Smiling Goat Ranch Sixth Annual “Healing Hoof-It”

CARBONDALE, Colo…Smiling Goat Ranch is hosting the sixth annual Healing Hoof It at 5 pm on Fri., April 7
in Carbondale. This mental health walk, 5K run and animal parade is being held during Carbondale’s most
notable event – First Friday which draws locals and visitors from the Roaring Fork Valley.
The race begins at the Carbondale Rec Center and goes down Main Street on to the Rio Grande Trail bike
path. The streets close as the walking parade of therapy horses, goats, miniature horses and dogs – alongside
families SGR serves and their community partners and friends head to 4 th Street Plaza for a post-walk
celebration.
With a shotgun start at 530 pm from the Carbondale Rec Center, runners go first, then walkers and then the
Smiling Goat therapy animal parade lead off by the JROTC from Glenwood Springs High School. All
participants will cross over Colorado Ave. to the Promenade. The runners continue down Main Street and
proceed to the scenic Rio Grande Trail and on to the Gus Darien Rodeo Grounds for the turn around and stay
on the bike bath the rest of the way to the finish line where they began.
At the end of the race, community partners and friends will head to 4 th Street Plaza for a post-walk celebration.
The celebration will include a photobooth with the animals, energy drinks and snacks provided by
Independence Run and Hike and information booths by Smiling Goat wellness partners including the Veterans
Administration Hospital of Grand Junction, Ascendigo, Aspen Strong, Western Slope Veterans Coalition, Mind
Springs Health, Huts for Vets, Arc of the Central Rockies, Aperture of Hope, Cook Inclusive Company and the
JROTC from Glenwood Springs High School.
Smiling Goat Ranch served more than 300 people in 2022 and does not charge families for its therapeutic
services. Cost of this walk/run fundraising event is $35 for adults, $25 for youth ages 3-18, kids 2 and under
are free, seniors and veterans are $30. Participants will each receive a goodie bag and are encouraged to
register in advance at https://www.smilinggoatranch.com/healing-hoof-it.
This event would not be possible without its sponsors: Aspen Community Foundation/Melony & Adam Lewis,
Casey Concrete, Alpine Bank, Integrated Mountain Services, Estate of Beverly Shere, Umbrella Roofing,
Wrangler, Slifer Smith & Frampton, Ace Hardware Carbondale, Ascent Events, Town of Carbondale and the
Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.
Established in 2015, Smiling Goat Ranch helps humans heal through horses and interaction with other social
animals, movement, nature, and supportive community. All proceeds from the walk/5K will benefit Smiling
Goat Ranch, which provides therapeutic services for free to autism families, veterans with PTSD, children and
adults with anxiety, depression and related conditions.

For more information, visit www.smilinggoatranch.com or call 970-379-1383.