Meet Our Past Students
Claire, RT Intern Fall 2023
About Me
I was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am currently pursuing my degree in Recreational Therapy and minor in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion through Central Michigan University.
My Time at SGR
I grew up horseback riding but never had horses of my own. It had always been a dream of mine to have horses in my backyard, and go horseback riding with my friends. At Smiling Goat Ranch, this dream came true. I woke up and fed the animals everyday, and spent the rest of the day using them to help people reach their goals. I loved watching them build confidence, character, and strength in our clients. I witnessed connections between the animals and clients that I will never forget. It was a great way to use the information I learned in class and gain hands-on Recreational Therapy experience.
While I was at Smiling Goat Ranch, I got to back ride, which was awesome! Back riding allowed me to experience horseback riding as a kid again. It is truly a unique experience. I also got to long line the horses, which is when you steer them from the back when you are on the ground.
What’s Next?
After my internship here, I am headed to Fort Wayne, Indiana to complete my second internship. The internship is community based, and will be very different from the work I did here. The experience will provide me with a well rounded experience as I enter my career in the field! I will graduate in May of 2024.
Testimonial
At Smiling Goat Ranch, I got hands-on experience problem solving, planning, assessing, and building my horsemanship skills! I also met many amazing people. It will be hard for me to say goodbye to the people I met on a weekly basis and the animals like Lester and Takoda. It has been a special experience that I will take with me as I enter my career.
Chloe, RT Intern Summer 2023
About Me
I am from Bellingham, Washington. I graduated from Whatcom Community College in 2020 and I am currently attending Western Washington University. I will graduate this fall with a BA in Therapeutic Recreation.
My Time at SGR
I was drawn to SGR because of my passion for and interest in animal-assisted therapy, as well as my love of nature. During my time at SGR, I learned many new skills, like how to back ride with clients, how to teach aerial silks tricks, and I even taught myself some carpentry. I am currently back home with my family in Washington for the fall, working at a dog daycare and finishing my education.
What’s Next?
I plan to get my CTRS certification after graduation. I will be returning to Colorado in January and will work there until I leave for the Peace Corps in June! I will be in Eswatini, Africa for 2 years working in the youth in development sector. I am looking forward to using the knowledge gained through my education and professional work experience in the field of Therapeutic Recreation during my time in the Peace Corps.
Testimonial
Through my time interning at SGR, I have learned so much. My competence in planning and facilitating therapeutic recreation interventions has grown tremendously. I have become much more confident in my leadership abilities and I feel prepared to start my career once I graduate. The work I did at SGR is everything I am most passionate about. It was extremely fulfilling and I feel so grateful that I get to return in the winter. I learned so much about myself, both professionally and personally, and I would recommend that experience to anyone!
Caroline, RT Intern Spring 2023
Caitlin, Expressive Arts Therapy Intern 2022-2023
Mackenzie, Graduate Student Researcher 2022-2023
Mackenzie is a graduate student researcher from East Carolina University who worked with Smiling Goat Ranch. She studied recreational therapy with her research on farm animal-assisted therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the caregiver’s perspective. Mackenzie got her bachelors in recreational therapy at East Carolina University. Her interests are working with developmental disabilities and the human animal bond. Mackenzie chose SGR because of its unique program using the Horse Boy Method and farm animals. SGR is one of the few ranches in the US that provides recreational therapy services along with farm animal assisted therapy. Mackenzie's hobbies include painting, reading, taking her dog Daisy Mae on adventures, travelling, and trying new places. Mackenzie's favorite animal on the ranch is Daisy.
Carly, RT Intern Summer 2022
About Me
I was born and raised in a small town in Vermont and went to school at Middlebury. I continued my education at Springfield College in Massachusetts where I am graduating with my bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in rehabilitation and disability studies.
My Time at SGR
I chose to pursue an internship at SGR because of their unique method of using farm animals for rec therapy despite my lack of horse skills. While at the ranch I was able to improve the rec therapy skills I already had while gaining new ones, such as sensory work, where I was able to be a part of people’s healing processes. By the end of my 15-week internship, I was not only able to ride and control a horse, but I could witness the incredible progress of all the clients week by week.
