Kyle Turpen - Executive Director
Kyle has had a dream since being a young boy to work with horses due to their amazing ability to connect with people.  As a  first responder for over  twenty years, he is also aware of the trauma many people carry from work-related stress.   Frontline Outfitting is a way for Kyle to give back to those he serves, to take a break from the intensity of the job, and to remember that there is still hope.

Josh Spano - Co-Director
Josh joined the United States Army at 17 years old.  After spending 18+ months in combat he came back to Oregon.  He started his career in law enforcement 17 years ago and resides in Central Oregon.  The outdoors and especially, the backcountry, has always been a place that provided him peace and clarity.  When not at his actual job you can find him around the family farm, raising his kids, spending time with his wife, or working with the family’s two newest equine additions; Sully and Freya.  Josh has been a professional guide since 2021 and enjoys giving back to the community that gave to him.  Josh brings a unique view of how the military/first responder field takes a toll on the person and those who surround them.  

Chad Schmidt - Board Member
Chad has been a First Responder specializing in Wildland Fire Management and All-Risk response for the last 24 years. In addition to his professional experience in the outdoors, he spends most Fall seasons chasing Elk and Deer around  the PNW.  Chad possesses a keen understanding of the challenges First Responders face in their jobs and finds great value in giving back to the First Responder community.

Erick Schwindt (Slink) - Board Member
Erick has been involved in rodeo since he was eight, most recently a professional bullfighter.  He also has experience as a hunting guide and uses these skills on a regular basis.  Helping people has always been his passion, and being part of Frontline is a way for Erick to give back.

Tristan Cox - Pro Staff
Tristan was born and raised in Central Oregon. Introduced to horses at a young age, he developed a lifelong connection to being in the saddle. He has served in the Army National Guard for 10 years and has worked in law enforcement for more than 8 years. In those careers, he has been exposed to events that have given him a deep, personal understanding of the pressures faced by first responders.

Balancing two demanding careers and family life, Tristan has come to rely on his time horseback as a powerful way to manage stress and regain equilibrium. Hard-earned lessons have taught him the importance of having healthy outlets to decompress from high-intensity lifestyles. For him, time spent with his gelding, Strait, makes all the difference.

Because of this, Tristan is passionate about using his relationship with horses to give back to fellow first responders. He hopes to share the same sense of relief, resilience, and connection that horses have brought to his own life.

Kiersten Schwindt -  Pro Staff
Kiersten has been working with horses for over 15 years. In those 15 years, she has learned that horses have a unique way of helping individuals who may be overwhelmed with stress and struggling with day-to-day life. Additionally, Kiersten has served her community as a first responder for seven years. In her time is a law enforcement officer, she has found that her horses help her manage her stress level and provide her with a sense of therapy she cannot get anywhere else. Kiersten has always been passion about horses and about helping others. Being a part of Frontline Outfitters has allowed her to combine her two passions; help other first responders experience the therapeutic capabilities that horses have to offer those who may be struggling with the intensity of the job.