated her career to creating programs where exceptional horsemanship and education intersect. Her approach extends beyond teaching riding skills to developing knowledgeable horsemen and horsewomen who understand horse welfare, stewardship, and the lifelong partnership between horses and people. Dr. Holman is passionate about preserving the traditions of English riding while promoting horse-first instruction, compassionate care, and lifelong learning. She believes horses are extraordinary teachers and that the lessons learned in the barn—responsibility, patience, resilience, empathy, and leadership—extend far beyond the arena. She is married to Patrick Holman, a former educator, reserve deputy sheriff, EMT/firefighter, and personal trainer. Together they are the proud parents of six children and are deeply committed to serving their community through education, mentorship, and equine welfare. Driven by her belief that every horse deserves dignity and every person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, Dr. Holman continues to build programs that create meaningful next chapters for both horses and humans. Building Meaningful Next Chapters...for Horses and Humans. For the Love of the Horse. |