David and Tania straub: founders, board member

As a child growing up, one of my dearest friends, Tami, lived across the street. Separated by nothing but a thin strip of pavement, we lived in two different worlds. On my side of the street was a safe and beautiful home, loving parents, horse-filled pastures and the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Across the street was a home ruled by alcoholism, anger and violent abuse. Frequently, the sounds of that abuse would echo through the woods to my young ears. It was always followed by the same look of concern on my parents’ faces as they would send me inside. Later, the police would show up with Tami and her brother, bringing them to the safety of my home. My parents would take care of them as long as needed, and over the years, Tami became a sister. As time went on, our home and its horses became a sanctuary to my friend. At 8 years old I began to dream of owning a ranch where others like her could find sanctuary. While crying out in prayer to understand why her life looked the way it did, I met the Lord Jesus Christ. It was during this encounter that He showed me a ranch where hundreds of children ran and laughed freely. Unbridled is the result of holding that dream in prayer. Though I will never have a satisfactory answer to why Tami’s childhood was so difficult, Unbridled was founded to make a difference in the lives of other children living through her same experience.

Carol and Leon Keeney: Founders, RETIRED Board Member

When Leon and Carol purchased Rose Hill Ranch, they were not looking for horse property, an arena or stables. From the beginning of their time on the Ranch, Carol felt the lower section and stables were meant for God's use. She and Leon watched as their three adopted grandchildren thrived on the ranch, each of them overcoming challenges from their early childhood. As the high school graduation of the youngest grandchild approached, Carol began reflecting on how the ranch changed the kids lives. Through this process her heart to see the ranch set aside for children at risk, lacking opportunity, and needing refuge began to take form.

Erin Dickenson: Board Member, Volunteer, parent

Our mentors

mary schmidt

Ever since she can remember, Mary always loved horses and dreamed about being a missionary. She did not have the opportunity to grow up in the saddle, but she found her way to it nonetheless. In high school, Mary started volunteering at an equestrian summer camp. The camp focused on sharing the love of God through the horses and after one week, and she knew it is what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. After high school, she attended an equestrian trade college where she furthered and diversified her horsemanship knowledge. she decided to pursue work as a riding instructor after graduation and worked for a barn in Wilsonville with the intent to go into ministry in the future. Not long after she started, God pulled on my heart to move to ministry now, even if it meant giving up a full time horse job. Through a series of miracles, God lead her to Unbridled. This is my mission field, and she thank God every day that he has chosen to use her, and her love of horses, to show His love to the children, families, and volunteers who have found a home at Unbridled.

macaela burke

Macaela was born and raised here in Eugene Oregon and has always had a passion for animals, but especially horses. After years of lessons and pony rides her parents realized it wasn’t a phase and gave me my first horse, Romeo. In high school she participated in the Oregon High School Equestrian Team which is were she first met Tania and Ciera. In college she studied Anthrozoology and Psychology with the goal of helping kids by using animal partners. In 2015 Tania called to borrow her horse, Kia, for the program and she knew Macaela wanted to be part of what she was building. For the past 5 years she has been blessed to mentor and guide kids at the ranch with the help of all the amazing rescue horses God has brought to the ranch..

Ciera burke

Ciera began her journey with horses and the Lord at a very young age. She could often be found playing hide and seek with the family pony, Kodiak, or climbing up on Kodiak’s back in the field for a nap. They relied on the God’s provision day in and day out, further cementing her trust and love for the Lord. Flash forward 8 years after needing to give up horses at 7 years old and her mother was diving back in by rescuing 2 mares. Remembering her younger years Ciera was confident that she would be able to jump back into riding again, however that was far from the truth.

At 15 she was consumed with fear and jumped at any sound or movement the animals made. Thus began a long and beautiful journey of overcoming fears, gaining confidence, and seeing her entire life impacted by the relationship that comes with horses. Not only was she learning skills, competing, and working hard but found her horses back to to be a resting place for many tears, prayers, and every disappointment that life has brought. Ciera was a National finalist placing 13th at the 2013 AQHA NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP in cow horse and competed in the AQHA YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in 2014.

She lettered with her high school equestrian team where she competed at the state meet individually and her drill team won state. She was also very competitive in WSSH association. Being given the opportunity to have horses transformed Ciera’s life and her desire is to give other young people that opportunity as well. For her competition was only a small part of her relationship with horses. She found that God used them to help her heal and grow, giving her a safe and comforting space. Ministry has and always will be apart of Ciera’s life as it’s an inseparable part of the walk with christ. She served on her churches youth leadership team for 6 years and has worked with refugees, orphanages, and churches internationally since graduating in 2013.

autumn baker

I'm a wife and mother of five I currently have seven horses. I started riding and found a love for horses at the young age of five. I grew up in a small town in the mountains of Idaho and on the Oregon coast. I've worked with and trained multiple breeds of horses. I grew up riding western, doing gaming and some western pleasure. I've done a lot of trail riding in both the Idaho and Oregon mountains. I knew I wanted to work with kids and horses in my teens, but in my mid twenties I really felt God directing me to work with foster children or children that have gone through traumatic events. The most rewarding part of being a part of unbridled is watching how God can use these beautiful creatures to help heal and break through to children. I'm just there to listen and be a friend to children, a safe place that gives them an opportunity to learn about horses, God does the rest.