VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS
A Place to Stand Down
For those who have spent their lives protecting others, the farm offers a place to breathe, reconnect and simply be.
Through guided, ground-based experiences with our rescued horses, veterans and first responders can strengthen trust, communication, resilience and connection alongside others who understand the weight of service.
No riding or previous horse experience is required.
WHY THIS PROGRAM MATTERS
Horses Keep the Peace
This program is deeply personal to us.
Our founder, Deanna Hearn, witnessed how the invisible weight of military service followed her grandfather home. Like many veterans of his generation, he carried experiences that were difficult to name and even harder to share.
His story helped shape our belief that no one who has served should have to carry that weight alone.
Horses do not ask people to explain where they have been or what they have endured. They respond to honesty, presence and trust. In the quiet company of the herd, participants are given space to reconnect with themselves and with others who understand.
This is why we say: horses keep the peace.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
A shared experience built around trust, connection and the understanding that no one has to carry everything alone.
Our Veterans & First Responders Program brings small groups together for guided, ground-based experiences with our rescued horses.
SMALL GROUPS
Each group is limited to 10 participants, allowing everyone space to participate without feeling lost in a crowd.
GROUND-BASED
All activities take place from the ground. There is no riding, and no previous horse experience is required.
FREE TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Veterans and first responders do not pay to participate. Community support and sponsorships help make these experiences possible.
GUIDED CONNECTION
Approved facilitators guide activities that explore trust, communication, awareness, teamwork and resilience.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS MAY EXPLORE
There is no pressure to share, perform or have the right words. Each person is invited to participate at their own pace while the herd helps create space for reflection, connection and growth.
TRUST
Building connection through clear, honest interaction with horses and fellow participants.
AWARENESS
Noticing body language, emotions, energy and the ways we respond to the world around us.
RESILIENCE
Working through challenges, adapting in the moment and recognizing personal strengths.
BELONGING
Spending time alongside people who understand service, responsibility and the need for genuine connection.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Join one of our scheduled groups or bring an established group to the farm through a community partnership.
VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS GROUP
Our scheduled program brings veterans and first responders together for a guided experience with the herd.
Participants may come on their own and become part of the group. No horse experience is required, and participation is free to those who serve.
Format: Small group
Capacity: Up to 10 participants
Activities: Ground-based, no riding
COMMUNITY PARTNER GROUPS
Veterans’ organizations, first responder agencies and community groups may arrange a private experience for their members.
We work with each organization to create a welcoming, structured experience that reflects the needs of its group.
Format: Private group
Capacity: Up to 10 participants
Scheduling: Arranged with the organization
SUPPORT WITH CLEAR BOUNDARIES
Our Veterans & First Responders Program is an equine-assisted development experience focused on connection, communication, personal growth and community.
It is not psychotherapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention or a substitute for care from a licensed mental health professional.
All activities are ground-based and guided by approved facilitators. The physical and emotional safety of participants matters, and the horses’ comfort, boundaries and freedom of choice are respected throughout every experience.
A PLACE TO BREATHE. A HERD TO STAND BESIDE.
Those who serve spend their lives showing up for others. Here, they are given a place where they do not have to stand alone.
Whether you are ready to join a group, refer someone you care about or help keep this program free for veterans and first responders, we welcome you into this community.
The horses are here. The space is waiting.