Meet Our Staff
Founder and Lead Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI): Joy Ratkowski – Ashland, WI
Joy’s desire to use horses to help others came from a time in her life where her own loss at a young age showed her the healing power of these amazing animals. From that time on, she continued to make horses a part of her life and brings over 40 years of experience to Hooves of Joy. Her experience includes training and showing horses (including futurity horses), teaching beginner through advanced riding lessons in western, huntseat and dressage, horsemanship clinics, and holding a current judge’s card for several breeds and 4-H. Those who know horses know that Joy has a God-given level of intuition that allows her to read both the horse and the rider. This ability is something that all equine professionals aspire to, but only a few have been blessed with the gift that Joy possesses.
Joy also has many years of experience working with mentally and physically challenged individuals in a home setting. The combined knowledge of horses and special needs brings to the programs the perfect collaboration that makes Hooves of Joy stand out from the rest.
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI): Christine Beeksma – Ashland, WI
Instructor in Training & Chore Help: Trinity Pearson – Mellen, WI
Instructor in Training & Chore Help: Lydia Anderson – Ashland, WI
Director of Maintenance: Russell Ratkowski, Sr – Ashland, WI
Barn Manager: Betty Stafford – Ashland, WI
Office Manager: Lisa Green – Park Falls, WI
Volunteer Coordinator: Jan Tuominen – Washburn, WI