Meet the team

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 Viki is a remarkable individual with a heart full of compassion and a strong spirit. At 46 years old, she's a loving mother of three children, one of whom was a special needs daughter who left this world at 19 months, a testament to her unwavering love and strength.

Viki's life is filled with humor and a deep appreciation for animals. Her passion for four-legged and feathered friends is evident through her diverse family of pets, including three dogs, a cat, an African gray parrot, and three lovebirds, all living under her caring watch.

Viki's connection to those with unique challenges extends to her three mentally handicapped brothers, reflecting her immense capacity for empathy and support. Her service as a mechanic in the army showcases her hands-on skills and her love for fixing things, a trait that she continues to embrace with enthusiasm.

A recent addition to her life is a rescued three-strike mustang, demonstrating her commitment to giving second chances. Viki's love for animals extends to a miniature pony, rounding out her loving menagerie.

In addition to her love for animals, Viki's heart beats to the rhythm of music, bringing her joy and inspiration. Her ability to give "high fours" is a reflection of her infectious positivity, leaving a mark of happiness on those around her.

Viki is a truly extraordinary individual, weaving love, laughter, and care into the tapestry of her life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she meets.

 Corita embarked on a journey in 2022, driven by a dream shared with her husband to retire in the picturesque landscapes of Wyoming. With an insatiable appetite for learning, she is passionate about disseminating educational principles and the mission of HIKE to the Natrona County community.

Corita brings with her decades of experience in both education and business, spanning organizations of all sizes. Her expertise lies in coaching, where she specializes in enhancing teamwork, communication, process management, and organizational culture.

But Corita's retirement plans aren't just about relaxation; they also include a unique passion for working with horses. It's the icing on the cake of her retirement, as she combines her skills with the joy of connecting with these magnificent creatures. Corita's life is a story of dedication, knowledge, and a future filled with dreams.

 Meet Pipsqueak, the mighty mini horse with a personality as bold as her dark liver chestnut coloring. Strong-minded and fiercely loyal, Pipsqueak is a force to be reckoned with in our program, standing tall despite her miniature stature.

This spunky little equine companion has a crazy, untamed mane that perfectly matches her spirited nature. Pipsqueak thrives on attention and has a knack for stealing the spotlight with her vibrant presence. A testament of her loyalty is the deep bonds she forms, especially with her goat friends, whom she watches over and protects like a guardian.

Pipsqueak is not just a pretty face; she's incredibly smart and eager to learn new things. Her sharp mind makes her a quick learner, always ready to take on challenges and showcase her intelligence. Whether it's navigating obstacles or mastering new tricks, Pipsqueak approaches each task with enthusiasm and determination.

With her strong personality, intelligence, and protective instincts, Pipsqueak adds a dynamic element to our program. Get ready to be enchanted by this spirited mini horse as she captivates hearts with her feisty demeanor and unbridled enthusiasm for life.

 Meet Sebastian, the easygoing and charming 10-month-old goat who brings a calm and relaxed energy to our program. As a twin with a sister, Sebastian is not only sociable but also has a loyal companion by his side.

Unlike his more outgoing friend, William, Sebastian is content to be a follower, enjoying the tranquility of the group dynamic. His love for running is apparent in his impressive speed, making him a delightful sight to behold during his playful sprints.

Sebastian has a curious side, and he expresses it through exploring the world around him with his mouth. This endearing habit showcases his inquisitive nature and adds a touch of playfulness to his character. His gentle demeanor extends to his interactions with other animals, where his playful side truly shines.

One of Sebastian's favorite pastimes is being brushed, reveling in the attention and care. It's during these moments that his affectionate nature becomes most apparent. While he may not be as playful with people as his counterpart William, Sebastian's unique charm lies in his calm and easy-to-please personality.

Sebastian is more than just a goat; he's a serene and delightful presence in our program, adding a touch of tranquility and joy to every interaction. Whether he's exploring, running, or enjoying a leisurely brushing session, Sebastian is sure to capture the hearts of those fortunate enough to spend time with him.

  Manny, our magnificent chestnut mustang with a luscious mane that speaks to his untamed spirit. Manny is not just a horse; he's a testament to intelligence, resilience, and the power of building trust through patience and understanding.

Manny's intelligence shines through in his remarkable ability to teach himself skills, such as opening gates—a true display of his problem-solving prowess. While he may not be part of our program just yet, Manny's strong-willed yet gentle nature makes him a promising addition for the future.

In the ongoing taming process, Manny has revealed his kind and gentle side, showcasing a willingness to build a connection with those he trusts. His intelligence extends to his cautious approach, especially with new faces. While he has learned to trust Viki, Manny remains suspicious of others, highlighting the importance of the ongoing trust-building process.Manny's willingness to build connections reflects the resilient spirit of the mustang.

Currently, lead training is in progress, a journey that emphasizes cooperation and communication between Manny and his human companions. Even when those grouchy ears make an appearance, Manny's compliance with requests reflects not only his strong will but also his inherent kindness.

As he continues his journey towards becoming part of our program, Manny represents the untamed beauty of nature and the limitless potential for mutual respect and understanding that can be forged between humans and horses. Get ready to witness the transformation of Manny as he takes his place as a valued member of our equine family.

Meet Red, the candid and protective rooster who may not be part of our official program but holds a special place as a valued member of our extended family. Red's unique personality adds a touch of honesty and straightforwardness to our community, even if he may not be inclined to follow the HIKE philosophy himself.

In his enclosure, Red is unabashedly expressive about how he feels, offering a candid glimpse into his emotions. While he may not show much interest in understanding the impact of his behavior on those around him or aspire to change, Red excels in another crucial role—he's a stellar protector to the egg-laying ladies.

Red's watchful and vigilant nature makes him an important member of the family, ensuring the safety and well-being of the hens in his care. His dedication to his role as a guardian reflects a different kind of wisdom—one rooted in natural instincts and a commitment to the welfare of his feathered companions.

While Red may not embody the HIKE philosophy, his authenticity and protective instincts contribute to the overall harmony of our community. Sometimes, the most profound contributions come from individuals who stay true to their nature, offering a unique and irreplaceable presence within the family.

Sadly a predator took Red at the end of July 2024

 Meet Freddie, the feathered fashionista with a flair for fabulousness and a nose for veggie treats! With her tricolored ensemble, featuring a striking black mullet, a front adorned in a delightful mix of white and brown, and a backside boasting a chic combination of grey and white feathers, Freddie is the epitome of poultry fashionista,

Teamed up with her partner-in-crime, Fred, they're the dynamic duo of egg production, delivering a daily dose of delight with their mysterious eggs – one creamy, one green, and enough confusion to keep the entire coop clucking.

But Freddie's interests extend far beyond the egg-laying game. Oh no, this curious clucker has an insatiable appetite for adventure, especially when it involves scouting out the day's vegetable scraps. The mere mention of treats sends her into a frenzy of excitement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she eagerly awaits the opening of the coop door.

And let's not forget about Red, the rooster extraordinaire, whose watchful eye ensures that Freddie and Fred can peck and scratch to their heart's content without a worry in the world.

So, whether she's strutting her stuff in the coop, scouring the yard for snacks, or just hanging out with her bestie Fred, Freddie is always ready to bring a touch of glamour and a whole lot of laughter to the barnyard. 

Long live the queen of the coop!