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 life long love of horses, which simply started with owning a horse to love and trial ride, led to competitive pursuits in the 4H, WSCA and ultimately to AQHA breed shows. As pursuits continued a love of starting young horses become evident so did the heart for helping others identify and accomplish their dreams. As with most people there is a lot of miles between the moments and this is very true for Vollie. While there was always a love of horses and humans and heart for seeing people live well and with joy and free with laughter, Vollie never set out to operate in the space where she found herself headed in 2006. It was in 2006 through prayerful submission and a desire to live a life with purpose that was capable of bearing fruit, that Vollie responded boldly to the nudging and stepped out in faith following the leading of the Holy Spirit. That was beginning of what has been a wildly beautiful journey. While nothing she could have every imaged or expected she is overflowing with Gratitude for the privilege to serve and excitement for the possibilities each day holds with Holy Spirit at the wheel. It is her daily intention to use her life in a way that encourage, empowers and equips others to seek excellence for the Kingdom. Vollie continues to step into each new day intended to support and lead the organizational mission of Hope Rides as it aligns with the priorities of heaven and serves to bring 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.