About Us

OUR CORE VALUES

For centuries, the horse has been a symbol of strength, endurance and vitality.

From observing herd dynamics and establishing trust to being present and undistracted, horses require our full attention. In return, they teach us how to approach challenges, gain perspective and manage pressure.

At Hickory Top Farm, our mission is transforming health and well-being through the horse-human relationship. Learning to connect, care for and communicate with horses encourages people of all ages to develop tools to live a healthier and well-balanced life.

We invite you to come along for the ride.

Welcome to Hickory Top Farm.

Hickory Top Farm is an 80-acre horse farm in Eastover, South Carolina. The farm has served generations of horse lovers since its establishment circa 1970 and recently became the permanent home to Carolina Therapeutic Riding.

Hickory Top Farm is a center of excellence in horsemanship, serving riders of all abilities across the Midlands.

We transform health and well-being through the horse-human relationship.

CORE VALUES

At Hickory Top Farm, our work is guided by values that reflect who we are — and how we care for every individual and horse at our farm.

Gratitude

Consistency

Safety

Excellence

Hickory Top Farm Team

OUR STAFF

**Amanda Malanuk, MS, CTRI**
*Executive Director*

**Andrea Clarke, MAT, ESMHL**
*Director of Equine-Assisted Learning and Engagement*

**Sally Braden, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP**
*Director of Equine-Assisted Therapy*

**Laura Wright**
*Administrative Assistant*

**Emma Buttell**
*USC Master of Social Work Intern*

OUR HERD

Hickory Top Farm Board of Directors

ANSEL BUNCH
Board President

Ansel Bunch is First Vice President at CBRE and holds a degree in Business Economics from Wofford College. A Leadership Columbia graduate and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church, he combines professional expertise with a background in farm and facilities management. As a parent of a current Hickory Top Farm participant, Ansel brings both insight and heart to the board.

STACY STOKES, CPA
Board Treasurer

Stacy Stokes is a Shareholder at Bauknight, Pietras & Stormer, P.A., with more than 25 years of accounting experience. He holds a Master of Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Carolina and has been a licensed CPA since 1998. Stacy brings financial expertise and a strong record of community service through his board work with several local nonprofits.

MATT SHAFFER
Board Secretary

Matt Shaffer is Senior Vice President at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Chair of International Plan Solutions. He also serves as Chair of the Board for GeoBlue and GRID Dental Corporation and has previously served on the Board of Consortium Health Plans. Matt brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to community engagement through his work with Healthy Learners, Columbia City Ballet, and the Central SC Alliance.

TYLER HUDSON
Board Member

Tyler Hudson is Senior Director of Wholesale Commercial Real Estate and brings extensive industry experience to his work. He is actively involved in the community through board service with Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina, River Alliance, and SC Independent Colleges and Universities.

JANE SUGGS
Board Member

Jane is a dedicated advocate for the mission of Hickory Top Farm. She brings a wealth of community experience from her board service with the Betsy Blackmon School of Dance at USC, City Year Columbia, Trinity Cathedral Vestry, Columbia Garden Club, and the Palmetto Board of Governors.

HARRIS COHN
Board Member

Harris Cohn is CEO of Cohn Corporation, overseeing Cohn Development Services, Cohn Construction Services, and Cohn Management Services. He brings extensive leadership and operational expertise to his work with Hickory Top Farm.

AMANDA MALANUK
Ex-Officio, Executive Director, Instructor

Amanda Malanuk holds a Master of Science in Child Life and Human Development and is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor. She brings professional expertise and community experience through her board service with City Year Columbia, Growing Home SouthEast, and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Vestry.

JOIN OUR MISSION

As a nonprofit organization, we are supported by the generosity of people like you.

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