What’s Next
Currently, I am back home with my foster pup studying for the NCTRC exam so that I may become certified. I am looking for jobs in community work to get a little more work experience, however, one day I hope to start my own program like SGR and reach a community in Vermont that is often overlooked.
Testimonial
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.
Emily, RT Intern Summer 2022
About Me
I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa and went to Red Oak Community High School. I continued my education at The University of Iowa with a bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor In Music.
My Time at SGR
I decided I wanted an internship that wasn’t in Iowa and found SGR in Colorado. I chose an internship at SGR because of their facility in nature and the unique method they have using farm animals for rec therapy. Being at the ranch, I was able to expand rec therapy skills I already had while being able to gain new ones. At the end of my 15-week internship, I gained so much knowledge on different activities you can use with farm animals (like horse tag!) and was able to witness the progress of all the clients throughout the weeks. I am so grateful for this opportunity, the amazing team members, the clients, and animals that will forever have a special place in my heart.
What’s Next
I am currently back home with my new dog I adopted and studying for the NCTRC exam so I may become certified. I am searching for jobs in school/community work while working at a Child Resource Center in my hometown.
Lauren, RT Intern Spring 2022
About Me
I was born and raised on the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. I am graduating with a degree in recreational therapy and a minor in psychology from East Carolina University. I came to Smiling Goat Ranch in the spring of 2022 to complete a 14-week recreational therapy internship and gain as much experience as possible working with different populations.
My Time at SGR
I took a risk moving from the coast to the mountains to intern on the ranch all while having zero horse experience. However, I can confidently say that my internship was the best experience of my life and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. My knowledge was expanded in recreational therapy beyond what I had hoped for through the hands-on learning provided. The team, clients and animals made a lasting impact on my life!
What’s Next
I am returning back to North Carolina where I will be preparing to take the NCTRC certification exam. I will also be pursuing certifications in Horse Boy Method 1 as well as the Movement Method. I hope to begin my career as a recreational therapist after I graduate in May while also volunteering and enhancing my horse skills at local therapeutic riding centers in Wilmington, NC. It is not only a dream but also a goal in my life to one day run my own program, similar to Smiling Goat Ranch, where I can provide therapeutic services to people in need using animals and the outdoors.
Joe, Social Work Intern 2021
About Me
I’m originally from Philadelphia, but moved out to Colorado to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver. After studying social work for my undergraduate at West Chester University and working with individuals experiencing housing insecurity, Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, and substance use, I decided to return to school to learn about ways to implement animals and nature into my practice.
My Time at SGR
As a student enrolled in the Animal Assisted Social Work curriculum at DU, I was looking for an organization that incorporates animals and the environment into sessions with individuals and families, which led me to Smiling Goat Ranch. During my time at SGR, I partnered with horses, goats, bunnies, and a mini mule named Ruby to support the Roaring Fork Valley with a range of mental health challenges. The ranch provided me the opportunity to incorporate nature into sessions while building the confidence to work with and care for the plants and animals that call its unique environment home. After completing my internship at SGR, I moved to the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington where I currently support the community here as a Child & Family Therapist.
What’s Next
I’m currently working on obtaining my LCSW with hopes to practice as an independent therapist. I plan to continue building skills to work with animals and nature in the therapeutic setting and hope to start a therapeutic ranch and animal sanctuary in the future.
Sophia, Working Student Summer 2021
About Me
I moved to the Bay Area in California in eighth grade, and soon after began volunteering at the Square Peg Foundation in Half Moon Bay. At Square Peg I fell in love with off the track race-horses and the movement method way of working with kids taught by the Horse Boy Method. I am now attending Reed College in Portland Oregon, working on my bachelors degree in either biochemistry or chemistry (or maybe neuroscience… we’ll see where things go).
My Time at SGR
I started as a working student at Smiling Goat Ranch because I wanted to learn more about the Horse Boy Method, and experience horse culture outside of California. During my time at SGR got to learn more horse boy method training techniques, such as long lining and back riding, as well as explore beautiful Colorado and take some stunning trail rides. I fell in love with the ex-ranch paint horse Gates, and learned a lot about barn management from Sheryl and Kaylee!
