The Unbridled Heroes Project Needs Our Community Support
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Founded by military veterans Amy McCambridge-Steppe and Mark Steppe, The Unbridled Heroes Project is a veteran-owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Allendale, New Jersey.
Combining wild mustang rescue with holistic wellness programs for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, the sanctuary creates a unique space where horses and humans heal together. However, recent challenges have placed the sanctuary in a critical position, and the community’s support is needed now more than ever to care for the 11 rescued horses that rely on the facility every day.
Healing Through Connection: How Rescued Mustangs Help Veterans
The mission of The Unbridled Heroes Project is twofold: to rescue wild American mustangs and to provide free wellness programs for military veterans and first responders dealing with trauma and PTSD.
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Mutual Healing: By pairing veterans with wild mustangs that have also experienced hardship, both horse and human learn trust, calm, and connection.
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100% Donation Funded: Every dollar donated directly supports horse care, veterinary fees, facility maintenance, and free veteran therapy programs.
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Inspiring Stories of Recovery: Clients—ranging from military veterans to EMTs and children with trauma—find solace in bonding with these powerful animals, helping them manage mental health challenges and regain purpose.
The Story Behind the Sanctuary
After facing severe personal challenges—including Mark’s battle with PTSD and physical injuries from his military service, and Amy’s diagnosis of a benign brain tumor—the couple found healing through working with traumatized rescue horses.
In September 2018, they realized their dream by establishing the sanctuary in Allendale. What began with three wild mustangs has grown into a sanctuary caring for 11 horses, offering equine-assisted support to veterans like Kevin Bombace, a Marine veteran whose connection with a mustang named Hope helped him process life-altering health challenges.
How Your Donation Makes a Direct Impact
To keep the sanctuary running and ensure no veteran arrives to an empty pasture, donations are urgently needed to cover basic operating costs:
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Daily Feed & Care: Hay, grain, bedding, and clean water for 11 horses.
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Essential Health: Farrier care, dental visits, and routine veterinary care.
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Sanctuary Upkeep: Utilities, secure shelter maintenance, and pasture management.
How to Get Involved
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Donate: Every contribution helps keep the sanctuary operational. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/emergency-help-needed-help-us-keep-our-horses-safe-and-fed?
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Share: Spread the word on social media to reach supporters and community members across North Jersey.
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Category Tags: Bergen County Non-Profits, Veteran Resources, Animal Rescues NJ, Allendale Events & Community, Community News
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