BROKEN ARROW RANCH
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Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary (BARS) provides lifetime sanctuary for seven formerly wild equines—five Mustangs from the Steens Mountain herd in southeastern Oregon, and two horses from the Yakima Reservation. Life here is designed to honor where they came from: wide ranges to move and forage on, minimal handling, and as much freedom as domestication allows. These horses aren't pets or companions. They are wild at heart, and the organization’s mission honors that. Learn more here
Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization | EIN #88-3141963
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The Blissful Heart, a wellness center based in Bend, Oregon, has found a home base for their herd of twenty horses here at the ranch and their presence is anything but passive. Through rotational grazing, these horses are playing a direct and vital role in healing the land. Their hooves aerate compacted soil, their manure returns micronutrients to the earth, and their movement patterns mimic the native grazing behavior that shaped these high desert landscapes for thousands of years. This herd of healing-hooves are actively restoring the land alongside human hands. Learn about the ranch’s Regenerative Land Initiative here
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The Oregon Tarpans are a small herd that may carry the unbroken genetic legacy of North America's original native horse. Formally recognized under the Tarpan Registry of America, these horses bear a striking resemblance to the ancient equines depicted in European cave art, and their existence quietly challenges the assumption that horses disappeared from the Americas at the end of the last Ice Age. Their modern lineage traces back to the 1950s, when Harry Hegardt of Redmond, Oregon, gathered wild horses from eastern Oregon that displayed rare primitive traits—grulla coats, dun markings, distinctive facial patterning—and carefully stewarded them to breed true. Today, the Oregon Tarpans live at Broken Arrow Ranch under the care of their custodian-owner Jordanna Anawalt, who also serves as one of the ranch's managers. Their presence here is both a act of preservation and an invitation to remember something ancient.
“To be whole is to be in right relationship with all that is.”.
— Unknown
Meet the Boots On the Ground
The ranch’s day-in and day-out operations are possible because of this team. For our onsite managers, ranch life is their daily reality. They handle all of the animal care, specialty equine handling, rotational grazing, equipment maintenance, property maintenance, and a plethora of projects in between. Backing them up is dedicated ranch supporter who is ready to step in whenever and wherever an extra set of hands (or two) is needed. Together, they are the backbone of everything that happens at Broken Arrow Ranch.
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With over 15 years as a professional in the equine industry, Jordanna Anawalt brings a wealth of knowledge in herd management, equine husbandry, and animal communication to Broken Arrow Ranch. As a barn manager, horsemanship instructor, and the owner/operator of CHOICE Tribe LLC, she has dedicated her life to fostering deep connections between humans and horses. Her unique approach to equine engagement is guided by her intuitive gifts, allowing her to facilitate profound transformations for both horses and people.
An enrolled member of the Hupa Tribe in Northern California, Jordanna works with individuals from around the world to help them reconnect with their indigenous wisdom and restore harmony in their relationships with the natural world. She is a Drum Dreaming facilitator and spiritual guide, supporting students in remembering their ancestral knowledge and the language of the land. She views all animal relatives as equals, honoring their voices and wisdom in the co-creation of a more balanced and respectful existence.
Beyond her work with horses, Jordanna is a passionate artist who enjoys painting, beading, and birthing medicine drums and rattles—sacred tools that carry the heartbeat of the earth. Her deep reverence for the land extends to her advocacy for the voices of the horses, plants, wildlife, rocks, and ancestors, all of whom are integral to what is being born at Broken Arrow.
Jordanna Anawalt
Andrew Houghton
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Andrew is a hands-on problem solver with a passion for working with both the land and machinery. A skilled heavy equipment diesel mechanic and welder by trade, he brings invaluable expertise to Broken Arrow Ranch, keeping essential equipment running smoothly and assisting with ranch infrastructure projects.
Originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, Andrew’s love for mountain biking and skiing led him west in his early 20s, where he developed a deep appreciation for the rugged landscapes of the high desert. Horses became a part of his life in 2017 when he met Jordanna, and together they have built a life deeply connected to the land and animals.
Andrew always dreamed of living on a remote piece of land in the country—where he could search for artifacts, explore the geology, and create lasting memories with loved ones. He is excited to be part of the land regeneration initiative at Broken Arrow Ranch, working to restore the health and vitality of the ecosystem alongside the sanctuary’s mission. When he’s not working on equipment or tackling ranch projects, he enjoys restoring and driving first-generation Toyota trucks, rockhounding, and cheering on his favorite hockey teams. An avid animal lover, Andrew is always ready to lend a hand—whether it’s fixing a tractor, mending a fence, or simply sharing his enthusiasm for the ranch’s mission.
Mary Nash
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Mary is the ultimate all-around horsewoman—whether she’s building fences, feeding the horses, or channeling the energy of the land, she brings skill, strength, and deep intuition to every aspect of ranch life.
Mary and her husband, Mark, a dedicated board member, frequently spend their weekends at the ranch, tackling projects and ensuring the horses receive top-notch care whenever the ranch managers are away.
Mark Nord
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Mark is the person you call when there is a tree to cut, a slash pile to burn, or a construction project that needs finishing. He steps in where the work is and gets it done.
Mark and his wife, Mary, frequently spend their weekends at the ranch, tackling projects and helping with horse care whenever the ranch managers are away.
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