What’s Next
When I finish my degree I plan to take at least two years to travel and visit more horse boy/therapeutic riding programs, and to return to work at the Square Peg Foundation for a while. Whatever future work I do will inevitably relate to my work at Square Peg and Smiling Goat, and the kids and horses I met there.
Testimonial
Sheryl and her family were so kind and welcoming to me which meant a lot as it was my first time living alone after high school. Looking back, I realize how important it was to have a good experience away from home before college. The families and horses at SGR were so fun to work with, and so accommodating to me learning new skills. The ranch is a truly beautiful place to explore and work.
Beth, Working Student Spring 2021
About Me
I am originally from Wayne, Pennsylvania but I came to SGR via Point Reyes Station, CA, where I currently live. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in History, Art, Sociology and Religious Studies. As a jack of all trades, I have since worked in many fields related to photography, production and design.
My Time at SGR
I found my way to SGR through an interest in reconnecting with horses and healing. I learned so much during my time on the ranch and enjoyed tending to the herd of horses and improving my horse and riding skills.
What’s Next
Summer 2021 is shaping up beautifully. I will continue to volunteer at a local barn within the Horse Boy network. I will spend a few weeks in Mt. Shasta, learning from a Reiki Master. In August, I will start an End of Life Doula certificate program. I intend to build a service to support and guide families/individuals as they face the end of life to access the healing that is possible within that space.
Testimonial
My time at SGR was an exercise in physicality and learning. It was a place to learn the art of give and take. The horses at SGR (Gates, Alaska, Takoda, Marley, Adobe and Prince) and the SGR Team, became the vehicle, both in the saddle and on the ground, for weaving many skills together.
Brooke, RT Intern Spring 2021
About Me
I grew up in Mobile, AL where my love of horses started at a young age. Now, my life is literally a balancing act. I am a circus performer, horse trainer, and recreation therapist all at the same time. I feel totally free and fierce when hanging upside down on a galloping horse, standing on both of her horses at once, and firing arrows off my horse under a circus tent. I also love to give those with special needs the opportunity to feel the confidence and empowerment you get from performing in front of a crowd.
My Time at SGR
I came to Smiling Goat to be a recreation therapy intern and learn the ways of the Horse Boy method at the same time. As part of my internship project, I created a new circus area and helped to develop the archery program. The circus area consists of aerial silks, juggling balls, and balancing boards which challenges the body and mind in a unique way. This area also encourages our clients to safely take risks to help them reach their full potential.
What’s Next
I dream of creating a recreation therapy program that combines equine therapy with unique activities like circus and medieval renaissance games to help promote people’s well-being and quality of life. I plan to travel the United States performing at circuses and renaissance festivals and teaching mounted archery clinics. I want to build my program while on the road by providing clinics or services to anyone willing to try something fun and unique.
Testimonial
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 horses or other farm animals, this could be the perfect internship opportunity for you!
Marissa, Working Student Fall 2020
About Me
I live right outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a town called Wayne. I graduated high school at Upper Merion in 2020. I then decided to take a gap year to figure out my future plans and spent the first few months of my gap year at SGR.
My Time at SGR
I have always been interested in animals, nature, and helping others, and that’s why I was so drawn to SGR. During my time there, I learned so many things, from taking care of horses, goats, and bunnies, to riding and learning more about autism. And even with the hard work of ranch life, we always managed to have fun! Like taking baby goats on walks, riding horses into town to get lunch, putting Sadie the dog on a horse, hiking, trail riding, and much, much more. At SGR everyone uses their different skills to help the team. For me, that was knitting more than 20 SGR winter hats. Anyone who donated $100 before Christmas, received a hat.
What’s Next
I am now working as a program specialist on the SGR team as I earn my Bachelor's in Human Services at Colorado Mountain College!
Testimonial
Being a working student at SGR is a wonderful way to learn a lot about ranch life, animals, autism, and yourself, too. It was an honor to be able to spend a few months with the SGR tribe as it was one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences I have had. I highly recommend going to Smiling Goat Ranch and joining the amazing SGR family.
Kato, Working Student Spring 2020
About Me
18 years old, Belgian, graduated high school in 2019.
