Everyone here is passionate about helping, passionate about creating an environment where young people can thrive, and passionate about the animals. That is what connects us. And in doing so, we create a better space both at the farm and within the larger community. We impact lives in a positive way and create purpose for those who enter our gates.
Rachel
PATH Intl CTRI, ESMHL (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning)
Rachel has been involved in the therapeutic riding community since she was a teenager and volunteered throughout high school at a PATH (then NARHA) program. Rachel now has over 20 years experience in the EAA field. Rachel has a passion for all equines, but especially donkeys. She also runs a donkey rescue and has written the only book series in the world on donkey care and training. It is very difficult to out-stubborn her, as she is very patient!
Rachel has an immense passion for connecting humans and equines, and believes in fostering communication, empathy, community, and social/emotional skills as the foundation for riding skills. She feels that learning to be your best self is the key to success in equestrian pursuits.
Meg
Adaptive Riding Intern
Meg is interning in our Adaptive Program, with an interest in becoming a PATH Intl CTRI. She has a background in barrel racing in Texas, and then diversified into training rescue horses. She loves to trail ride in her free time. Meg loves teaching equines tricks and liberty work, and values the connection between horse and human. Meg absolutely loves LBF for the community and the immediate sense of belonging she felt from the first time she stepped foot on the farm. The environment is so open and welcoming and she felt so lucky to be apart of creating this experience going forward.
Belinda
Nonprofit Staff/Tour Leader
Belinda Engler moved to Colorado to be closer to her three grandchildren.She is a retired Special Education teacher and has had her own riding school for 20 years in Kansas. She has taught children and youth from 3 years to 18 years as well as adults. Belinda drives miniature horses and has started ponies and horses as well as breeding Welsh ponies and Morabs horses. She also enjoyed working with youth in the horsemanship summer camps offered on the farm and as the 4-H County-Wide Horse leader. Gardening is a hobby she has pursued on her 80 acre farm in Kansas for many years. Running her farm year round in all kinds of weather has taught her an appreciation for all life and for our place in the annual rhythms of nature.
Jonathan
Farm School Teacher/Former Adaptive Riding Intern Jonathan is one of the Farm School Teachers here at Laughing Buck Farm-and he loves every second of his job! Wrangling kids, horses, chickens, goats, and pigs are some of the daily activities he loves the most. His favorite parts of his days at LBF include him telling his beloved childhood Troll-stories at lunchtime, teaching living history, and sharing fun outdoor skills with our “Jr. Farmers.” If you listen quietly at LBF-sometimes you might hear him strumming out old-time mountain music on one of his Banjos! Jonathan is just wrapping up his degree in Agricultural Education at CSU, and is an Eagle Scout, as well as CPR and formerly WFR Certified. When he isn’t at LBF, you can find him out hunting, fishing, or traipsing around with his Corgi Scoobie.”
Gray
Barn Manager/Former Adaptive Riding Intern Gray is an accomplished Hunter-Jumper with 16+ years of riding and showing experience. While growing up in Texas and working with younger riders through IEA, Gray developed a passion for education and educating young riders on essential foundational riding skills. Gray moved to Colorado in 2022 with her cat (Hela) and two horses (Loki and Sleipnir) in order to attend Colorado State University and get her bachelors in Agriculture Education. Her last year of college Gray began interning at Laughing Buck Farm and fell in love with what the farm had to offer. Gray became the barn manager in Sept 2025 and strives to ensure the horses and students have the best care possible.
