Hey everyone! I'm Shannon, City Ranch's Lead Trainer and your go-to wild woman of the ranch. I've been riding horses since the age of 5 and haven't looked back since. I got my start in the equestrian world through Western Pleasure, 4H, and a variety of competitions, eventually carving out a special place for myself in the world of rodeo. I spent over a decade barrel racing, proudly going national in the Youth Worlds and Open IBRA in 2003 and 2004.

My passion for horses runs deep. I'm not one to shy away from a challenge—in fact, I usually run straight into it. Whether it's hopping on a bucking horse to figure out what's going wrong or jumping in to help my team without hesitation, I thrive in the chaos and joy of what we do. Horses aren't just a job for me—they're my way of life, and I'm deeply committed to helping others grow and thrive in this world too.

When I'm not wrangling horses or supporting my fellow trainers, I'm a proud mom of two amazing kids and a fierce pool player on a competitive team. At City Ranch, I'm all about passion, perseverance, and empowering everyone—human and horse alike—to reach their full potential.

My name is Chris Griggs, and I'm the Operations Manager here at City Ranch. I'm 26 years old and have been a part of the ranch family for over 14 years. In that time, I've worn just about every hat there is—but keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes is where I feel most at home.

I've loved horses my whole life. After moving to Baltimore as a boy, I found City Ranch, and I've been here ever since. This place—its rhythm, its purpose, its animals—has become part of who I am.

Most days, you might not even realize I'm around. I tend to work quietly, often out in the field, handling the many tasks that keep the ranch moving forward. If I'm not out fixing something or checking in on a project, you'll likely find me in the pasture with my beloved mare, Pleasure—sharing a moment of peace and connection away from the noise.
I don't care much for the spotlight, not because I lack confidence, but because I genuinely enjoy my solitude. I take pride in being the quiet constant that helps hold it all together.

Hey, I'm Nisa, the Chief of Staff here at City Ranch. I'm a 23-year-old woman with a deep love for horses, astrology, and art in all its beautiful, expressive forms. My journey with horses started at age 4 when my aunt gave me my very first one. That bond lit a lifelong flame in me—and years later, it led me to City Ranch.

I began here as a high school intern over seven years ago, and even though I left briefly to further my education, this place always called me back. Every time I set foot on the property, it felt like coming home. Now, I proudly help lead the day-to-day operations of a place that has shaped so much of who I am.

Just call me the Mad Hatter around here because I'm always wearing a new hat—organizing schedules, managing volunteers, checking in on staff, and solving problems before most people know they exist.

My name is Candice, and I am lead instructor at The City Ranch. I fell in love with all things horses at the age of four when I began riding lessons at Dayspring Riding Academy in Phoenix, MD. After many years of classical dressage instruction, I expanded my repertoire to include cross country, eventing, and show jumping. I helped school and train lesson horses and trained my own 3 year old thoroughbred filly, turning her from a hotheaded racehorse into a successful hunter/jumper.

When I learned about The City Ranch, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to volunteer, teach, and train here. Throughout my life, horses have provided a stable, therapeutic outlet, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion, knowledge, and expertise with any and all who ride here.

When I'm not at the ranch, I'm usually caught up in the wonders and woes of being mom to my four humans, ages 25, 23, 7, and 5. As a lover of people, animals, knowledge, and nature alike, I feel right at home here with my ranch family, and I'm looking forward to making lifelong memories with staff, students, horses, and everything in between.

Hi, my name is Ericka and I’m the Director of Operations here at City Ranch. My journey started as a college volunteer, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the mission and the magic of this place. I grew up riding horses with my dad, and those memories are some of my most treasured. That bond with animals and nature stayed with me and continues to guide everything I do.

I earned my degree in Wildlife & Fisheries and Forestry, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching children and adults about the outdoors—how it works, how to respect it, and how to find joy in it. Working at City Ranch has truly been the best chapter of my life because I get to live my passion every single day.

When I’m not running programs or teaching, you’ll probably find me out on the trail hiking, camping, fishing, or just soaking in the sunshine with my two loyal dogs, Todd and Jazz, who are just as much a part of the ranch family as anyone else. Whether it’s caring for the horses or spending quiet moments in nature, animals have always had a special place in my heart. This ranch isn’t just where I work—it’s where I thrive.