Raven Rock Ranch combines all of Sandy's passions, skills, and training to create a unique culmination of qualities maximizing the restorative work of both the horse and individual.

A lifelong horse lover, Sandy has taught riding to hundreds of kids and adults, both privately as well as for the Athletic department of the University of Iowa where Sandy earned her bachelors degree in English. Sandy participated in the Special Education program as a Para Educator for the Lake Washington School District, where she was awarded the prestigious Para Educator of the Year for the state of Washington. After receiving her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University, Sandy led classes and counseling for Seniors as a member of the Senior Services of King County psychology therapists. Sandy has her own counseling practice with a focus on family and couples therapy as well.

Sandy has dedicated her volunteer and professional life in humanitarian roles. She has volunteered in the children's ministries of Summit View Church as well as Timberlake Christian Fellowship as a teacher/leader. Currently, she volunteers in pastoral care at Timberlake, counseling couples with troubled marriages.

For over 50 years horses have been Sandy's lifelong passion. She rides and trains daily and has owned numerous horses. Beginning as a volunteer at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Sandy soon advanced to NARHA-certified Instructor. NARHA is the organization that oversees riding for the handicapped in North America.

Tim Matts, husband of Sandy Matts and co-founder of Raven Rock Ranch, brings a wealth of business experience to Raven Rock Ranch.  For the past 30 years, Tim has worked with executives in Fortune 500 companies as a consultant to bring about business transformation. Through his knowledge of information technology, management of capital acquisition and improvement and corporate leadership, Tim brings a valuable skill set to encourage the success of Raven Rock Ranch.  Tim's savvy technological background brought about the website infrastructure for Raven Rock.  Through Tim's expertise in handling multi-million dollar capital improvement projects in a wide array of industries, he will be instrumental in the cost efficiency of the Raven Rock business operation.  In addition, Tim has a heart for hurting youth as well as passion for helping abused and neglected animals.  

Bergitta ("Bergie") is our youngest team member at 4 years old. Sandy's own personal horse, she is learning about being a saddle horse, but is a star when it comes to liberty work. Her intelligence, kindness, and curiosity make her a favorite at RRR.

Click on picture for more views

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rusty is our veteran "horse counselor". He is patient and kind to new, unsure riders which gives them confidence and joy. He came to us from a family who could no longer afford to care for him, but loved him dearly. It shows.

Click on picture for more views

 

 

 

 

 

Nikki is our newest addition. She came to us from a friend of Raven Rock Ranch who has been caring for Nikki since her owner died suddenly. Kind and obedient, she prefers people over other horses. Her gentleness and engaging personality will make her a natural fit for our important work.

Click on picture for more views

 

 

 

The horses at Raven Rock each have a unique past that gives them the ability to reach out to children in amazing ways...making them what we call "horse counselors".  Sponsoring the care of one of our "horse counselors" enables Raven Rock to continue to offer a free program to all children that visit the ranch. 

If you are interested in sponsoring one of our Angels in Horsehair, please press the "Donate Now" button at the top of the page.  

We are all so thankful for each person who supports us in this special way.