Sheryl Barto

Smiling Goat Ranch brings the healing effects of horses, movement, nature and an impassioned, supportive community to anyone with neuropsychiatric conditions including autism, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as veterans, women in recovery, and those affected by grief, trauma, and related conditions. All of our programs are offered to families free of charge. Founder Sheryl Barto grew up horse-obsessed in the farm country of Pennsylvania, the daughter of a veterinarian, always surrounded by animals. A degree in journalism led to work in public relations that has been her day job ever since. She moved to Colorado to be a ski bum in 1988. Twenty-five years later, she merged her experiences as an autism mom, horsewoman and PR professional and founded Smiling Goat Ranch. Appropriately named – since smiling initiates a chemical domino effect that opens us up to relating better with others and with ourselves. She’s happiest on the back of horse, believing wide open spaces are good for the soul. She also loves hanging with her kids.