the staff of the Ridgewood blog
ALLENDALE, NJ — The Unbridled Heroes Project is at a critical crossroads. As a unique non-profit dedicated to healing both rescued wild mustangs and U.S. military veterans, the organization is now facing a serious financial emergency. Your support is needed today to ensure that the horses stay fed, safe, and free—and that veterans continue to have a place to recover, reconnect, and rebuild.
👉 Donate now to keep the mission alive
The Mission: Rescuing Spirits, Both Human and Equine
Founded by veterans Mark and Amy Steppe, the Unbridled Heroes Project is more than a sanctuary—it’s a healing center where rescued mustangs and veterans with PTSD and physical injuries help each other recover. Their three-part mission includes:
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Rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected mustangs, especially those trapped in the slaughter pipeline.
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Empowering veterans through therapeutic, hands-on experience with the horses, offering yoga, art, woodworking, and liberty training.
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Advocating for wild horse protection, raising awareness about inhumane government roundups and the harsh fate that often follows.
Healing Through Horses: A Family’s Story
Amy and Mark Steppe, both military veterans, experienced deep personal trauma—including combat wounds, PTSD, and near-collapse of their family unit—before discovering a life-changing bond with wild mustangs. After meeting Phoenix, a mare rescued from a kill pen, the Steppes found purpose in daily care, fence-fixing, and horse training.
“What we thought was helping these horses… they were really healing us,” Amy shared.
That spark became the Unbridled Heroes Project—an oasis of hope for other veterans just like them.
💬 Veteran Voices: Real Lives Changed
Kevin Henry, a Vietnam vet, discovered a newfound peace through woodworking and volunteering at the farm.
Kevin Bombace, a 22-year-old Marine veteran battling leukemia, said the project helped him move away from suicidal thoughts and into a space of purpose and positivity.
“It’s been amazing and life-changing for me,” Bombace said. “The horses, the work—it saved me.”
🚨 Why Your Help Is Urgently Needed
Unbridled relies on full-time care, and rising costs for hay, vet bills, and shelter now threaten the future of the horses—and the veterans who depend on them. Every donation helps keep the project running, the horses healthy, and the veterans connected to their healing path.
💵 100% of your donation goes directly to feed, shelter, and medical care for these incredible animals.
🐴 Why Mustangs Matter
Once wild and free, American mustangs are now being rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)—often ending up in holding pens or sold across borders for slaughter due to regulatory loopholes.
Unbridled’s rescue horses—Hope, Shiloa, Chirpa, and two mini rescues—represent just a handful of the 45,000+ mustangs that desperately need protection and purpose.
“These majestic animals helped build this nation. They deserve more than slaughterhouses,” Amy said.
🌱 Join the Mission. Change a Life.
Unbridled Heroes isn’t just about horses or veterans—it’s about restoring the unbridled American spirit. With your help, we can keep this sanctuary open and continue offering a second chance to those who have given everything for their country.
👉 Make a life-saving donation today
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