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Gene Underwood is a man of deep faith, compassion, and servant leadership whose life has been shaped by a desire to help others. Several years ago, Gene recognized that God was placing people in his path who simply needed encouragement, support, and a helping hand. Rather than turning away, he embraced these opportunities, believing that every encounter was part of God's greater plan. Through these experiences, Gene has witnessed countless blessings that have reinforced his commitment to serving others. As Gene's horsemanship journey has grown, so has his understanding of the powerful connection between horses and people. He believes horses are a unique gift from God and has dedicated himself to using them as a way to share God's love. Through equine experiences, Gene has helped others find comfort, healing, confidence, and hope, demonstrating that horses can become instruments of restoration for people facing life's challenges. Gene often says that horses teach life's greatest lessons in the quietest ways. They have taught him patience when nothing seems to be going right, humility when plans fall apart, and resilience during moments when giving up seems easier than pressing forward. These lessons have not only shaped his character but have also strengthened his faith and his ability to encourage others. Throughout his life, Gene has discovered that horses require consistency, trust, and presence. In return, they offer a sense of peace that many people never knew they needed. This understanding has become a guiding principle in both his personal life and his ministry, inspiring him to help others experience healing through faith and horsemanship. Gene Underwood's legacy is one of compassion, unwavering faith, and a heart dedicated to serving others. Whether through lending a helping hand, mentoring those around him, or introducing people to the healing power of horses, he continues to make a lasting impact by reflecting God's love in practical and meaningful ways.
Sharon Underwood's life has been shaped by faith, family, hard work, and a lifelong love of horses. From an early age, she developed a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which has remained the foundation of her life. Growing up on a farm, Sharon learned the value of dedication, responsibility, and perseverance. Working alongside her family instilled a strong work ethic that would guide her throughout her life. As a child, horses quickly became more than farm animals—they became a source of joy, adventure, and purpose. Sharon joined a local horse riding club and began competing in speed events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and other rodeo competitions. She spent three to four days each week training her horse while also traveling to horse shows, where she continued to improve her riding skills and build lasting friendships. After getting married and raising a family, Sharon passed her love of horses on to her children. As they grew, they became involved in rodeo and spent countless hours riding and learning alongside their mother. Sharon and her family welcomed friends and visitors to enjoy horseback riding, creating memories that centered around the horses she loved so much. As her children grew older and eventually moved away, Sharon began thinking about the next chapter of her life. She had always dreamed of retiring early so she could begin a second career centered around horses. That dream became reality when she started teaching horseback riding lessons, sharing both her knowledge and her passion with riders of all ages. Wild mustangs became part of Sharon’s passion in 2021 after adopting the first one for her sister’s birthday present. Determined to become the best horsewoman she could be, she invested in her own education by attending clinics, reading books, and studying respected trainers through online videos and educational resources. Throughout this journey, Sharon's faith deepened in a profound way. She experienced a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ and committed herself to truly seeking Him. Her growing faith transformed not only her life but also the way she viewed horses—as one of God's gifts that could bring healing, peace, and hope to others. Today, Sharon considers horses to be one of God's greatest tools for ministry and personal healing. She believes horses have been her own form of therapy for many years, helping her through life's challenges while drawing her closer to God. Through horseback riding lessons and meaningful interactions with horses, she strives to provide a safe place where people can experience confidence, healing, and encouragement. Sharon's mission extends beyond teaching people how to ride. She hopes that as individuals connect with horses, they will also discover a deeper connection with their Creator. She encourages others to read the Bible, learn what God says about His love for them, and seek Him through prayer. Sharon believes that faith requires action and that by trusting God, working diligently, and serving others, lives can be transformed. Through every season of life—from growing up on a farm, raising a family, competing in rodeo, and becoming a riding instructor—Sharon Underwood has remained committed to her faith, her family, and her calling. Her life is a testimony to how God can use ordinary experiences, extraordinary perseverance, and the unique bond between people and horses to inspire healing, hope, and purpose.
I gave my life to Christ at 9 years old. I was raised in a Christian home with parents and grandparents who were active in our neighborhood church, Douglas Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. My mom, Patrica Tallent, was instrumental in cultivating my teen years in an active youth group. As a young adult, I drifted from my Lord. At 27, I rededicated my life to Christ.
I am married to the most wonderful man, Donnie Benson. Donnie is so supportive and loving. He makes my crazy horse ministry dreams come true. Together, we have a blended family with six children, three of whom are married. We also have the two most amazing grandbabies and another on the way. Just call us the Benson Bunch. Together we love to serve. We love to have our family, friends, and new acquaintances around us and to share Jesus with them.
Sharon is my sister, so Gene has been a big part of my life since I was a teen. Uncle Gene’s is located on land that was originally our grandparents', Charlie Lee and Iva Lee Tallent, farm. My dad, Raymond Tallent, instilled a love of horses at an early age. I grew up riding horses on this land and I am blessed to continue to do so. Gene and Sharon have walked my life with me, the ups and the downs, especially the downs. They have prayed for me and been Jesus’ hands and feet and carried me when I could not stand. They have always pointed me to the Lord.
I started gentling and training horses in 2021, but have ridden my whole life. I have been so amazed, humbled, and deeply grateful for all that I have gotten to see and be a part of as God has used the people and horses to reach other people, hurting, lost, needing a family, or just wanting to pet a horse, but who have heard about the love of Jesus.
I am so excited to be a part of a ministry that loves God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We also love people in all the mess of this fallen world. And horses are the dirt road that ties it all together. We work to help people where they are as we utilize our horses, which in some cases have terrible histories as well, to encounter the love of a forgiving Savior, Jesus.
Something is amazing about a horse. Some people pet and fear them, and then the horse hugs them. Some people want to ride like the wind to escape what haunts them and find freedom. Some begin to pet and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and release their emotions, fear, hurt, anxiety, and depression. The horse, a creation, a beautiful, magnificent creation, points to the Creator and Father of all mankind. My hope is for anyone who does not know my Jesus to come and encounter His love and forgiveness, that they may live an abundant life.