Wranglers

Samuel Ackerman

Head Wrangler
First Aid, CPR & AED Certified
Hometown: Longmont, CO

Samuel wandered into the Rocky Mountains when he was 11 and has been hooked ever since. He grew up backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and doing whatever else he could find in the western half of Colorado. Samuel graduated with a degree in English literature from University of Colorado.  He spent a couple years as a high school English teacher. Last year, Sam attended Heartland Horseshoeing School.

Mary Grefrath

Herd Health Manager
Wilderness First Responder, First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Clarence Center, NY

Mary graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in art education. Along with art, Mary loves riding horses and exploring the great outdoors. Upon finishing school, she came to the ranch as a kids wrangler. After a short time away, Mary has made her way back to VVR last summer as a housekeeper, stayed this winter as a ranch hand and will now be with us in the barn! We couldn’t be more excited about her return!

James Reves

Wrangler
Hometown: Sacramento, CA

James is here for another summer with us! James studied public relations at California State while also playing rugby. Mules are James’ favorite animal and he typically spends his off seasons leading packing trips. In past seasons James has been both a wrangler and a ranch hand! James is a certified farrier and this summer he will be busy keeping our herd of horses shod and trail ready!

Steph Kuenast

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Austin, TX

We are so excited to have Steph back for a second season! Originally from Texas, Steph attended college at Colorado State University where she fell in love with Colorado and has stayed ever since. She has spent 2 years before coming to Vista working on a working cow ranch. Steph loves all things out doors. In her free time you will find her hiking, camping, fly fishing, and working out.

Maddie Karp

Sam Kelly

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN

Sam has been riding since the age of 4. She is an accomplished evener and competed in the 2015 Junior Olympics. She recently completed her junior year at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota where she is studying psychology. To say Sam is an animal lover is an understatement! She has 28 animals of 7 different species at home. Her favorite is her dog!

Sophia Nasato

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY

Sophia graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2019 with degree in Communication Studies and French. She is a certified PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Instructor and was the Volunteer Coordinator as well as an instructor at New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding. In 2018, Sophia studied abroad in Grenoble, France where she studied French at the University of Grenoble. She also explored Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands. It was her first time ever to Europe and definitely not her last!

Alex Terlesky

Katie Wessel

Lilly Clem

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Medina, OH

Lilly graduated from the University of Findlay in Ohio with degrees in Animal Science and Western Equestrian Studies. She has worked as a wrangler on two other guest ranches, one in Montana and the other in Wyoming. She had some incredible experiences and is excited to be working and exploring Colorado this summer. This summer you will find Lilly spending her free time hiking, biking, and camping. Fun Fact: Lilly has lived in 6 states and loves to travel!