Natalie Oglesby Skalla was born in Los Angeles, California, to famous singer Frank Sinatra Jr. and his wife Mary Sue Oglesby. As the granddaughter of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, she grew up surrounded by music and show business. However, Natalie chose a career path different from her famous father and grandfather, which was becoming a therapeutic riding instructor.
Quick Bio About Natalie Oglesby Skalla
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Natalie Oglesby Skalla |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Therapeutic Riding Instructor |
| Parents | Father: Frank Sinatra Jr.Mother: Mary Sue Oglesby |
| Siblings | Michael Francis SinatraFrancine Sinatra AndersonFrancis Wayne Sinatra |
| Spouse | Brian Skalla |
| Famous for | Being the daughter of Frank Sinatra Jr. |
| Grandparents | Paternal Grandfather: Frank SinatraPaternal Grandmother: Nancy BarbatoMaternal Grandfather: Gerald Joseph OglesbyMaternal Grandmother: Mary Kathryn Oglesby |
Early Life and Family Background
Natalie was born in 1965 and has three siblings – Michael Francis Sinatra, Francine Sinatra Anderson, and Francis Wayne Sinatra. Her paternal grandfather, Frank Sinatra, was one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century known as ‘The Voice.’ Sinatra Sr. sold over 150 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including Grammys and Golden Globes.
Natalie’s father, Frank Sinatra Jr., also followed his father into the music industry and had success as a singer and conductor in his own right. However, he lived much of his life in the shadow of his famous father. Natalie grew up immersed in the glamour and fame of the Sinatra name but chose a quieter path focused on helping others through therapeutic horseback riding.
Education and Becoming a Therapeutic Riding Instructor
After graduating high school, Natalie studied Animal Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was very interested in horses from a young age and enjoyed riding and competing. During her college years, Natalie volunteered at a therapeutic riding center near campus, which exposed her to how horses can benefit those with disabilities both physically and mentally.
After graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Natalie received further training and became a PATH International-certified therapeutic riding instructor. PATH International is the largest therapeutic riding organization in the world. For over 30 years, Natalie has worked as an instructor at various centers across California, using her passion for horses to help others.
Therapeutic Riding Explained
Therapeutic horseback riding, also known as hippotherapy, is an equine-assisted activity that contributes positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. The horse’s movement simulates a human’s gate and helps improve riders’ muscle control, balance, flexibility, and posture. It also provides emotional benefits like confidence, self-esteem, and trust.
Riders may have conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and more. During a therapeutic riding session, Natalie leads the horse and closely monitors the rider’s movement, balance, and level of engagement. Her role is to ensure safety while helping riders meet physical and mental goals through horseback activities, groundwork, and games tailored to their abilities.
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding According to Research:
- Improved muscle symmetry, strength, range of motion, and posture in the rider’s spine, pelvis, and legs.
- Enhanced sensory integration, motor planning, balance, coordination, and communication skills in individuals with special needs like autism.
- Increased motivation, confidence, self-esteem, and independence. Horses provide an engaging and calming activity.
- Opportunities for social interaction and relationship building between the riders. Group sessions foster a sense of community.
Natalie truly loves helping others through her work and finds satisfaction in seeing the progress and joy her riders experience through therapeutic horseback riding. It’s fulfilling for her to use her talents to positively impact lives, whether it’s through physical, cognitive, emotional, or social development.
Balancing Work and Family Life
While fully dedicating herself to her career, Natalie still found time for her personal life. In 1991, she married Brian Skalla, who owns an engineering company. Together, they have two daughters, Morgan and Avery.
To balance raising her girls with therapeutic riding, Natalie worked part-time at various Southern California facilities, like Equestrian Helpers Therapeutic Riding Center in Burbank. This allowed her flexibility to attend her daughters’ activities and special events. Even now, as an empty nester, Natalie continues instructing a few days each week while enjoying time with family, including her grandchildren.
Carrying on the Oglesby Family Tradition of Helping Others
Natalie’s career choice also reflects the values instilled by her mother’s side of the family, the Oglesby. Her maternal grandfather, Gerald Joseph Oglesby, worked as a firefighter in Los Angeles for over 30 years, dedicating his life to protecting others.
Natalie’s mother, Mary Sue Oglesby, was a nurse who worked in pediatric oncology. She had a caring nature and a passion for assisting children, especially those facing health challenges. Both exemplified a lifelong commitment to service that Natalie has emulated through therapeutic horseback riding instruction.
While grateful for her lineage to iconic singer Frank Sinatra, Natalie is proud to carry on her maternal family’s tradition of using one’s gifts and abilities to ease the challenges of those around them. She finds her work immensely rewarding as it allows her to positively impact each day in the lives of her riders and their families.
Promoting Therapeutic Riding Awareness
In addition to her day job, Natalie volunteers with PATH International, doing horse show demonstrations and speaking engagements. This raises awareness about therapeutic riding’s benefits and increases funding/community support for such equine programs.
She enjoys giving interviews to share how horses positively transformed riders’ lives, including their renewed motivation, confidence, and independence. Natalie hopes to recruit more volunteers and instructors to meet the growing needs of the disability community.
Through podcasts, blogs, and social media, Natalie has also emerged as an influencer on therapeutic riding best practices. She offers training advice, insights into handling various conditions, and new techniques and activities centered around goal planning. Natalie’s decades of experience and passion for the field make her a valuable resource for other professionals and newcomers alike.
Natalie’s Legacy and Passion for Helping People
Now in her late 50s, Natalie Oglesby Skalla continues her important work as a therapeutic riding instructor despite being retired age herself. Her multi-decade career has directly impacted thousands of individuals and families through the healing power of the horse-human bond.
While she may be Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter, Natalie has chosen to leave her unique, positive legacy focused on service, compassion, and enabling independence in people from all walks of life. In recent years, her passion has also extended to mentoring the next generation of instructors.
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Natalie is living proof that one need not follow the career path set by their famous bloodline. She finds her quiet dedication to helping others mentally and physically blossom through equine therapy deeply fulfilling in life. This selfless woman is a role model for choosing a vocation centered around improving lives through kindness, hard work, and love.
