{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson","title":"Ep 15: Sheryl Barto - Smiling Goat Ranch","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5969,"description":"From PR to Horses: The Story of Smiling Goat Ranch with Sheryl BartoIn this transformative episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with the remarkable Sheryl Barto, founder of Smiling Goat Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado. Sheryl shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey, shaped by her son James, who is on the autism spectrum, and her lifelong love for horses. Discover how Sheryl built Smiling Goat Ranch into a haven for children, families, and individuals navigating autism, trauma, and life's many challenges—all while integrating horses, mountain sports, and ranch life in a holistic and life-changing way.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeSheryl's Personal Journey (Starts at 2:00)Sheryl grew up with a deep connection to horses, spending her youth showing Ponies of the Americas (POAs) and exploring the countryside on horseback. Despite her dream of becoming a horse trainer, life initially took her on a different path—earning a journalism degree and building a successful career in PR. But when her son James was diagnosed with autism at age 10, Sheryl began to uncover a new purpose: helping others through the healing power of horses and nature.The Birth of Smiling Goat Ranch (Starts at 16:30)Founded in 2015, Smiling Goat Ranch offers equine-assisted therapy, classical horsemanship, and activities like mountain sports and ranch work. Sheryl’s approach is profoundly influenced by her experiences as an autism mom, her classical horse training skills, and her belief in the therapeutic connection between humans and animals. The ranch serves not only children with autism but also individuals dealing with trauma and those searching for connection and belonging.The Name and the Heart of the Ranch (Starts at 24:00)The ranch's name, Smiling Goat, reflects the joy and character of its early residents: three pygmy goats named Nelly, Lester, and Hubert. These quirky and lovable animals became symbolic of the warmth and playfulness that permeates the ranch,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/PuJAXgaKmhfeBRqqEPEATMHDH_c-iN9O1OlaUtqD0-g/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQwMDI3LzE2ODI0/MjQ0MTQtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}