Students
At Smiling Goat Ranch, we provide an immersive experience that shows our students that they are capable of so much more than they imagined. Caring for an animal 15 times your size that might be at first intimidating and scary and becomes empowering and exciting. The horse is a unique example of gentleness and power and responds to all people according to their intentions, not their age, size, race, or social status. The horse is a gentle judge of character and students adjust their behavior accordingly. We focus on building self-image, accomplishing not just a new physical skill or emotional breakthrough but providing a context for the student to experience a new sense of self-worth by doing meaningful work alongside their peers, instructors and volunteers.
Our facilities are very quiet and beautiful. Surrounded by ranchland and open space, people experience the healing power of farm/ranch life and participate in healthy outdoor activity. We are aligned with The Horse Boy Method™ and Movement Method. The framework provided and the intense training design is the most effective, kind and respectful we have ever encountered. We create horses that say ‘Yes,’ basing SGR training on classical dressage and collection, and implementing the approach of the Valenca family, Portuguese masters of classical dressage and Working Equitation, and the mentors to Horse Boy Centers worldwide. Using classical riding as its foundation, this method enables you and your horse to work together using a clear, stress-free language, with lightness and suppleness; like two partners in a dance as one. This can be achieved by any type of horse and rider within any riding discipline.
Student Programs
Our Students
Our working students and interns come from all over the United States and around the world! We are currently affiliated with seven colleges and universities, and offer student programs year-round.
I strongly recommend the recreation therapy internship program at SGR. Not only was I exposed to all of the NCTRC content areas, I gained practical and hands-on experience working with a variety of clients and animals. The SGR team is knowledgeable, and I feel well prepared to start my career as a recreation therapist. For anyone looking to do recreation therapy using animals, this could be the perfect internship opportunity for you!
— Brooke, Recreation Therapy Intern Winter 2021
“Smiling Goat Ranch has given me an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and as a recreation therapist. But more importantly, it gave me a place to call home, people to call my family and friends, and animals to call my herd. I am forever grateful to this place.”
— Carly, Recreation Therapy Intern Summer 2022