Learn About Broken Arrow
We provide sanctuary for rescued horses, burros and mules, who will educate, expand and support the awareness of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural world. We advocate for and aim to regenerate the health and vitality of the original and organic relationships between land, animal, and human.
Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary Mission Statement
“The broken arrow is more than just a name—it is our guiding principle. It reminds us to foster peace and harmony, to listen to the wisdom of the land and the animals, and to honor the unseen forces that guide us. At Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary, we are dedicated to this sacred work, knowing that our greatest strength lies not in separation, but in unity, connection, and the interwoven fabric of life itself.”
Why 'Broken Arrow'…
Some places speak to the soul, whispering their stories through the wind, the soil, and the quiet moments of stillness. When Angela first connected with this land, she felt something stir deep within her—a quiet but certain knowing that she had arrived here for a reason. It was more than a dream or a vision; it was a calling. As she walked, absorbing the vastness of the landscape’s history, her eyes were drawn to the ground, where a broken arrowhead lay nestled in the earth. She picked it up, turning it over in her hands, and in that moment, something shifted. It was as if the land itself was speaking, offering a sign that this was the place, this was the work, this was home.
Time and time again, as she built the sanctuary from an idea into reality, doubt would creep in, and the road ahead would seem uncertain. And yet, just when she needed reassurance, another broken arrowhead would appear. These sacred discoveries felt like a dialogue between the seen and unseen—affirmations that she was on the right path, encouragement to keep going, proof that she was not alone in this journey. Over time, the name Broken Arrow (head) Ranch and Sanctuary emerged.
When Jordanna Anawalt joined the Broken Arrow family in August 2024, she too began finding broken arrowheads. An enrolled member of the Hupa Tribe, Jordanna acknowledged the knapped gifts as a sign that the land had welcomed her. Her deep understanding of Indigenous symbolism brought profound clarity to the sanctuary’s purpose, revealing how the broken arrow has long been a sacred emblem of peace, balance, and the renewal of life.
In Indigenous traditions, the broken arrow is a revered symbol of peace, harmony, and the restoration of balance. It represents the end of conflict and the creation of a space where all beings—human, animal, and spirit—can thrive in connection and mutual respect. At Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary, this meaning resonates at the core of our mission, shaping a space of interdependence, renewal, and deep remembrance.
Set against the vast high desert of Central Oregon, the sanctuary embodies the delicate balance of life. Here, horses, wildlife, and the land itself are not merely inhabitants but partners in a shared journey of remembering. The desert teaches us that true abundance arises not from excess but from the delicate equilibrium between all things. Inspired by this landscape, we cultivate a space where the vitality of relationships between animals, humans, and the earth can be rediscovered and regenerated.
About the Ranch
Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary was founded by Angela Crandall in 2022, born from a vision of providing a safe haven for both at-risk horses and humans seeking refuge, healing, and connection. The high desert ranch is situated 60 miles east of Bend, Oregon, in the southern foothills of the Maury Mountains within the Ochoco National Forest. The ranch spans 2,000 acres of sagebrush grassland and commanding buttes, a landscape shaped about 50 million years ago by the Clarno volcanic event.
This sprawling land holds areas of beautifully intact native sage biome, wildlife habitat, and pockets of jasper, petrified wood, and quartz, each telling the story of the land’s ancient history. Signs of long-dormant springs hint at the potential for renewal, forming the foundation of a long-term restoration initiative. Here, rotational grazing, native plant propagation, and soil regeneration will be woven together to restore a flourishing ecosystem in balance—a space where the land itself can heal and thrive once more, alongside the beings who call it home.
Learn more about our Land Regeneration Initiative here!
Restoring the land is a collective effort, and we invite you to be part of it! Whether through hands-on volunteering, learning opportunities, or supporting our mission from afar, your involvement makes a difference. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on projects and ways to help, and follow us on social media for real-time updates and inspiration.