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
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!
JAMES REEVES
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Le Grand, CA
School: California State University, Sacramento
Previous Position: Mule Packer
James is here for his second summer with us! Previously, he has spent summers as a mule packer in California, but decided he enjoyed Colorado so much that he needed to come back to VVR! James spent his years at California State University studying public relations while also playing rugby. Fun Fact: James loves listening to music, especially country and rock!
Zach Hetrick
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Previous Job: Farrier
Although he was born in Phoenix, Zach has grown up all around the world! Before coming to Vista Verde to wrangle, he was working as a farrier. Fun fact: Zach was a rugby captain for 6 years, and has won six rugby state championships!
Caroline Roethlisberger
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
School: Miami University of Ohio
At Miami University of Ohio, Caroline studies Journalism and Political Science and is minoring is Spanish. She rides on the school’s equestrian team, and has been riding hunter/jumper for eleven years. Last summer, Caroline spent her time off from school hiking and biking across Spain. Fun fact: Caroline is one minute older than her twin sister. She can’t wait to spend her summer riding at VVR!
STEPHANIE SHREVE
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Joining us for her second season, Steph is originally from Maryland, Stephanie has been riding since an early age. When she was 4 years old she rode a pony at a friends birthday and so her love of horses began. In high school Stephanie did hunter jumper competitions and even took the blue ribbon at the st. timothy's fall classic. Stephanie is excited to be a part of the Vista wrangler crew for summer and to keep honing her western riding skills. Fun fact: Stephanie's favorite food is scones, she once ate 15 at one time!
JACOB MAHLSTEDT
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR
Home: Minnesota
Jacob enjoys being outside, working with animals (spoiler: he loves riding horses), and playing pond hockey and volleyball. Jacob brings a fun, easy-going atmosphere to any room he is in! Fun fact: Jacob has fun playing the Mandolin in his family's band!
Dannah Kuenning
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
School: Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage
Joining us for her third season, 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.
Cawood Habenicht
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Newtown Square, PA
School: Furman University
Cawood is joining us for her second summer season at VVR! She recently graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Biology. She loves sharing her goofy and enthusiastic personality with kids and has a deep passion for animals (spoiler: especially horses). Cawood has been riding hunter/jumper since she was 6 years old, and is excited to continue learning more about the western discipline and to strengthen these skills at the ranch. Fun fact: Cawood can make accurate coyote AND dolphin sounds per request.
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!