Baby joined our family in 1998 as a 2-year-old. At the time, he had a small umbilical hernia-about the size of a dime-and his previous owner worried it might cause problems in the future. Because of those concerns, Baby found his forever home with us.

What some saw as a flaw, God saw as purpose.

Over the years, Baby has become one of the most faithful and beloved horses on the farm. His gentle spirit has helped many children take their very first ride, building confidence, courage, and trust one step at a time. He has quietly reminded us that God often uses the humble and overlooked to accomplish extraordinary things. 

Baby’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He has overcome two serious bouts of colic and a severe infection in his nasal cavity. Through every trial, he reminds us of God’s faithfulness and sustaining grace.  

Today, Baby enjoys a well-earned retirement from our riding program. Although he spends most of his days relaxing, he’s still called upon for special occasions, where his calm presence continues to bless children and families alike.  

Baby’s story reminds us that our value isn’t found in being perfect-it’s found in the loving hands of the One who created us. Just as God gave Baby a purpose beyond what others could see, He has a unique purpose for every life.  

With his beautiful golden palomino coat and gentle spirit, Sinbad has become one of the most loved horses at Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm. 

Sinbad was purchased by a father who hoped his daughter would take riding lessons on him. With the intention that Uncle Gene’s would provide these lessons, he was brought to the farm. The lessons never materialized and about a year and a half later, the previous owner stopped by for a visit. He saw how happy Sinbad was on the farm and decided to give Sinbad to the ministry. Since then, Sinbad has truly found his home at the farm. 

Known as one of the brightest and most knowledgeable horses in the herd, Sinbad understands commands exceptionally well and is eager to work with his rider. His calm, willing attitude makes him a wonderful partner for students as they learn and grow in confidence.

Many riders are drawn to his striking golden color, but they quickly discover that his intelligence and dependable nature are what make him so special. Over the years, Sinbad has become a favorite of countless students, faithfully helping them develop their riding skills.

At Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm, we're thankful that God's plan for Sinbad turned out to be even greater than anyone originally dreamed. Today, he continues to bless riders of all ages with his steady heart, gentle personality, and faithful service. 

Ghost is a wild mustang from the wide-open ranges of Wyoming. He was originally purchased for our son to train, with the expectation that he would be a spirited and challenging horse to break. It didn't take long to discover that Ghost had a different personality than expected. Rather than being high-strung and difficult, he proved to be calm, steady, and remarkably level-headed. 

That unexpected temperament turned out to be exactly what God had in mind for our farm.  

Today, Ghost is one of the most dependable horses in our ministry. He is content to take life one step at a time, happy to quietly walk  without becoming overly excited by the activity around him. His calm nature makes him an excellent choice for our challenged riders and for those enjoying peaceful trail rides. 

Like many wise horses, Ghost does have a stubborn streak. He responds best to riders who provide confident, consistent leadership, reminding us that respect and trust go hand in hand. Once he knows his rider is in charge, he becomes a willing and faithful partner. 

Ghost's journey reminds us that God often sees potential where we see uncertainty. What was expected to be a difficult mustang became one of the most trusted horses in our program. Through his quiet spirit and dependable nature, Ghost continues to bless riders of all abilities while reflecting the steady guidance and faithfulness that are central to Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm. 

Deets is a wild mustang who joined the Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm family in 2024. He is currently continuing his journey through our training program, learning to trust, grow, and discover the purpose God has for his life. 

Before coming to the farm, Deets had been returned to the adoption center after being labeled as aggressive. Because of his reputation, we were asked to give him a home where he would be understood, cared for, and given another chance. 

We believe every horse deserves that opportunity.  

Rather than seeing only his past, we chose to see his potential. With patience, consistency, and kindness, Deets has begun to show that there is often much more to a horse than first impressions. Like all mustangs, he is intelligent and willing to learn when someone takes the time to earn his trust. 

His story is a reminder that labels do not define our future. God often takes those who have been overlooked, misunderstood, or rejected and gives them a new beginning. Deets is living proof that with grace, patience, and love, lives can be transformed. 

As he continues his training, we look forward to watching Deets grow into the horse God created him to be. His journey is still being written, and we are thankful to be a part of the story. 

Whiskey came to Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm after being surrendered to us in very poor condition. Malnourished and in need of care, he began a long journey of healing. Restoring his health and helping him regain the weight he had lost took time, patience, and plenty of love, but every step of the process was worth it. 

As Whiskey grew stronger, his sweet personality quickly began to shine. He loves attention and genuinely enjoys spending time with the children who come through our programs. From the beginning, it was clear that he had a special heart for people. 

When Whiskey first arrived, we weren't sure how he would respond to the excitement of ministry events or to energetic, loud children. Those concerns disappeared the very first time he met them. Calm, patient, and dependable, Whiskey handled every moment like a champion. His gentle spirit has made him a trusted partner and a blessing to so many families who visit the farm. 

Whiskey reminds us that God specializes in restoration. Just as He restored Whiskey's strength and gave him a new purpose, He restores our hearts and our lives when we place our trust in Him. What once appeared weak has become strong, and what was once in need has become a source of encouragement and joy for others. 

Today, Whiskey continues to faithfully serve at Uncle Gene's Horse Riding Farm, sharing his gentle heart with every child he meets and reminding us all that God's love can transform even the most difficult beginnings into something beautiful. 

Molly is the newest riding session horse at Uncle Gene’s.  She is a 6-year-old, bay, American Quarter Horse mare.   

This is her story.  An older gentleman bought her, but he passed away a very short time later. Molly was left to his son, who was not a horsey person and wanted to find her a loving home.  She was brought to Uncle Gene’s in early 2026 to see if she could be used in sessions until she found her forever home.   

In June 2026, Sally began working with Molly to soften her.  It was very evident Molly was a good fit for Uncle Gene’s.  So Donnie and Sally purchased Molly.  Molly is an example of how, even when at no fault, someone can wind up orphaned and need the love of Jesus to find their purpose in this world and impact the lives of others through their story. 

Mustango was Uncle Gene’s first mustang.  He was adopted as a birthday present for Sally by Gene and Sharon in March 2021.  He was 3 years old sorrel gelding from Sulphur Springs, Utah.  He was Sally’s first ever from the “ground-up” horse experience.  He was absolutely wild!  He had never been touched. Gentling began immediately since he was not even halter-broken and could not be with the other horses.  Training was slow because Sally was learning so much, but very steady.  Mustango learned quickly but did NOT trust humans. 

Mustango was under saddle by June 2021, thanks to Sharon Underwood for coaching the groundwork and first rides by Dalton Underwood, BUT….due to his lack of trust in Sally to keep him safe, he would spook very unpredictably.  The hours of training and riding on this horse are so numerous.  He has been in clinics with Mark Lyon and Crista Curry, with their wealth of horse training knowledge.  Both of which complemented his smooth, soft, and athletic ride. 

In the last year, we have seen a huge growth in his trust in humans.  Sally has been using him in demonstrations of groundwork, riding, and even liberty. Mustango is an outstanding mount, loving, enjoys learning new things, performing, and pleasing his person, Sally and sometimes Donnie.   We are not sure of his past, but Mustango also feels he must protect his herd as well as himself. We refer to him as the meanest scaredy cat ever.  

Mustango represents those who have a past they struggle to overcome. They take a long time to get over or accept what has happened, but with love, patience, kindness, and long-suffering, they make gains.  Mustango is not a session horse yet, BUT with God all things are possible.  “I believe with my whole being Mustango was placed by God Himself in my life to teach me to be a better teacher for my human students.”- Sally.