Cate Blanch

Riata Ranch Team Member/Design Specialist/Maintenance Technician/Staff EMT

Cate Blanch is a Park Ranger for the National Park Service and volunteers at both Riata Ranch International in Three Rivers and Happy Trails Riding Academy in Visalia, California.  As a Ranger, she serves to educate the public on the resources the parks protect and ensure visitors can safely enjoy exploring their parks.  Having no previous background with horses, her fascination with them led her to volunteer at both Riata Ranch and Happy Trails to learn more about these amazing creatures.  At Riata Ranch, Cate performs as the website developer, horse care provider, guide, maintenance technician, and handy-lady.  At Happy Trails, a horse therapy ranch, she is a side-walker providing both physical and emotional support to the riders as they develop their confidence and mobility.  Volunteering at these  ranches has allowed her to witness and deeply appreciate how the relationship between a rider and a horse provides both with comfort and support as their bond grows, developing confidence, honesty, and trust in each other and those around them.