Meet the Herd
The 95 Moons of Jupiter:
Why We Are Here
The story of Karma Ranch began with a single number: #1815. Before she was Jupiter, she was a horse without a name, standing in a Texas kill pen. When she was rescued, she didn't come alone—she brought a hidden miracle with her. A month later, Kale was born into the light of a safe barn, followed soon after by Luna, our "Moon-blind" pony who became the final piece of our family puzzle.
In astronomy, the planet Jupiter is orbited by 95 known moons. At Karma Ranch, we saw a destiny in that number.
Our mission is to expand our "founding trio" into a full celestial herd. We are building a 200-acre regenerative sanctuary to provide a forever home for 95 rescued horses—the forgotten, the injured, the "un-trainable," and the elderly.
Just like the moons that orbit a planet, these horses give our land its purpose. They are the heartbeat of our reforestation efforts and the reason we protect this soil. Whether they are healing from a traumatic past like Jupiter and Luna, or growing up in the fearless grace of Kale, every horse here is a light that we refuse to let go out.
Meet the founding members of the herd below.
Jupiter: The Soul of the Sanctuary
Mama Jupiter pictured above with baby Kale
On January 25, 2024, she was just #1815—a number in a Texas kill pen.
She was pregnant, labeled "non-halter broke," and standing on the edge of a death sentence. I had rescued a horse before, but I wasn't looking for another mare that day, much less one who was expecting. But when I saw her video, something in me melted. I didn’t see a "difficult" animal; I saw a wise, weary soul. I knew I had to get her out.
Six days later, Jupiter arrived in Utah. She carried the weight of her past on her body—scars across her skin and a broken facial bone that still makes her cautious today. At first, there was no trust, only a watchful distance.
I decided to ask for nothing. I spent six to eight hours a day just being with her. I sat in her stall, walked her through the arena, and eventually found the way to her heart through homemade horse treats. I showed her kindness, and for the first time in her life, I watched her decide to accept it.
On March 4, 2024—just one month after her rescue—Jupiter showed me the true depth of her strength. In a remarkable 16-minute delivery, she brought Kale into the world. In that moment, the "untouchable" horse vanished. She trusted me enough to let me step in, helping her dry off her newborn and even wipe his little nose to clear his airway. She wasn't just a survivor anymore; she was a mother.
Two years later, Jupiter has blossomed into a deeply trusting companion. She is still shy, still carries her scars, and is always careful with her face—but she is whole. She is a reminder that even the most broken among us can find peace if given enough time and grace. She has been the most wonderful gift in the world.
Kale: The Orbiting Moon
Above Baby Kale at just two weeks old Below Baby Kale the day he turned one year old
On March 4, 2024, at 1:46 AM, a miracle arrived.
Kale was the baby that almost wasn't. Because his mother, Jupiter, had been rescued from the brink of tragedy, Kale was born into a world of safety instead of a world of shadows. When he finally arrived, my heart didn't just grow—it exploded. I’ve never loved anything as instantly as I loved that sweet, lanky boy.
From the very beginning, Kale did things on his own schedule. In the horse world, "mile markers" are everything: stand in one hour, nurse in two. Kale took his time, resting until the final minute before meeting his marks (at one point, he was even searching the stall wall for milk!). He wasn't in a hurry; he knew he was safe.
His name carries a special meaning. While many think of the leafy green, Kale is actually one of the moons of the planet Jupiter. From the moment he could wobble on those long legs, he loved to "orbit" his mama, running circles around her in a constant, joyful loop. The name was destiny.
Now, nearly two years later, Kale has grown into the goofiest, most charmingly clumsy boy you’ll ever meet. Unlike his mother, who still carries the caution of her past, Kale is fearless. He is brave and confident because he has never known anything but kindness. He is the living proof of what happens when the cycle of trauma is broken.
One of our favorite rituals is when I say, "Kiss, kiss," and he stretches out his soft nose to meet mine. He still occasionally annoys his mama—as any son would—but their bond is unbreakable. They have been together since that early March morning, and at Karma Ranch, they always will be.
Above Baby kale as a yearling Below 9 month old Baby Kale sleeping in the sunshine in the snow
Luna: The Missing Puzzle Piece
Above little Luna the feisty rescue pony Below Luna’s first Thanksgving and first pumpkin
When Kale was eight months old, I realized our little family needed a change. In the wild, horses live in complex social circles where "aunties" help raise the young and give the mothers a much-needed break. Jupiter was ready for support, and Kale was ready for a playmate.
I went looking for a sister for Kale and a companion for Jupiter.
Because Jupiter carries a "Bar N" brand—marking her as a horse from the Navajo Nation who likely once ran free—I wanted to find a pony with similar roots. That’s when I found Luna. She was a five-year-old spunky white pony in New Mexico who had survived a lifetime of hardship, including a traumatic fence injury and a terrifying trailer accident.
I had only driven a trailer once in my life, but five days later, I was behind the wheel of a rented truck, driving to New Mexico to save her. When I arrived, the trauma of her past was clear: she was too terrified to load. It took three days of patience to get her home to Utah.
In the beginning, Luna was defensive. She wouldn't let anyone touch her head or ears—a common fear for horses who have been handled with force. She would rear constantly, and one day, she actually kicked me in the knee. In that moment, I didn't get angry. I settled her down and made her a promise: I love you, and no matter what you do, you are staying with us. It was as if she understood. The "fight" began to melt away.
Today, Luna is the first one to run to me when I arrive at the barn. She follows me everywhere like a 41-inch-tall puppy dog. She is the feisty "auntie" we needed—best friends with Kale and the perfect relief for Jupiter. She was the missing puzzle piece to our herd.
Luna’s journey isn't without its challenges. Because of her coloring, she suffers from Equine Recurrent Uveitis (Moon Blindness). Her vision isn't 100%, and she requires daily medication and a 95% UV mask to protect her eyes. While the probability of her going blind one day is high, her future is secure. Whether she sees the world through her eyes or through the guidance of her herd, she will always have a loving home, a comfortable life, and her best friends by her side.
Luna’s favorite things include rolling in the dirt, rolling in the mud, getting extra muddy, chasing dogs and running around with a heart full of joy.
Be part of the transformation.
We are currently in the 'dirt and dreams' phase of building Karma Ranch. By joining our email list, you’re securing your spot in our Founding Herd. We’ll send you exclusive updates on our Kickstarter launch, tree-planting milestones, and 'First Light' booking opportunities before they open to the public.