About Your Event Hosts
Darci Parry
Hello, I'm Darci, a proud resident of Idaho Falls, where I share a home with my husband Bob, our four wonderful kids, and an adorable grandson, a beautiful granddaughter who brings endless joy to our lives. My roots trace back to a farm and ranch, ingrained with the timeless wisdom of generations of great horsemen in my family.
From the early days of my childhood, horses have been my unwavering passion. As I transitioned into adulthood, I took a leap into the world of equine and human massage, forging a career that has spanned two decades. Over these years, I have honed my skills in bodywork, creating a niche for myself and earning a reputation for excellence.
Amidst the demands of a rewarding career and the beautiful chaos of motherhood, I found myself yearning for a renewed connection with my horsemanship skills. In 2023, I recognized that I was not alone in this sentiment, and it was time to create a safe space for individuals like me to rediscover their starting point. I believe that the balance between horse and rider extends beyond mere "saddle time"; it is a profound bond and understanding between a partnership.
My mission is to provide a haven for anyone, no matter their level of experience—whether they simply enjoy horses, are advanced riders, or find themselves somewhere in between. I want you to know that I've heard your concerns, and I've dedicated myself to finding solutions that empower you to advance to the next level, whatever that may look like in your unique journey.
Life is a continuous journey of growth, and I am honored to be a part of yours.
Katie Barnes
Katie Barnes is a passionate horsewoman and licensed therapist who relocated to Rupert, Idaho in August 2025. In addition to serving as a founding partner of the Teton Horse Experience and the Mustang Recovery Challenge, she is the Clinical Director at Renaissance Refuge, a women’s addiction recovery center, where she provides therapy and equine-assisted services.
Originally from Minnesota (but also lived in Montana and South Dakota), Katie has a lifelong background in horsemanship and enjoys training horses alongside her family. Her equestrian interests include trail riding, team sorting, and ranch horse events. She is dedicated to partnering horses with people in recovery, using the horse–human connection to support healing, growth, and meaningful change.
Photo by Annie McCoy Photography
Bob Parry
I'm Bob Parry, the man behind the hay bales, trying to keep up with my amazing wife, Darci, and our lively brood of four kids plus tiny grandson.
Once upon a time, I owned a few horses in my younger, less responsible days. Life happened, and I had to say goodbye to my equine pals. Enter Darci, the horse girl who turned my life into a full-blown rodeo. Now, instead of just dreaming about horses, I'm the caretaker of a four-legged army—12 horses and a small herd of cows and a passle of dogs.
Among majestic creatures, my heart belongs to a special lady, Hanna my Hancock horse. Some folks may argue, but let them—it's a love story written in hoof prints. I've declared myself the official student of horseology, with my Hancock horse as the professor. We're working on advanced courses in carrot consumption.
While I'm the go-to guy for making things happen behind the scenes, I'm also the official mischief maker and laughter generator. Life is too short not to find joy in every moment, especially when you're dodging hay bales and trying to keep a straight face around stubborn cows and keep up with a very ambitious wife!
Join me on this wild ride through life, where every day brings a new adventure, a new prank, and a whole lot of laughter. Buckle up, folks—it's going to be a bumpy, hilarious, and horse-filled journey!
James Barnes
James is a devoted husband, father, outdoorsman, and counselor with a deep commitment to recovery, horsemanship, and service. Raised between Firth, Idaho and the forests of Washington, his early years on his grandfather’s ranch shaped a lifelong connection to the land, horses, and the outdoors. He now lives in Rupert, Idaho with his wife and children.
James is a counselor at Renaissance Ranch, a men’s addiction recovery center, where he also serves as Equine Director, overseeing the horse program. He is the main trainer for the Mustang Recovery Challenge and a founding partner of both the Teton Horse Experience and the Mustang Recovery Challenge. In 2026, James will launch a Mustang Recovery Challenge chapter in Rupert, Idaho, while continuing to assist Bob, Darci, and mentors with the original Idaho Falls chapter.
Blending horsemanship, nature, and recovery, James is known for his grounded, compassionate approach and his belief in horses as powerful partners in healing, growth, and lasting change.