Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Kastner.
Hi Deborah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Gary and I arrived at Copper Bowl Ranch in 2021. If you’d asked me a few years ago where I’d be right now, I would have never guessed this. Nevertheless, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for this opportunity, the breathtaking property, and the wonderful community we’ve found here.
Each day brings amazing new experiences. I’m in the company of a fantastic herd of horses, two adorable goats named Forest and Kai, two chickens (Esther and Ruth), an affectionate dog named Bruno, and several barn cats.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The Reality of Ranch Life
While life at Copper Bowl is a profound blessing, the journey is not without its difficulties. The beauty of this ranch requires constant effort. Tending to the breathtaking property is a continual process of maintenance and improvement—a demanding, yet rewarding, marathon.
The greatest challenges, however, are found in the cycle of growth and loss. We’ve learned that building something new often means facing unexpected setbacks and hard decisions. A big heartbreak we’ve faced here is the loss of horses—a painful reality in herd stewardship. Saying goodbye to those who didn’t thrive, despite our best care, has taught us difficult lessons about resilience, acceptance, and the true meaning of compassion.
This place demands a lot from us, both physically and emotionally. Yet, it is within these struggles—the tough conversations, the heavy labor, and the moments of profound grief—that we find true growth. The shared commitment of the Copper Bowl Equine Coop members keeps us grounded. We lean on each other to manage the property, navigate the learning curves of equine care, and process the inevitable losses.
It’s in carrying this weight together that we truly appreciate the peaceful moments. The joy of being surrounded by the herd, Forest and Kai, and the whole crew is magnified by the knowledge that we are actively working through the tough parts to build a better future here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
From Professional Life to Real-Life Ranchers
The move to Copper Bowl was more than a relocation; it was a necessary personal reset and the start of becoming real-life ranchers. Gary and I bring a diverse background spanning decades of entrepreneurship and experience in successful businesses in Construction and Real Estate. We found that this history, particularly in managing complex projects and building strong teams, uniquely prepared us for the challenge of restoring and rebuilding this one-of-a-kind setting.
This isn’t just a place we own—it’s a shared vision. The ultimate inspiration for Copper Bowl Ranch is our deep desire to share its raw beauty and peaceful setting. Our mindset is to welcome visitors with “arms wide open,” allowing them to experience all the property has to offer and encouraging a connection with the land, the animals, and the peace it provides. Our goal is to utilize our past experiences and be good stewards of this property, ensuring the ranch thrives and creating a memorable and welcoming experience for everyone.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The dream of Copper Bowl Ranch is rooted in a simple but profound truth: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. This guides every decision we make, from how we care for the animals and manage the land to how we welcome visitors. It also is the day to day interactions with our volunteers, neighbors and visitors to the ranch. We strive to be honest stewards of this breathtaking property and build a community based on grace, ensuring everyone who steps onto the ranch feels welcomed with “arms wide open.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.copperbowlranch.com
- Instagram: @copperbowlranch
- Facebook: copperbowlranch
