OUR STORY
In 2018 the Curtis family was thrilled to purchase a one-acre property outside of Gunnison, Colorado. They envisioned building a large barn that would be a safe haven for youth in the community to experience connection, adventure, purpose and the love that God so freely gives. In his time spent working at the county jail, Clay had noticed that one thing nearly every inmate had in common was the absence of a father figure and, oftentimes, no healthy role models at all. Being experienced foster parents, Clay and Becky knew firsthand the challenges that so many children face. When Clay transitioned to a new position, supporting youth in the valley, it became increasingly clear that even those in the healthiest families were facing loneliness and depression and lacked a sense of purpose and connection. Clay and Becky knew they were meant to provide a place of connection to serve these kids but still weren't clear on where to begin.
In 2020 Becky's childhood friend, Gwen Duncan, blew back into their lives (quite literally.... it was a September blizzard and she got stranded at their house when traveling through the area). Gwen shared her vision of horses and children healing together, and about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon, and all they do to serve wounded children. Fast forward a year, Becky and Gwen flew to Bend to attend CPYR's Ignition Clinic, receiving training in how to serve their community through youth ranch ministry. The whole concept of pairing wounded horses with wounded souls resonated, and the vision expanded and began to take root.
After attending the clinic, Clay and Becky knew that one acre wouldn't sustain the ministry they envisioned, so they began searching nearby properties and exploring lease options that might suffice. As they searched, God kept closing every door. Yet the vision and passion were still there. Finally, after hitting every brick wall imaginable, it struck them (God is so so patient with us...) "Why are you asking for more, when you aren't using what I already gave you?"
Thus, Antora Youth Ranch was born in 2022 on one acre of land, consisting of the Curtis' personal home, a small barn full of bunnies, goats and chickens, a corral of horses and a round pen-turned arena(ish). Antora had three volunteers in addition to the founders and served twelve children that first summer.
Soon after the conclusion of that first season, the Curtis family had an opportunity arrive, out of the blue, to relocate to Montrose, Colorado, to a beautiful 35-acre parcel of land, complete with corrals, a perfect barn and large arena... even more than what they had envisioned when they kept asking God to provide them land to launch Antora! Around the same time, a local Gunnison family generously offered use of their 3-acre property to continue Antora's ministry in Gunnison the following summer.
In spring of 2023, Becky and two volunteers became certified in Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy, adding a deeper layer to their mission. Twenty children experienced the love of Jesus and the healing power of connection during consistent sessions in Antora's second season in Gunnison.
Antora leadership felt led to shift their full focus to the Montrose and surrounding area for the 2024 season. The third season included serving 30 children in mentorship, 30 people in equine-assisted Bible studies, and added group sessions for those residing in local residential facilities. God is moving in huge ways, and we invite you to partner with us as the story continues...
MEET THE TEAM
Becky Curtis
Co-founder/Director
Having been raised in Gunnison for a majority of her childhood, Becky grew up with a love for animals, large and small, as well as a soft spot for vulnerable people. After a few years spent traveling and dabbling in college classes, she returned to Gunnison and graduated from Western Colorado University with a degree in Communication & Theater and an emphasis in organizational communication. In 2010 Becky married Clay and they were licensed as foster parents less than ten months later. The couple have since adopted five children, welcomed three biological children to their family, and fostered several others. Having half of her children now grown, Becky spends her days homeschooling her youngest crew, playing with horses, serving with her church, and dreaming up new adventures! Becky is a Certified Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy (FBEAP) Facilitator and has hundreds of hours of training in trauma informed care. She is also in the process of obtaining a certification in Equine Behavior and Management. Becky has been blessed with the opportunity to help establish and serve with several ministries over the last 12 years and is passionate about partnering with Jesus and making people feel seen and valued.
Clay Curtis
Co-founder
Born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado, Clay grew up in a rural neighborhood and developed a love for outdoor adventure. After graduating from college at Colorado Mesa University, he returned to Gunnison to pursue a career in law enforcement, eventually meeting Jesus, marrying Becky, and transitioning careers to juvenile services with the role of Early Intervention Program Manager in Gunnison County. Clay is trained in Trust Based Relational Intervention and is a TBRI Practitioner as well as a Restorative Justice Practitioner. In 2023 Clay received his certification as a Jai Parenting Coach. Needless to say, he brings significant knowledge of trauma, attachment, and family dynamics to Antora's team, including hundreds of hours of training in trauma-informed care, many years of experience working with at-risk youth through foster care, and raising 8 children (5 of whom are adopted). Aside from assisting in mentor training, Clay’s role with Antora is primarily behind-the-scenes: moving hay, fixing fences… a man on a mission - armed with a shovel and manure rake.
Gwen Duncan
Co-founder
Born and raised until the age of ten in Gunnison, Colorado, Gwen’s childhood love of horses never waned. She returned to the valley in 2021 after 18 years of horsemanship experience and training and nearly a decade of facilitating connections between horses and individuals with special needs and through offering children horseback riding lessons. During her many years in Arizona, she founded and served at the More Than Able, Inc. ranch in Prescott Valley. After reconnecting with her childhood friend, Becky, Gwen returned to the Western Slope for the purpose of co-founding Antora Youth Ranch. Though she is currently unable to serve in the day-to-day operations of the ranch, Gwen continues to faithfully support and serve Antora by lending her equine training expertise and donating her bodywork and farrier services to keep Antora's horses healthy and sound. We couldn’t do it without her!
Fun Fact: Gwen discovered with Clay that she and her twin sister Judith were born the exact same day, year, and hospital and were delivered by the same physician as Clay was in 1986!