The Veterans Ranch

Our mission is to assist Veterans and their families through Equine Therapy, a range of treatments that involve activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health. We assist these great Americans and their families in laying down heavy coats of burden and walk away as newer and improved versions of themselves.?

The purpose of?The Veterans' Ranch is a place?for Recovery?and?Recuperation?and?Renewal. US Veterans who suffer trauma, injury, and emotional or psychological affliction often respond to working with horses far more effectively than other kinds of therapy. Horses have been used for this purpose for over 3,000 years. What many call it “amazing,” and “miraculous.” These results frequently occur when working closely with horses.

At one of our Veteran horse clinics we paired up an active duty Airman with the most gentle 18 hand high horse (6 feet from hoof to the top of the shoulder or withers as they are known) and this gentleman was maybe 5’5″ with boots on. You could feel the tension just pouring off of him and the horse was agitated because of this.

His wife came over to us and said, “You got to help my husband; he is freaking out.” A retired Marine went over and talked to him. We found out that he was from the Bronx and he had never even seen a horse, much less ride one of this size.?

We finally got him on the horse but then he was over squeezing his legs and pulling on the reigns because he thought that he was going to fall off. We showed him how to breathe and relax and, once he did, the horse started immediately responding to him more favorably. We showed him how to guide the horse more with his feet than with his hands and once he was comfortable, we took him out on a trail ride.?

By the time we came back, he had an ear-to-ear grin on his face. We asked how he was doing, and he said, “Well, I’m walking a little funny but I want to get something to drink and can I please go out on the next ride?”

That’s the beauty of Equine Therapy. Overcoming fears. Trusting. Forming Bonds.

We helped someone overcome a fear that he didn’t even know he had. He left that day standing just a bit taller, prouder, and more confident in himself. His wife, who had been riding for over 20 years, was very proud of him and so are we.

Volunteers Welcome

Our horse ranch requires hard work and long hours. Much of our time is spent caring for our horses. They must come first in order for us to help others. Our mission is to create miracles! Do you want to participate?

Unfortunately, the suicide rate among Veterans is currently 35 a day. That’s up from 22 a day. As far as we’re concerned, even one Veteran suicide is one too many. PTSD impacts not only the Veteran but all those in the immediate family.

Your precious gift will help The Veterans Ranch provide much-needed equine therapy to Veterans and their families who are suffering from PTSD.

Please VOLUNTEER or DONATE by going to The Veterans Ranch website.

The Veterans Ranch thanks you for your support.

Mark Baird