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
Working Students
Our working student program is a 6-8 week placement, ideal for summer or gap year college-aged students. In your time here you will be participating in regular ranch related work caring for our wonderful critters as well as playdates with the kids and work with the horses. We focus on building self-image, one student at a time. The working student program is customized to your needs and can accommodate longer programs at various Horse Boy and Movement Method locations around the world. Education includes the Horse Boy Method 1 certification course and three riding and/or in-hand lessons per week. Costs will vary.
For questions or to apply, email sheryl@smilinggoatranch.com
Interns
Internship programming and timeframes are customized to each college student’s needs and college requirements. We have experience with interns in fields from social work to expressive arts therapy. Working closely with Smiling Goat Ranch staff, interns will directly assist with weekly family sessions; weekly group programs; quarterly veteran programs; ranch tours; and special events for all groups we serve. Education can be individualized based on interest areas and college requirements.
For questions or to apply, email sheryl@smilinggoatranch.com
Recreation Therapy Internship
Internship programming and timeframes are customized to each college student’s needs and college requirements. The Recreation Therapy internship meets NCTRC requirements for certification. Recreation Therapy interns are directly supervised by our CTRS. Working closely with Smiling Goat Ranch staff and volunteers, interns directly assist with weekly family sessions; weekly group programs; quarterly veteran groups; ranch tours; and special events for all populations we serve. They will be exposed to the NCTRC content areas, including but not limited to assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation, and managing RT services. The goal of the internship is to prepare the intern for certification and successful employment in any RT setting.
For questions or to apply, email kaylee@smilinggoatranch.com
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