Darrith’s first word was “horse,” although pronounced a bit differently! Horses have accompanied her throughout her life. Her special love of Tarpan horses began when she trained them with her close friend Ellen Thrall, who brought them out of the Atlantazoo and compiled the first and only American Tarpan studbook, published in1975. Ellen was considered the foremost authority on Tarpan horses until her untimely death in 1997. We consider Darrith the foremost trainer of Tarpan horses in the US.

That same year, Darrith Russell and “a crew of big-hearted horse lovers” founded Bearfoot Ranch in Canton, Georgia. “Bearfoot Ranch was built on a simple but powerful idea: rescued horses and children with special needs could heal each other.” (https://bearfootranch.org/). The ranch is a non-profit equestrian center dedicated to both therapeutic riding and rescue and rehabilitation of horses that have been abused or neglected.

 Bearfoot Ranch’s website describes Darrith’s life’s work in greater detail, including her vast experience as an equestrian, trainer, and barn manager. Seven Tarpan horses at Bearfoot Ranch partner with special needs children every day. The 8th is training to show and will be an ambassador for the breed. Darrith is an Honorary Conservator and board member at both Bearfoot Ranch and THCP.  

‍