Board of Directors
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
CHAIRMAN
Kathy is one of our equine specialists and the developer of the Authenticity Workshops, as well as the founder of Daystar Ranch in the early 1990s. She identifies as a Follower of the Light who’s “learned a few things about love, life, and relationships.” Mother of six, grandmother of 12, Certified Flight Instructor, and a Registered Nurse who’s cared for newborns, mental health patients, and those in hospice.
Kathy O'Donnell
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
FOUNDER/TREASURER
Kathy lives at Roughout Ranch and manages the day-to-day operations of the ranch and the nonprofit. She holds five OK Corral certificates in equine-assisted philosophy, a certificate in the Authenticity Workshops: Conscious Connection & Encouraging Engagement, PATH International certificate in equine-assisted services, Mustang Maddy's Horse-Human Connection Academy training, and Equine Therapy Practitioner certification from Efficient Therapist eLearning
Sheila Countryman
Kathy Rutan-Sprague
Sheila Countryman
SECRETARY
Sheila began her academic journey studying early childhood development and education before starting her family. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on Criminal Investigation, graduating Summa Cum Laude. With over 30 years of experience working with both neurotypical and neurodivergent children and adults, Sheila has served in diverse settings, including education, faith-based environments, scouting, and her own home.
Our HERD
Dusty
Dusty is a 17-year-old Blue Roan Mustang gelding and BLM rescue that went through the Nevada Correctional Center Wild Horse & Burro Training program. He has been in our Horse Encounters™ and Therapeutic Riding programs since 2019. He also has been a trail riding horse and has solid groundwork foundation. Dusty is the alpha horse and very confident, responsive and sensitive to pressure.
Chile
Chile is an 8-year-old Sorrel Mustang gelding and BLM rescue that went through the Nevada Correctional Center Wild Horse & Burro Training program. He was trained to be a cattle horse by the Center. He has been in our Horse Encounters™ and Therapeutic Riding programs since 2019 and is very gentle and patient.
Paint
Paint is a 15-year-old Paint horse gelding. Paint is diabetic and prone to foundering so he eats lower sugar hays and supplements for better hoof health. He wears boots on his front hooves most days which allows him to run and play with the other horses. Paint very calm and reliable in nature and loves to do groundwork exercises. He has been in our Horse Encounters™, Therapeutic Horsemandship and Therapeutic Riding programs since 2019.
Puck
Puck is a 23-year-old Shetland Pony gelding who has been in our Horse Encounters™ programs since 2019. He is a favorite of the kids.
Waldo
Waldo
Waldo is a 6-year-old Standard Donkey gelding and BLM rescue from Arizona who is halter-broken. He is very friendly, lovable, and wants to be the center of attention. He loves a good butt and ear scratch.