Wranglers

Samuel Ackerman

Head Wrangler
First Aid, CPR & AED Certified
Hometown: Longmont, CO
School: University of Colorado & Heartland Horseshoeing School

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. He has a rather eclectic set of professional credentials, with “Hired Magician“, “University Tour Guide“, “Car Restoration Specialist“, “Wildflower Expert“, and “Guitarist for 80’s Rock Tribute Band“ filling his résumé. During college, Samuel worked as a backcountry guide, teaching young adults to survive and thrive in the wilderness. Samuel graduated with a degree in English literature and a Colorado state teaching license, thereafter spending a couple years as a high school English teacher. Now, he’s returning to the mountains to “live off the fatta the lan.“ Fun Fact: Rather than pursue a traditional MA degree, Samuel worked for the YMCA of the Rockies as the “Master of Fun and Games“ (believe it or not, a real job title). He spent all his time writing skits and themed scripts and creating unique games to be played by 250 kids at the same time!

Mary Grefrath

Herd Health Manager
Wilderness First Responder, First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Clarence Center, NY
School: Buffalo State College

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!

Dannah Kuenning

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
School: Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage

Joining us for her fourthseason, Dannah is a born and raised Colorado native. She’s reached the summit of 8 Colorado 14ers and plans to do more. Dannah loves anything involving animals, especially spending time with her Australian Shepherd/Black Lab mix, Misty and her black cat, Foosa. Dannah and Misty try to go paddle boarding, hiking, and swimming together as often as they can! Prior to Vista Verde, Dannah received her Therapeutic Equine Massage Certification through the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. Fun Fact: Dannah made candles from scratch as a little girl. She was even tasked with making over 100 candle wedding favors for her sister’s wedding.

Kylie Yancey

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
School: University of South Carolina

Joining us for another season at VVR, we are so pleased to have this ray of sunshine back! Kylie studied Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina and has a deep passion for animals. You will never meet anyone who loves our ranch dog, Finn, as much as Kylie. She has even started the Instagram hashtag #GetFinnFit, which is sure to go viral one day. When she isn’t riding horses, talking about the VVR herd, or petting Finn, you might find Kylie hiking or reading! She is an adventurous soul, most recently returning from an entire winter of solo traveling to several different countries, including Mongolia, New Zealand, and India.

Sonnet Pradel

Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA
School: Occidental College

Sonnet is a recent college graduate; she received her degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. She grew up rehabilitating performance Quarter Horses, and later took part in the beginner’s lesson program at her trainer’s barn. When she is at home, Sonnet loves taking her retired horse, Jackson, out on trail rides. She is so excited for her first season at Vista Verde! Fun fact: Sonnet was the 2013 Washington State Finals Queen!

Stephanie Kuenast