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
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
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
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.