The Team

Let’s start with the co-founder of Oniya Ranch...

Cree initiated the vision for helping human minds through partnership with horse hearts. He represents the wild, the free and the spirit of the horse. There is nothing like looking into this horse’s brown and blue eye and hearing that everything is going to be okay.

Our Coaches...

Our coaching team consists of three herds. The Americans are the locals that have lived in Montana most of their lives. They are our family horses and donkeys with hearts of gold. The Canadians are the rockstar herd that retired from the legendary Cavalia productions in 2020. During their ten years of being celebrated entertainers, they made a difference for thousands of people all over the world. Today this spirited bunch continues to create an even deeper difference for the people who visit Oniya Ranch. The Ranch Horse herd is the curious crew that loves to work the ranch, but on occasion, they can carry our guests to where they need to go.

Chief represents wisdom. He led the Canadian herd over the last 10 years in their high-profile productions around the world. Chief will give you strength and guide you to greatness in his calm, confident coaching style.

Chief is a Registered Arabian (AW Afire
Chief)

Silver represents the mystical. He is our true unicorn. He lives his life his way and operates in his own beautiful, magical world. He doesn’t live by anyone else’s rules, and he will push the boundaries that others set for him. He will teach you how to be you.

Silver is a Registered Arabian (Silver
Arrow Amiri)

Bravas represents overcoming fear. He knows fear, but he continually works on himself to trust and believe that everything is going to be okay. He is also one of the retired performers that loves the limelight. We make sure he is applauded regularly. It matters to him and all of us. Bravas will teach you to face your fears and how to be a star.

Bravas is a Registered Arabian (Juan
Miguel Bravas)

Frosty represents self-expression. Frosty is very fancy. He prances and keeps his tail high in all situations. He eats well, plays well and is the very best friend. Spending time with him is like having a new, flamboyant best friend that says all the right things.

Frosty is a Registered Arabian (Frosted Fire DH)

Pearl represents support. He always plays the role of backup to all the horses. In some circles he may be considered low man on the totem pole. However, if you really watch, you see a powerful and stunningly beautiful horse that knows exactly how to support leaders. Pearl will be there for you too. He knows your win is his win.

Pearl is a Registered Arabian (Psyting O Pearls)

Gus is the lieutenant. He will have your back and your heart. He represents loyalty within the herd. There are not too many more comforting experiences than spending time with Gus.

Gus is a Registered Arabian (Never Say Never RW)

The Ladies...

Maya represents the creative, feminine energy in all of us. You may not initially see her leadership, but that is the true sign of a leader. Leading from behind is the most beautiful way to create results. She leads the entire ranch through her innate magical feminine grace.

Maya is a Registered Quarter Horse
(Maybe on a Sunday)

Daisy represents character. You will see when you get here. She is sweet, funny and a little sneaky. Donkey was initially chosen to protect the Overgaard herd in Plentywood, Montana and she has fiercely lived up to her role against the coyote hooligans up North.

Poppy represents trust. You will have to earn hers, and she will teach you what trust feels like. This rescue donkey came over for a play date with Daisy and never went home. We are all so happy to see this animal living her best life with her new best friend.

Ranch Horses...

Chocolate is the sweetest. He is in charge of the Ranchers and leads with clarity, but when it comes to humans he melts like fondue. He has a soft eye and a soft heart. He can be a little salty to ride, but that is just him entertaining himself. He is best friends with Hollywood.

Chocolate is a Registered Quarter Horse (Smooth Chocolate Cat)

Ben throws rhinoceros vibes. He is very large and is constantly rooting for food across the fence line and he thinks things must always be better on the other side. He is also extremely curious about everything. He is our steady eddy under the saddle.
He is best friends with Happy.

Ben is a Registered Quarter Horse
(JLG Chaparrito Okie – Benny)

Happy is just that. When we first met Happy, our main goal was to get him to live up to his name as he was pretty skeptical of people and their intentions. We won over his love and he is definitely now a happy camper. He was worked pretty hard in his previous life before Oniya, so we are letting him take life very easy.

Happy is a Registered Quarter Horse (Makin Freckles Happy)

Hollywood is what dreams are made of. He is handsome and rugged at the same time. He can play hard to get and have a bit of a resting angry face, but it is all a ruse. He is very loving and leans in on when he is in the mood for human time. It just needs to be on his time. We love his clear boundaries. He is sure-footed and a joy to ride.

Hollywood is a Registered Quarter Horse
(Hillside Lucky Hook)