our team

I feel an incredible privilege and thrill to bring the HiRoad Ranch to life—a dream that I have held close to my heart and cultivated for many years. As someone who has personally experienced the profound healing power of horses in my own journey through trauma, I am deeply passionate about sharing this transformative experience with others.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed the magic of equine therapy, not just in my own healing, but also in the lives of countless adults and children. Horses have an extraordinary ability to help us confront our pain and renew our spirit. In a world filled with hurt and healing, I believe it is vital to offer this service to those who are seeking solace and understanding, especially as we encourage individuals to step away from the distractions of social media and engage more profoundly with life itself.

I embrace my role as the visionary behind this program, fueled by my passion and creativity. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Graphic Arts, I bring a strong educational foundation to my work. My journey as a licensed health coach and my entrepreneurial spirit have driven me to establish and successfully sell several businesses. Over the last decade, I have excelled in sales, consistently achieving and surpassing my quotas and goals. My experience as an insurance broker over the past seven years has allowed me to help countless employers and employees navigate their needs in the large group space. Raising my five children has only deepened my understanding of compassion and community, which is essential in the healing process.

As someone with ADD, I have found that the connection with horses can significantly enhance focus and emotional well-being. My ability to connect with people, coupled with strong communication skills, allows me to foster meaningful relationships within our community.

Together with my Chief Operating Officer, who complements my vision with her meticulous attention to detail, we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of our operation—from how we halter our horses to how we open a gate—creates a safe and nurturing environment for our participants to heal.

We are excited to make a meaningful impact on our community and state through the HiRoad Ranch. I invite you to join us on this journey of healing and transformation, as we unlock the potential of horses to guide us all toward a brighter, more connected future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Addie 

I am thrilled to share with you my enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to The HiRoad Ranch and to reconnect with a vision that is close to both my heart and my professional experience.

Having been PATH Intl. certified, I possess a deep understanding of the healing power of horses and the extensive benefits they can bring to individuals seeking growth and transformation. My journey in the equine-assisted learning and therapy field spans several years, during which I have successfully developed and implemented equine system programs that foster personal development, emotional healing, and social skills improvement.

My experience has enabled me to work alongside diverse populations, including at-risk youth, veterans, and individuals facing various challenges in their lives. I have been fortunate to witness firsthand the remarkable transformations that occur when participants engage with horses—how they build trust, learn empathy, and develop resilience in a supportive environment.

Throughout my career, I have prioritized the integration of best practices and evidence-based approaches to ensure the highest quality of service. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with a talented team to create a structured program at The HiRoad Ranch that not only honors the powerful bond between humans and horses but also adheres to the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Our shared journey has brought Addie and I back together, and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential for this collaboration. I look forward to leveraging my background in program development and my passion for equine therapy to create meaningful experiences for all involved at The HiRoad Ranch.

Thank you for your time, and I am eager to embark on this incredible journey together.

Warm regards,

Shelly Bartels

As the Board Vice Chair of HiRoad Ranch and a military veteran, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of our capital campaign. Your generosity is vital to our mission and will help us create a state-of-the-art facility that will transform lives within the Sioux Falls community.

HiRoad Ranch is committed to offering life-changing services for individuals of all ages, including veterans and their families. We are dedicated to providing therapeutic programs that address a wide range of needs, and your support will allow us to extend our reach even further.

I am excited about the potential for HiRoad Ranch to build events not only within the state but also to gain national recognition. The vision we have for our facility and programs can only be realized thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers and the support of community members like you. Our founder, president, and chief operating officer are the driving forces behind our mission, constantly working to ensure that we have the best therapeutic horses, staff, and volunteers—all dedicating countless hours to serve our mission and the Sioux Falls community.

I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of my fellow board members, already committed business partners and those assisting with our strategic planning, mission development, and fundraising efforts. Together, we are ensuring that HiRoad Ranch can successfully provide therapy for thousands of individuals in need.

Thank you once again for your continued support. I look forward to what we can achieve together as we move into a successful 2025. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our cause.

Warm appreciation, ,

Mike