Once upon a time, there was a middle aged horse trainer with fun colored hair and a history and a passion for working with “problem” and rescue horses. Then one day, she heard about a very small horse in need of VERY big help, and thus a rescue was born out of need.

Renne has over 3 decades of experience as an equestrian, nearly 2 decades as a professional horse trainer, and a life long passion to advocate for working WITH our equine partners. This being her approach, the resulting rescue and rehabilitation is a natural evolution in her equine journey.

Teaching horseback riding part time at first, she loved sharing a love of horses with new riders and began to pursue a full time career. Each lesson touched on an understanding for equine behavior and a respect for the emotional and healing nature of these magnificent creatures as well. Integrating the idea of a partnership with our horse. Working together as one.

Over the years, her own ongoing battles with various mental health issues led her to explore the benefits and methods associated with equine therapy and therapeutic horseback riding. She learned everything she could along with her horses CJ, the palomino mare, and Clifford the Big Red Horse, a treasured chestnut gelding she tragically lost to lightning in an awful summer storm. His memory was the birthplace of the community outreach program, Clifford's Kids. A community sponsored therapeutic lesson scholarship program for underprivileged youth.

Renne has made it her life long mission to learn and evolve as much as possible, and this includes her horsemanship. She has a genuine love, adoration, and respect for these incredible souls, and is absolutely dedicated to giving them all the love they deserve, the medical, nutritional, farrier care they need, and every single chance at new life.

Nicole has been taking lessons at GRG Ranch since 2014. She started helping out around the ranch a few years later. Eventually she became an apprentice to Renne and assists with horse training.

Nicole started out learning to ride on the trails in the bluffs of SE Minnesota. From there her love of horses grew. She has been learning about horses since she was young and continues to learn more every time she is around them. She mostly does western disciplines but has dabbled in english riding and would like to keep trying more disciplines in both.

Nicole currently volunteers in a children’s therapeutic riding program in addition to the program through GRG Ranch and also takes equine classes at SDSU.

Nicole loves spending time with the herd at GRG Ranch and looks forward to meeting many new horses and through the rescue while helping them find a better life.

Jenna was first introduced to riding 10 years ago by way of jumping and dressage. Eventually, She was introduced to the western world and has since transitioned to the western way - whilst keeping her English schooling close.

A long time student and friend of Renne, Jenna became involved with GRG Ranch in 2020 - taking lessons, working at children’s camps, helping care for horses and eventually becoming a training assistant.

Jenna enjoys riding and spending time with her own horsey partner of 9 years, Johnny. She continues to dedicate herself to becoming a better horsewoman and enjoys joining Renne on her many training adventures.

In addition to riding, Jenna is an avid musician with a love of for composing who plans on attending grad school for screen scoring.

Liz has been a certified therapeutic riding instructor for a year and a half, but has worked as a volunteer at many therapeutic barns for nearly 6 years.

She has a passion for horses, and uses non-escalating techniques in both her riding and training. While she teaches mostly dressage fundamentals, she has a background in western disciplines, as well as other English disciplines. Liz works with both neurodiverse and neurotypical clients, as well as a variety of physical disabilities.

Liz first came out to GRG Ranch just before receiving her PATH, Intl certification, and we couldn't be more excited to have her on our team!

With all the working parts here at GRG Ranch, we ALWAYS need quality support from the equine lovers in the community.

Our incredible team of volunteers gives SO freely of their love and their time to help in the daily care, grooming, organization fundraising, rehabilitation, and with spreading the word both in the real world and online to help support our various programs.

The team is made up of members of various levels of equine experience. If you're interested in learning more about volunteering regardless of your horse experience, check out our volunteer information here!

Tina has been a horse owner of the beautiful approximately 20-year-old Arabian/Fresian Cross Shay- for about three years. Tina has had an active part in assisting the ranch with rescue runs, driving trailer, and pitching in around the ranch.

She grew up with a love of horses (what little girl doesn’t) that stemmed from summers riding at church camp.

Recently, she’s taken on the role of the Volunteer Coordinator to help with the constant inquires surrounding volunteering, as well as; help manage current volunteers/schedules/projects and team communication.