Meet Cheyenne

Still Walking With Us

Cheyenne came to Natural Freedom before it was a learning and therapy center at the young age of 1 year old. At first, he was brought to the family as a potential show horse. But Cheyenne quickly proved that he was meant for something much bigger.

At just 4 years old, Cheyenne and the family’s then-teenage son competed at the Ohio State Fair, earning a place in the Top 10. Their success in the show ring was exciting, but what happened outside the arena became even more important.

Cheyenne became a trusted partner for a young teenager working through difficult times. Through a special project with his mom, the two began learning, growing, and healing together. Their experiences became the foundation for what would eventually become the Natural Freedom therapy program.

Cheyenne wasn’t just part of the beginning—he helped build it.

The program grew from the family’s own experiences of navigating challenges and discovering how powerful the relationship between people and horses can be. Cheyenne became an important part of that journey and helped open the door for countless others to experience the same kind of connection.

Over the years, Cheyenne has become a familiar face in the community. He has appeared in numerous high school senior pictures and social media posts, becoming a special part of many young people’s memories.

His story was even featured years ago in Angels on Earth magazine. The setting of the story happened right here under this Buckeye tree. Before he helped others calm their crisis and nervous system, he started with our family.

There was a time, early in Natural Freedom’s history, when finances were difficult and Cheyenne was advertised for sale. Thankfully, the family made a life-changing decision: they tore up his advertisement and kept him.

We are forever grateful they did.

Because Cheyenne’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t winning at the Ohio State Fair. It was helping a family discover their path to healing—and then helping them create a place where others could find theirs, too.