My Time at SGR
I decided to work at SGR for a couple of months because when I graduated, I realized I had no idea what I wanted to do next. Traveling, animals and working with kids always interested me so I took a leap of faith and emailed Sheryl just slightly (very) hesitant and scared. But I’m SO glad I did. During my time at SGR I watched kids and young adults find a peaceful and positive environment where they could absolutely be themselves, I learned that hard work pays off, I saw the most beautiful fields and forests from the back of a horse and eventually, I became part of the most supportive loving family there is: the Smiling Goat Crew. I’m currently back in Belgium. About half a year ago, my mom and I transferred our Icelandic horse to our own backyard, along with our three sweet goats. We’ve been trying out a lot of fun things with him, including longlining and riding in Western tack. I’ve also been learning more about ASS through online courses.
What’s Next?
In September I’m going to start studying Pedagogics in Gent. I want to learn more about children’s education and behaviour. In the future, I’m hoping to arrange a monthly get-together where kids and parents from our local asylum can come over and spend some time with our animals. It would be awesome if they could get out of the city every once in a while to relax and enjoy the nature. And of course, I’m already on the lookout for a plane ticket back to Colorado ;-)
Madison, Working Student Summer 2018 & 2019
About Me
I am from and grew up in Southern California. I completed my bachelor’s of arts in psychology at California State University, Fullerton in 2016. I went on to earn a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in animal-assisted social work from the University of Denver, graduating 2019.
My Time at SGR
I first heard of Smiling Goat Ranch at the University of Denver’s Internship Fair and knew I wanted to be more involved. During my time at SGR, I had the opportunity to shadow the program director, Sheryl Barto, and sample a variety of all the amazing work they do in their program. I had the chance to attend sessions with veterans as well as children with autism to see how the Horse Boy Method was used to help clients learn a myriad of skills and begin to move through the healing process. Working around the special horses (and other farm animals) in the safe space provided by Smiling Goat Ranch was highly impactful for anyone who experienced being there.
What’s Next?
Since my time and experiences at SGR, I have graduated from the University of Denver and have worked in educational and rehabilitation settings, using my social work skills to help clients through the healing process to help them meet their goals. I am currently working as a school based counselor in Central California and am living at home with three dogs, a leopard gecko and an African tortoise. Once I am a licensed clinical social worker, I hope to utilize animal-assisted therapy techniques and modalities to help clients of all types meet their social, educational, and life goals.
Marousha, Working Student Fall 2018
About me
I am a Dutch girl, living close to Amsterdam. I graduated high school in 2013. In 2017 I got my bachelor of science in Animal Management, focused on Animal Assisted Care.
My Time at SGR
I came in contact with Horse Boy because I saw Rupert at a demonstration in The Netherlands. Then they told me about the opportunity to become a working student. I always wanted to go to America so I took the chance after I got my degree! I really loved the time I spend at SGR. Sheryl taught me a lot and also gave me a lot of freedom to work on my skills and guide the playdates and kids. I also really loved riding western, something I had never done before! We did the most wonderful rides thru the beautiful nature around SGR.
Currently I life with my boyfriend and lots of animals: dogs, rabbits, horses, goats, chickens and cats. I have my own dogwalking business and used to work at a vet. I also volunteer at a riding school for people with special needs.
What’s Next?
My ultimate dream is to start a care farm: to provide daytime activities for those who cannot get regular jobs and need to spend their time useful, offer a place for kids to be their best self and everything of course with the healing that the animals can help us with. In the mean time I continue to volunteer and work with my own horses to become Horse Boy horses. I also started a course on training dogs. I want to learn more about how dogs can help people heal.
Testimonial
I feel very blessed that I was a working student at SGR. I felt super welcome being a long way from home, I learned so much and I am really happy that I was part of something so great. I think the best thing I saw was that a very hysteric boy left SGR as if he was a completely restful boy. Those memories will stick with me forever and I have already shared them with lots of people. Absolutely recommend being a working student at SGR!
Hector, Working Student Spring 2018
About Me
I am in my final year at the University of Manchester, studying English Literature with Creative Writing. I grew up in Ascot, an hour’s drive west of London, but I hope to be moving to Manchester next year.
