We are a non-riding, veteran-owned center dedicated to bringing the beauty,
wisdom, and authenticity of horses to the challenges many military vets face.
Our equine veteran transitioning helps ease the move into civilian life.
No prior experience with horses is needed.
We are a non-riding, veteran-owned center dedicated to bringing the beauty, wisdom, and authenticity of horses to the challenges many military vets face. Our equine veteran transitioning helps ease the move into civilian life.
No prior experience with horses is needed.
Historically, horses played an important role in the lives of humans. Monarchies used them ceremoniously, war fighters used them in battle while agricultural communities depended on them to work the fields and harvest food. Today they are used as hobby horses for those who love to ride and also still work on ranches out west. VEA invites a very different kind of vital relationship with horses. We believe they are here now to show us a different way of living and being with each other. You are part of this purpose!
Horses have a finely tuned sensory system, several thousand times more powerful than ours. They sense a fly on their back! They are particularly sensitive to our inner thoughts, feelings, intentions and to our breath. Authenticity, transparency and trust are important to them; it’s their way of life. These qualities often get lost in the vet’s transition back into civilian life. Horses are herd animals and have survived thousands of years because they know how to connect with others in a herd community, and how to return quickly to harmony after there has been a threat or danger. They rely on each other. Being around them brings a renewed sense of peace and harmony. A place to begin again.
The best part is horses want to connect with us! When we show up with an open heart, curiosity and wonder they are drawn to us. In a world where separation, division, and isolation seem to be the norm, horses show us a very different way of being with ourselves and living with one another. Harmony, wholeness, community and partnering with one another are the cornerstones. They help us return home to who we actually are — spiritual beings here to support one another in our journey.
Historically, horses played an important role in the lives of humans. Monarchies used them ceremoniously, war fighters used them in battle while agricultural communities depended on them to work the fields and harvest food. Today they are used as hobby horses for those who love to ride and also still work on ranches out west. VEA invites a very different kind of vital relationship with horses. We believe they are here now to show us a different way of living and being with each other. You are part of this purpose!
Horses have a finely tuned sensory system, several thousand times more powerful than ours. They sense a fly on their back! They are particularly sensitive to our inner thoughts, feelings, intentions and to our breath. Authenticity, transparency and trust are important to them; it’s their way of life. These qualities often get lost in the vet’s transition back into civilian life. Horses are herd animals and have survived thousands of years because they know how to connect with others in a herd community, and how to return quickly to harmony after there has been a threat or danger. They rely on each other. Being around them brings a renewed sense of peace and harmony. A place to begin again.
The best part is horses want to connect with us! When we show up with an open heart, curiosity and wonder they are drawn to us. In a world where separation, division, and isolation seem to be the norm, horses show us a very different way of being with ourselves and living with one another. Harmony, wholeness, community and partnering with one another are the cornerstones. They help us return home to who we actually are — spiritual beings here to support one another in our journey.
Who We Work With
Military vets and their families transitioning back into civilian life.
Our Mission
We restore confidence, clarity and purpose for those facing challenges returning to civilian life. We do this by providing partnerships with horses in a safe, trusted space.
Our Values
We act on the following statements.
Who We Work With
Military vets and their families transitioning back into civilian life.
Our Mission
We restore confidence, clarity and purpose for those facing challenges returning to civilian life. We do this by providing partnerships with horses in a safe, trusted space.
Our Values
We act on the following statements:
Consider — Both are taken away from family and support systems, transferred to places often far away and subjected to conditions and treatment with no choice but to endure (sometimes positive, sometimes not). Horses and vets are sometimes required to act in ways that may violate who they really are, injuring both. When it is decided the time of service has ended, both are sent back or simply discarded. All the while horses and vets are expected to continually adjust, learn and find new ways to stay alive.
Explaining this to most civilians doesn’t work. Horses get you without the explanation. Even when you may feel torn between two worlds and belong to neither.
Horses have an amazing ability to sense where you are whole and where you are wounded, not yet whole. They can read your heart. It’s how they have stayed alive for thousands of years. They meet you without judgement or demands. Their presence gives you space to become who you actually are, and help you return to wholeness. They seek transparency and trust; when they find it in you, you have a strong, wise and patient friend and teacher.
Horses have an amazing ability to sense where you are whole and where you are wounded, not yet whole. They can read your heart. It’s how they have stayed alive for thousands of years. They meet you without judgement or demands. Their presence gives you space to become who you actually are, and help you return to wholeness. They seek transparency and trust; when they find it in you, you have a strong, wise and patient friend and teacher.
We offer non-riding programs. Our ground-based offerings include:
We offer non-riding programs. Our ground-based offerings include:
‘…Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.’
From For A New Beginning
by John O’Donohue
‘…Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.’
From For A New Beginning
by John O’Donohue
Need Help Now?
Veterans Crisis Line
DIAL 988 then PRESS 1
Take the First Step
Let’s get you started. Embark on a new beginning today!
