Founder & CEO, Head of Finance

Russ, along with Joy, has been involved in the horse industry for many years.  He is the Director of Maintenance for the facility as well as one of our farriers. Russell A Ratkowski SR grew up on a dairy farm and is an avid hunter and fisherman.  Russ is no stranger to hard work, in his youth he worked on other local farms when he was only 12. Russ worked as a logger operating heavy equipment for 15 years when Joy and Russ were first married.  Russ went on to work in the food service industry as the executive chef at the Caribou Lodge at Big Powder Horn in the winters and at a 5-star country club Dairyman’s in Boulder Junction, WI during the summer months. In 2015 he answered an ad that his wife put out for Highland Equestrian Center looking for a maintenance position. He proved to his wife, he was the guy for the job. His first project building the indoor arena was a huge success. Russ is the backbone of the barn, working tirelessly to ensure day to day operations are a well oiled machine. Our participants look forward to his presence in the barn, his kind heart mirrored in their smiles, and evident with the farm’s dogs trailing him around the property.

Imagine learning from someone whose lifelong passion for horses and dedication to helping people shines through in everything she does. Joy, together with her husband Russ, brings over 40 years of hands-on equestrian expertise—from running trail rides to managing a professional training and boarding facility. With more than 30 years as a professional horse show judge, equestrian clinician, and advocate for the disabled community, Joy’s knowledge is matched only by her heartfelt commitment to empowering others.
Joy’s clinics are renowned for their focus on horsemanship and showmanship, helping participants refine their riding skills, develop a deeper partnership with their horse, and understand the subtle art of working with animals. Whether you want to master the principles of groundwork, polish your presence in the show ring, or learn to communicate effectively with your horse, Joy’s instruction goes beyond technique—she fosters authentic connection and mutual respect between horse and rider.
Her PATH INTL certification and leadership in creating HEC Hooves of Joy ensure that every clinic is run to the highest standards, focusing on safety, personal growth, and life-changing experiences. If you’re seeking a horse clinic that promises expert instruction, compassionate support, specialties in horsemanship and showmanship, and the chance to be part of something truly special, Joy’s clinic is where you’ll want to be.

Chris  has been involved with horses throughout her life. Her children have taken countless riding and horsemanship lessons, and are successful in the show ring and on the trail. She is a mother of two children with disabilities. Chris lives outside Ashland on a small hobby farm with 3 horses, 2 ponies, goats, chickens, cats and a dog. She has been a PATH INTL instructor since 2012 and became CTRI in 2019, starting work with Reins of Inspiration in 2012 where she continued until beginning at Hooves of Joy. A 4H Horse Leader for 15 plus years, instructing lessons, horsemanship, and horse quiz bowl teams. Certified in first aid, AED, CPR, and First Aid Mental Health for youth. Substitute at Our Lady of the Lake School in the preschool room and various aid positions K-8. Tutors elementary age students. Works for ICES
 ( International Cultural Exchange Services) as a local coordinator supervising high school foreign exchange students during the school year and welcoming students into her own home.

Sierra has had a life long love of horses. Her late grandmother instilled the love of horses in her at a young age, as she grew her grandma passed on her knowledge and taught her to ride. Sierra has been a part of Hooves of Joy since they opened their hearts and doors in 2018. She began as a volunteer for a few hours a couple of days each week, prior to becoming an instructor. Sierra has a long history with Russ and Joy, meeting them as a young teenager, they gave her first official riding lesson, and guided trail ride. Later she boarded a horse at their Highland Equestrian Center. As an adult, she not only impacts participants at Hooves of Joy, but she passes on the love of horses to her sons, and it appears that her youngest has taken up the reins of  "Mommy's little cowboy".

Betty has been with Hooves of Joy since it started in 2018 and is involved in the day to day activities necessary to make our programs possible.   Betty serves as a member at large on our board of directors. As a mother of an adult with Autism, she represents parents and caregivers, and brings a voice of long term knowledge and insight of those with disabilities.

Diane has over 38 years of experience with Income Tax Consulting and Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll Processing for small businesses in the Bayfield/Ashland area.  She also has 7 years of experience as an auditor.  Diane is contracted with HOJ to help with bookkeeping, budget prep and other financial reporting requirements that may be necessary.

I enjoy volunteering at Hooves of Joy and getting to know the participants and the horses.  I now board my own horse here and am enjoying taking riding lessons. My husband and I enjoy our six grandchildren and staying active.