There are places where speed and pressure fall away and are replaced by peace and healing. Unbridled Tennessee is one of those places right here in Gallatin.
UnbridledTN is a couple-founded farm that hosts a variety of horsemanship classes, youth camps and programs that foster a sense of independence, responsibility and good stewardship of land and animals.
The mission of creating a healing and educational space through UnbridledTN is personal for the founders, Robbie and Kelci Cline.
When Kelci was 17, she was sent to a school for troubled teens in a small town in Kansas. She felt like everything she had known was stripped away. The pace of a town with a population under 200 was not something she was used to, but she grew to appreciate the slowness, and it was here that she discovered equine therapy.
While Kelci’s time in Kansas was difficult, the experience shaped a calling that would become reality 14 years later.
Kelci says, “At its core, UnbridledTN is more than a farm. It is a space for restoration. We believe there is something powerful about busy hands and unhurried time. Whether caring for animals, walking through a pasture, drawing a bow, creating art, or simply sitting quietly with a horse, people begin to reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with the God who created them.”
The connection between horses and children is undeniable during the farm’s horsemanship programs. Kelci says kids identify with the horses' individual personalities. Often, horses will walk up to a child and “choose” them. However the relationship develops, horses and children share a special bond that goes beyond words.
Kelci says, “The horse isn't asking a child to perform; it's inviting them into a relationship. In a world that is often loud, busy, and demanding, horses create space for children to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.”
The patient approach of the Clines and the gentleness of the horses help children who are initially afraid to interact. Kelci says it is common for parents to disclose challenges with anxiety, ADHD and other reasons their children may stand on the sidelines. Yet, almost every child chooses to interact with or participate in a ride by the end of the program.
Kelci says, “Summer camp is a wonderful example. This year alone, we have had several parents tell us their child would likely not ride due to fear or anxiety. By the end of the week, every child had ridden, and every child had participated in a trail ride. I believe the difference is that we don't rush the process. We allow children to show up exactly where they are.”
The benefits of the summer camps and experiences with the animals extend well beyond the farm. Parents will report a marked difference in their child at home.
Kelci says, “The breakthrough is rarely about riding a horse. It's about a child discovering courage, building trust in themselves, and realizing they can do hard things. The horse just happens to be the teacher that helps them get there.”
There are opportunities for those breakthroughs year-round. Registration for the Homestead Economics program is open for the 2026-2027 school year, which offers students hands-on learning in gardening, animal care, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Registration for the upcoming Fall Break Camp is also open, allowing children to experience horsemanship, archery, art and farm life. For families looking to bond together, the farm offers Mother/Daughter Horsemanship sessions and introductory classes for all experience levels.
To explore available programs or plan a family visit, find more information online.
UnbridledTN.com | 629.935.2471 | @unbridled_tn