My Time at SGR
I sent to Smiling Goat Ranch in the spring after I left school in 2018. I helped prepare the Therapy Garden, getting things clear for the summer projects. I also helped Sheryl and Lily with the tasks for the horses, such as riding, grooming, turnout and feeding. My favourite part of working at SGR was working with the children who would come to see the animals. That was magical. Carbondale is such a beautiful place, and I had so much fun with some amazing people while I was there.
During my time at SGR, I also went on the most amazing trail ride that I have ever been on (You can see it in my picture). The countryside there is just amazing and being able to experience that on horseback was an incredible experience.
What’s Next?
I am currently living in Manchester. There is beautiful countryside just outside the city which I love exploring when I can. I love living in this city. The people are wonderful, and it is a beautiful place full of history and excitement. I love playing football and doing music in my spare time.
I am planning on starting Teach First this year, which is a teacher training programme in the UK. I will be in a school from September 2021 and will hopefully be a qualified teacher in two years’ time.
Testimonial
I absolutely loved being a working student at SGR. The people I met were so kind, and I have kept in touch with them since leaving. It was a fantastic experience for me; I learnt so much and have many, many fond memories. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves working with children, animals, and anyone who loves beautiful countryside. I miss it, and I hope I can go back one day!
Gianna, Working Student 2017
About Me
I’m originally from Virginia but moved to Colorado after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech. I attended the University of Denver where I graduated with a Masters of Social Work, as well as a certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work.
My Time at SGR
I spent a few glorious days living on the ranch and directly experiencing the joys and hard work that go hand in hand in operating an equine-assisted program. I was immediately welcomed warmly and immersed into the lush, natural environment which not only heals the families who receive services, but also anyone who is lucky enough to set foot on the farm. I had opportunities to provide horse care, work on farm projects, participate in hands-on horse training, as well as riding to help familiarize me with the ways that these amazing horses are carefully trained to be a part of the Horse Boy Program. During this time, I helped to facilitate a family session where I experienced first-hand the power of this unique intervention. I witnessed a child who had been with the program for a long time but had never shown any child-centered interest in riding the horse. During this session which featured extensive free play and sensory-enriched and nature-based activities, I witnessed the power of following the child’s lead and the ways that a “yes environment” supports intrinsic autonomy while honoring the dignity and worth of the child. During this session, the youth decided to engage with the horse and initiated riding for the first time in his life. We then rode together, as a group up and down the dirt roads with tears rolling down his parents’ face as he came to life and engaged in prosocial behaviors through the horseback riding experience. In addition to hard work, we also had lots of fun! Sheryl was kind enough to take me on an amazing trail ride which I'll never forget, as well as the local rodeo (walking distance from the ranch!) which was an absolute blast!
I started at SGR because I had previously attended clinics and a presentation on the Horse Boy Method through Denver University’s annual IHAC conference. I was curious to see this particular, groundbreaking method play out in real life. During my time at SGR, I was honored to witness that young boy move at his own speed and engage with the horses as he decided to ride for the very first time. It was a truly emotional and incredibly rewarding experience.
What’s Next?
I am currently living in Helena, Montana with my fur-child Gracie, the dog. I now work as an outpatient therapist at Youth Dynamics where I provide individual and family therapy for children, teens and families who have experienced trauma. I am currently working with my non-profit agency to revamp and reopen our equine therapy program, as I believe deeply in the power of horses to heal in ways that traditional talk therapy simply cannot access. I regularly apply the child-centered principles of the Horse Boy method into my play therapy sessions, as well as my equine work.
Lily, Working Student & Volunteer Since 2016
About Me
I grew up in Carbondale, CO, right down the road from Smiling Goat Ranch. I attended high school at Colorado Rocky Mountain School and am currently working towards a degree in graphic design at Montana State University (MSU).
My Time at SGR
I began volunteering at SGR my junior year of high school, mainly exercising horses. Gradually, I began to work with the clients as well and fell in love with the way that things are done at SGR. Working with Sheryl, the volunteers and the clients inspired me to visit other similar programs abroad during my gap year. With the foundation that SGR gave me, I was able to live as a working student in both Portugal and Ireland. Currently, I am part way through my degree at Montana State University. I live in Bozeman with my two bunnies and dog where I run a business making custom fleecewear.
What’s Next?
Horses and their therapeutic abilities have been an integral part of my life so far, and I am excited to see where this passion takes me in the future!