Behind every great program is a dedicated group of individuals whose passion, care, and expertise make it all possible. From experienced trainers to enthusiastic volunteers, each member of our team plays a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment for both horses and riders. Here’s a look at some of the familiar faces you will see here at the ranch.
Meet The Founder – Vollie Heitkamp
A lifelong love of horses began simply with owning a horse to love and trail ride. That passion grew into competitive pursuits in 4H, WSCA, and ultimately AQHA breed shows. Over time, Vollie discovered not only a love for starting young horses but also a heart for helping others identify and achieve their dreams.
Like any journey, there were many miles between the milestones, and Vollie’s path was no exception. While her love for horses, people, and seeing others live joyfully and freely was always present, she never set out to operate in the space she found herself in by 2006. That year, through prayerful reflection and a desire to live a purposeful life that could bear lasting fruit, Vollie responded boldly to God’s nudging and stepped out in faith, following the leading of the Holy Spirit. That moment marked the beginning of a wildly beautiful journey—one she could never have imagined.
Today, Vollie is overflowing with gratitude for the privilege of serving the community through outreach programs that celebrate the world of horses and the homesteading lifestyle. Her daily intention is to encourage, empower, and equip others to use their gifts to serve the Kingdom. She approaches each day with a heart fully committed to supporting and leading the mission of Hope Rides, aligning with the priorities of heaven, and bringing glory to God.
Meet Lesson Instructor – Eve Heitkamp
Eve has been around horses from an early age, simply by the nature of being born into a horse family. There has not been a time in life where horses have not been a part of it. Horses have played a significant roll in teaching important life lessons and allowing many wonderful experiences of fellowship with family and friends. It is combination of these moments and the spiritual gift of being generous in spirit that have been at work cultivating of a heart that finds joy in supporting and coming alongside others who are seeking to grow and explore the possibilities for their lives. Eve enjoys the pursuit and challenge of continuing to refine her own horsemanship life lessons she learns along the way, always humbled and reflective about the countless opportunities to continue to grow personally and share what she has learned in hopes that it might support someone else along the way. In this season of life Eve is excited for the opportunity to teaching lessons, tune up horses and provide care for horses and daily up keep of the farm. Her heart for seeing every child and animal she works with succeed and come into an awareness of the possibilities for their lives gets her excited and thankful for the privilege to serve others through the platform of Hope Rides. When she is on her own time she doesn’t get far from the ranch, she spends her time riding her horse Goose (Barrels) and her horse Rudy (AQPH Hunt Seater). Eve looks forward to the opportunity to continue to be a student/teacher and allow her life to serve to support others and share in this wonderful adventure of life with horses.
Meet Lesson Instructor – Katey Ramos
Katey’s passion of horses began here at Hope Rides back in 2011. She was first a participant in the Hope Rides programs such as the session program, shine, horse camps, and private lessons. She then became confident that Hope Rides is where not only she felt led to but ultimately belonged. In 2014 she started teaching lessons at Hope Rides and spending any free time she had at the ranch. Since then her involvement at the ranch has only grown more, as she assist with the day in and day out work at the ranch and still teaches lessons in addition. When her time is not being spent serving the Hope Rides community, she enjoys riding her mare Letti and hitting barrel races on the weekend and going for a casual loose reined walk around the field for some quiet reflective time. She would tell you that when she first stepped foot on the farm back in 2011 she would have never imagined the blessings, opportunities, and the family that would be built.
Meet Lesson Instructor – Faith Watz
Faith’s horse journey began at the age of nine when she attended her first horse camp. Over the next decade, her passion deepened as she dedicated herself to volunteering and working at the camp. When that chapter came to a close, a new opportunity emerged at Hope Rides, where she became involved four years ago. Throughout high school, Faith participated in numerous 4-H and FFA activities. Each of these associations helping to guide her along a path associated to GOD given interests. Her skills in the saddle expanded across both western and hunter/jumper disciplines, allowing her to gain valuable experience. During her first semesters in college, Faith competed as a barrel racer on the rodeo team while pursuing a degree in agricultural business. Today, she continues to contribute at Hope Rides, teaching lessons and assisting with daily operations on the ranch and continue to explore how her gifts can be of service. Faith finds great joy in using her skills and knowledge to inspire and empower the next generation of horse enthusiasts.