Rallying for Gretchen and her family

There are always two sides to every story—but some things are simply undeniable.

For more than 20 years, Gretchen Conwell gave her heart, her time, and her life to Rawhide Ranch. She cared for thousands of animals, poured into the lives of over 40,000 campers, and supported countless families who found joy, healing, and belonging on that ranch.

• She answered late-night calls.

• She sat with sick horses long after the workday ended.

• She taught everyone, everything, she shared her knowledge every day.

• She gave up weekends, holidays, and personal time—because that’s what the ranch needed.

Gretchen didn’t just work at Rawhide. She lived it.

She raised her children there. Built her life there. Served that community with unwavering dedication—as a mother, a wife, and a leader who always put the ranch first.

Rawhide made the decision to terminate Gretchen’s employment a few weeks ago—and with it, uprooted her family almost overnight. For a family with two children, after more than 20 years of service and life on that property - without the support of extended family, they would have been left with nowhere to go. We are all working hard to comprehend the "why" and the "how" of this, and how a lifetime of dedication could end this way.

They are doing everything they can to give their kids a sense of normalcy during this upheaval. With only two months left in the school year, they chose not to uproot them (they will start in their new school district in the fall). But because Bobby’s commute and workday doesn’t align with school schedules, Gretchen is now taking on the added responsibility of transporting the kids—driving nearly 200 miles every day. It’s a choice made out of love, but it has made it incredibly difficult for her to search for or step into full-time work.

As one of Gretchen’s best friends—and someone who has experienced this same loss at the hands of the previous owners of Rawhide—I can tell you this: it feels like a death. The grief, the shock, the disorientation… it’s overwhelming.

Right now, Gretchen and her family are doing everything they can to move forward.

• They have relocated to East County San Diego with immediate family.

• Gretchen is applying for jobs every single day.

• She has filed for unemployment, but still waiting for approval.

• They are selling what they can. Tightening every possible expense. Doing everything “right.”

But it’s not enough.

Because Rawhide wasn’t just a job—it was a lifestyle. One that included not just income, but housing, stability, and a sense of home. Losing all of that at once is something no family can prepare for.

So I’m asking our Rawhide family, friends, and community:

Let’s show up for Gretchen the way she has shown up for all of us.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate—any amount helps bridge the gap while she works toward her next opportunity

• Share this post and tag others who know Gretchen

• Connect her to job opportunities (North County or remote!)

Gretchen has given so much of herself to so many. Now it’s our turn to give a little back.

It takes a village—and right now, Gretchen and her family need theirs.

YeeHaw Thank you!

Raina