Saddle up for fun and learning!

Explore, learn, and grow life horsemanship skills at Graceful Youth Oaks Ranch.

Cantering Towards Confidence & Knowledge
Empowering Youth, Nurturing Growth, and Cultivating Leadership Through Animal-Assisted Education

At Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch, our mission is to empower youth, nurture personal growth, and cultivate leadership through innovative animal-assisted education. Rooted in a strong commitment to our community’s well-being, we collaborate at Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch to create positive change, enhance lives, and inspire confidence and knowledge, one heart at a time.

Giddy up for all the fun we can do at the ranch.

BASIC HORSEMANSHIP

  • ALL YEAR ROUND

Experience fun, build relationships with horses, and develop riding skills in our comprehensive lesson program at Graceful Oaks! Our 50-minute Basic Horsemanship lessons cover everything from groundwork to horse handling and riding, available all year round subject to weather conditions.

EVENTS at the ranch

  • ALL YEAR ROUND

At Graceful Oaks Ranch, we’re not just about horsemanship – we host an array of exciting events throughout the year, offering everyone the chance to experience the joy of our community. You can also choose the Ranch to host your birthday party, graduation party, or any special occasion. So, saddle up for a galloping good time, and let us host your next unforgettable celebration!

Birthday party

  • ALL YEAR ROUND

Round up your guests for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at Graceful Oaks! From birthday hoedowns to graduation gallops and wedding wagon rides, we’re here to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. We’ve rustled up four event packages, each one designed to bring a dash of the wild west to your celebration. Whether it’s horseback riding under the open sky or a cozy campfire gathering, we’ve got the perfect blend of fun and festivity for you.

Fostering Kids fOR LIFE

The Fostering Kids for Life (FK4L) program at Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch offers transformative support for youth in foster and kinship care through animal therapy, leadership training, and internships. Aimed at holistic development, FK4L addresses the challenges of over 7,300 affected children in Colorado. It combines emotional, psychological, and practical skill-building to pave their path to success. Applications for this impactful program begin in January 2024.

Animal Therapeutic Sessions

At Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch, the certified equine therapy program provides healing and transformation, fostering personal growth and resilience through meaningful interactions with horses.

Real Impacts, Real Stories

“I’d like to start by introducing myself. My name is Nick Haley. I’m a first generation Horsemen that got his start in Firestone Colorado. In June 2019 my whole life changed. Poor choices led to a courtroom where I sat at only 14 years old questioning everything, my friends, my future, my path and God’s plan for me. I left that courtroom feeling beaten, with questions that couldn’t be answered and 24 hours of community service… I heard from members of the community that GOYR was looking for volunteers. Not knowing the major impact me saying yes to building a goat “shed” would have on my life I said yes. On this short 24 hour journey of community service, those questions I never asked out loud were answered, I found peace in the horses, pride in the work and people that supported me. As I continued to be a part of GOYR my passion for horses continued to snowball, taking lessons, attending the empowering youth leadership program, graduating from that in 2019. In 2020 started work for a breeder in Fort Lupton to learn more about the industry I was obsessed with. Later that year I got my first horse. Many of you know “Bear” who once was a lesson horse at GOYR. This is where things really took off for me. In 2021 I started competing in the versatility ranch horse events. In 2022 I moved to Cheyenne Wyoming to compete at the collegiate level. I have spent the last 6 months working for a reined cowhorse trainer in Perrin Texas chasing my dream. If I never stepped out of my comfort zone and went to GOYR I would’ve never found myself, my passion, or the dream I have the privilege to chase. If you’re going to take anything from this, take this. Have faith during your weak moments, spend more time outside your comfort zone, and never underestimate the power of the first step. My first step on this life changing journey was Graceful oaks youth ranch.”

We love our staff and
we think you will too

Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch is guided by a dedicated team of individuals led by its founder, Chalae Collard.

Chalae Collard

Board of Director, foUNDER & CEO
Kristina Price
Board OF DIRECTOR & ranch program DIRECTOR
Makayla Windholz
Secretary, rANCH PROGRAM MANAGER FOR EMPOWERING YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Valerie Renville

Board of director

Kayleigh Weickum

TREASURER

What parents are saying…


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“My kids had a blast on their open house evening. Horseback riding, archery, smores and animals to pet. Everyone was so nice and welcoming! Had a great time”
Melissa R.
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“Awesome place to visit, volunteer, spend time as a family; loving volunteers work with groups and one-on-one bringing hope and healing through house therapy sessions.”
Nicole W.

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“This is the best for people who have trouble in life I love it it helped me i thank everyone that volunteers to make it great please come by. Thanks”
Vector V.
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“Graceful Oaks Ranch (GOYR) holds immense significance for my family as it served as a catalyst for our healing journey. Three years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn, leaving us shattered and broken. As a single mother, I had strived to shield my boys from the traumatic experiences we endured, but it was at GOYR that we found solace. Through equine therapy, my son regained his self-confidence and discovered joy in his newfound love for horses, while I became actively involved in youth programming and Animal Therapeutic Sessions. GOYR’s commitment to assisting women and children who have endured abuse and trauma made it a sanctuary of non-judgmental healing, not just for us, but for countless others. The relationships forged and the blessings we’ve received at the Ranch make me deeply grateful that God guided us there when we needed it the most.”
Kristina