Veterans Program Fundraisers
When a veteran or first responder walks through the gates at Healing with Horses Ranch, many of them carry an invisible weight that doesn’t show up in x-rays or MRIs. Every day, they are faced with daunting challenges as they code switch between service & civilian life, dealing with both physical & emotional wounds that feel isolating. Some are adjusting after years of service, and others are managing symptoms of trauma or chronic stress. More often than not, they have told us they didn’t know what to expect from our equine-assisted programs, or don’t understand how it could possibly help them. For many, just the act of reaching out or getting out the door is a daily obstacle.
What have they come to find within our gates? A lifeline.
Although these sessions are always offered completely free of charge to those who serve, they’re not free to provide. Considering the cost of our facility, staff, & equipment, one lesson with just one person costs us $156 to run.
This is where you come in! Your support helps us continue to say yes to those who are used to hearing no.
We are actively seeking sponsors & in-kind donations. Please email our Development Director for more information at rebekah.fookes@healingwithhorsesranch.org
COMING UP NEXT: The Heroes Trail Run & Ruck 5K
About the Program
Healing with Horses Ranch is proud to offer veterans, first responders, and active duty individuals adaptive riding & equine-assisted learning services completely free of charge. Participants develop a bond of partnership through horsemanship & riding, focusing on improving communication, reintegration techniques, and coping skills.
Transition
Many veterans & first responders return from duty carrying physical & emotional wounds. Whether from combat zones, emergency scenes, or prolonged exposure to trauma, adjusting to everyday life can be difficult. Our program uses horses to support that transition.
In each session, bonding activities are designed so the horse looks to the participant for guidance and a sense of safety. This shifts the focus away from stress and onto the present moment. Participants build trust & connection through subtle, nonverbal communication rooted in patience & consistency. That relationship helps regulate emotions & encourages confidence, often leading to faster recovery or better adaptation to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Together, the horse and participant work on relaxation, memory, patience, confidence, physical wellness, and focus. These skills extend far beyond the arena and into daily life.
A Standard of Excellence
Healing with Horses Ranch is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International center that provides evidence-based, trauma-informed services led by certified professionals. PATH certifies and accredits centers, instructors, and equine specialists based on field-tested standards to ensure safety, ethics, and effectiveness in the equine-assisted services industry. To become certified, instructors must complete workshops, fulfill student teaching requirements, and pass both written and practical exams.
Founded in 2011 as a PATH-compliant center, we underwent a voluntary peer review in 2018 and successfully met the accreditation requirements to become a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. This designation allows us to be recognized in the community for upholding PATH’s highest standards and enables us to train other centers.
Meet Our Herd
Healing with Horses Ranch is a PATH International Premier Riding Center. Our instructors & equine specialists, all of whom are PATH certified, believe deeply in the transformative power of the horse-human connection, and the ability for individuals from all backgrounds to improve their emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities.
A central part of our team is, of course, the horses – our true teachers. We partner with a variety of breeds, shapes, and personalities of horses to meet the needs of our riders.