Elana Vanderbilt
Equine Professional | Assistant Riding Instructor
Elana Vanderbilt serves as an Equine Professional at Bit of Hope Ranch, supporting mental health therapy sessions by helping ensure the safety and well-being of the horses while assisting therapists in incorporating equine interactions into the therapeutic process. She also supports the ranch as an Assistant Riding Instructor for group riding lessons.
As an Equine Professional, Elana’s role is to support the horse within each session while collaborating closely with the therapist and client. She helps facilitate activities such as grooming, connection exercises, and observing horse body language while ensuring that both the horse and everyone involved remain safe and supported throughout the experience.
Elana has spent many years involved at Bit of Hope Ranch through a variety of programs including summer camps, birthday parties, animal care, and other ranch activities. Her training includes HALT (Herdsmanship and Leadership Training) through Herdsmanship University at Bit of Hope Ranch, where she learned specialized techniques for integrating horses and donkeys into mental health therapy sessions.
During sessions, Elana focuses on maintaining safety while allowing clients the freedom to explore and interact naturally with the horse. By carefully observing both horse and client, she helps create an environment where meaningful moments of connection and personal growth can occur.
Elana especially enjoys working with children and supporting them as they navigate difficult experiences and personal growth. She feels grateful to be part of the Bit of Hope Ranch team and to witness the healing that happens through the connection between people and horses.
