Behind the Scene
Together we make it possible
Landers
The Mustang
Advocate
Without Landers, there would be no Ride the Brand. He’s a true leader in his herd and an incredible partner to us. From rugged trails to city parades, he shows just how special mustangs are. Through him, we’ve experienced every step—transport, training, registration, and even flight—allowing us to build a strong, supportive program. Landers helped us fine-tune our process so every mustang import is smooth and successful.
Karin Finney
Operations and Planning
Karin, alongside her mustang, Landers, founded Ride The Brand with a commitment to excellence in every step of the journey. Her passion shines through in the bi-annual wild horse training clinics, her Wild at Heart equine-assisted coaching, TouchLife Massage and the vision for the Portugal Ranch – a sanctuary dedicated to healing and connection.
David Finney
Partner
David is our sponsor and tireless supporter, whose dedication to family and the program has been instrumental in making Ride the Brand a reality. A military veteran and accomplished entrepreneur, David has spent over three decades professionally in the defense community. He also has a strong personal interest in renewable energy and sustainable living, which influences the vision for Rancho Terra Bravo in Portugal—a peaceful retreat for individuals recovering from PTSD and burnout. His love for animals, cycling, woodworking, and sailing is deeply woven into the design of the ranch, uniting his passions with a purpose-driven vision for healing and community.
Travis Elliston
Horseman and Trainer
E Slash Nine Ranch
Travis Elliston, clinician and trainer for Ride the Brand, is a Montana native, military veteran, and accomplished horseman. He’s served as a trainer, instructor, and cowboy, coached the U.S. Air Force Academy rodeo team, and trained B Troop at Fort Huachuca.
A Certified Horsemanship Association instructor and Lyons Legacy trainer, Travis is also a Remount Foundation Ambassador, promoting equine-assisted learning for military personnel.
Janna Lasher
Local Transport Agent USA
Janna has established herself as the preferred horse transporter for Ride the Brand, with a reputation for safety and reliability. Whether it’s picking up mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), ensuring their smooth transport to Sierra Vista for training, or taking them to the Los Angeles departure airport for their journey abroad, Janna is the first choice for those who prioritize their horses' well-being. Years ago, she safely transported my mustang, Landers, and her services have remained impeccable since then. With her deep understanding of the special needs of these wild horses and her commitment to their welfare, Janna remains an indispensable part of Ride the Brand.
Sierra Vista Riding Club
Rodeo Grounds
Sierra Vista Rodeo Grounds offers the perfect setup for hosting the Ride the Brand wild horse training EXPO. With ample space, a secure and well-maintained facility, and an EXPO-style layout, it's designed with both safety and efficiency in mind—for mustangs, trainers, and spectators alike. As proud members of this community, we're committed to supporting the mission of giving these incredible horses a second chance.
Humberto de Hoyos
Cattle Rancher, Mexico
Our good friend Humberto runs a working cow ranch in the heart of Sonora, Mexico, where tradition and horsemanship go hand in hand. A longtime friend and generous host, Humberto opens his beautiful hacienda to us during our Wild Horse Clinic visits. With pride and joy, he shares his deep knowledge of traditional ranching, offering guests an authentic look into the timeless ways of life on a Mexican cattle ranch.
Bosch
The Ranch Watcher
Bosch, our friendly 170 pound livestock guardian dog wins everyone's heart instantly. Big dog, big love! He makes sure all animals are safe and will get a full time job at the Ranch in Portugal.
Tala
The Deputy
Tala is always by Karin's side, making sure everyone is where they should be. Although she often gets into trouble, it's just in her nature to keep an eye on everyone!