Employees

Hi! My name is Jon Leira, and I am the person who built Snerting Ranch. I now run it together with Ali, but I will still have main responsibility for operations for a few more years. I have passed 50, but my metabolic age has been measured at 24 – which fits well with how I feel in my mind. I am often a bit crazy, love to play, and thrive on everything that happens out in nature.

My interest in horses started in 1997, when I worked as a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Australia. The experience was extremely fun and inspired me to build my own ranch back home. At Snerting Ranch, my goal is for everyone who visits to experience a sense of accomplishment – both practically and socially – while we facilitate creativity and variety. We always take weather, daily form, and individual motivation into account, and there are always many activities to choose from.

I have ten years of experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces, where I learned the importance of orderliness and clear leadership. My fascination with leadership started early, as a leader in a local 4H club, and has continued through responsibilities in exchange organizations and the Armed Forces, where I have been responsible for both soldiers and officer cadets. Through civil studies in guidance pedagogy, I have developed a great appreciation for good conversations and well-being in interaction.

I like to joke around and have fun, but I can also be serious and strict when needed – usually with good reason. Afterwards, we all become just as happy again!

Hi! My name is Magomed-Ali, but most people call me Ali. I am 26 years old and a young man who enjoys being outdoors and staying active. I have been fortunate enough to take over ownership of Snerting Ranch, and it is a great pleasure to be able to continue running the place. In addition, I have taken in a foster child, whom I now look after full-time. It is something that brings both challenges and great joy to everyday life. It has taught me a lot about responsibility, patience, and the importance of being there for others.

Before taking over the ranch, I worked in the mechanical trades, and this gives me the opportunity to guide young people who want to try their hand at practical tasks here at the ranch. I have personal experience from this visitor farm. First as a participant, and later as an employee once I was old enough. After a break from the visitor farm, I bought a house and renovated it. I am now back with full energy and motivation to create great experiences for all visitors.

In my spare time, I like to play football, go fishing, visit my cabin, and spend time with friends. I am generally very fond of animals and have a dog of my own. I place great importance on treating animals with respect and care.

I consider myself a positive and happy person who likes to joke around, and I can handle a joke in return! For me, Snerting Ranch - Visitor Farm is about combining activity, learning, and joy, and creating a place where both children and young people can feel a sense of achievement and well-being.

Hi! My name is Vilde Nordseth, I am 25 years old and live in Trondheim. I am a qualified painter and work with painting and surface techniques, a profession I truly enjoy. I like practical work where I can use both creativity and precision, and I find it motivating to see clear results from my efforts.

Previously, I studied health and social care, as well as media production in upper secondary school. This background has given me broad experience in collaboration, responsibility, and creative thinking, and has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am curious by nature and enjoy learning new things, especially when theory and practice can be combined in everyday life.

In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends. I used to play handball and football, which taught me a lot about teamwork, discipline, and working purposefully with others. I am a positive and happy girl who likes to stay active and participate in various activities.

I have a great love for both large and small animals, and I thrive in the kitchen, whether I am cooking or baking. As a person, I am caring, calm, and determined, while also enjoying spreading humor and little bits of fun that create a good atmosphere around me. I meet people with an open mind and a smile, and I appreciate a balance between responsibility and joy in everyday life.

Hello! My name is Malika Murtazalieva, I am 27 years old and I live in Sandvollan. In my daily life, I work as a store manager at Vita in Steinkjer, a job I secured through my education and interest in skincare and makeup. I hold a trade certificate as a skin therapist and also have experience working in both kindergartens and nursing homes. These experiences have given me a good understanding of people of all ages and taught me the importance of care, clarity, and responsibility.

I am fond of children and animals, and I really enjoy contributing at the petting farm. It brings me great joy to see children experience a sense of accomplishment and well-being through the activities here, while I can provide support and guidance in a safe and engaging way. I emphasize being clear and firm, while always striving to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

In my spare time, I like to stay active and use my creativity, whether it is through skincare, makeup, or other practical tasks. I also appreciate pleasant moments with friends and family, and I like to create small moments that can make someone else's day better.

For me, the petting farm is about more than just activities; it is about creating a safe, educational, and inspiring place where children can feel a sense of accomplishment, joy, and togetherness. I want to contribute with care, energy, and commitment, ensuring that everyone who visits has a positive and memorable experience.

Hi!
My name is Thomas Myrseth and I live in Inderøy with my family. I am a father of four girls, and much of my inspiration when working with children and youth comes from both my family life and many years of experience with people in various life situations.

I am a qualified EQ therapist and am currently studying for a bachelor's degree in Psychological Health Work. In my daily life, I work at a child welfare institution, and I have previous experience from kindergartens, youth institutions, and working with adults. The common denominator in everything I have done is an interest in relationships, attachment, and security. I know how important it is to meet people exactly where they are – and to create a space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood.

At the visitor farm, I want to combine professional knowledge with a down-to-earth approach. Nature, the animals, and the simple activities provide a framework that makes it easier to find calm, build trust, and open up. Whether we are caring for the animals, going for a walk, chopping wood, or gathering around a campfire, something natural often happens during the encounter – conversations flow more easily, and relationships grow.

Here, it is about creating experiences that provide a sense of mastery, meaning, and community. When we feel safe and cared for, opportunities for development and growth also emerge. I believe in the value of genuine encounters between people – and that these encounters can be the start of important changes in life.