Horses4Heroes is a network of kid-friendly, family-friendly instructors, barns and riding facilities that support our mission to make horseback riding affordable for the families of the heroes in our communities. Programs and activities vary from facility to facility.
Our programs include:
HORSE 101
1A starter package for beginner riders. Open to anyone who wants to learn how to ride a horse.
In 2008, we expanded our program to offer deeply discounted horseback riding lessons at participating facilities; lessons are offered for all riding levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced), all riding styles (English, Western, Dressage) and breeds of horses. Horse 101 includes lessons, camps, clinics and the opportunity to compete in local horse shows.
Serves families and individuals who want to learn how to ride a horse, continue horseback riding started at another city or take a refresher course.
Man of our families and/or individuals who participate in our lesson programs want to own a horse one day and appreciate the opportunity to learn everything they can about horses, horse care and horse ownership.
We even have horse owners from Nellis AFB who take lessons through this program.
HORSEPLAY!
2A “Mommy-and-Me” style program open to children ages 2-6 years old.
Launched in 2009 to serve families with younger children. HorsePlay is a “mommy-and-me” style preschool program that teaches our youngest members (ages 2-6) about horse and farm animals, safety, and horse and animal care. At an early age, we are teaching the responsibility that comes with animal and horse care. HorsePlay sessions are now offered twice weekly.
Families with older siblings often opt to have their lessons during HorsePlay sessions, to avoid repeat trips to the ranch. And, yes, parents ride, too!
OPERATION FREE RIDE
Open to everyone.
Our first program, started in 2007.
Weekly free, guided horseback riding sessions for all family members
Serves all active duty servicemen and women, veterans who just want to ride a horse, hang out on the ranch, play with the dogs, goats, sheep and rabbits.
Offered every week, weather permitting
HORSE POWER!
4The horses are the stars of Horses4Heroes.
In our program, you will ride Quarter Horses, Paints and Pintos, Appaloosas, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Warm Bloods, Gaited horses, ponies and mules! All breeds, all disciplines, all riding styles. We focus on horsemanship and horse care and always, Safety First!
This program supports the horses that make this program possible, including rescue and donated horses.
MISSION SUPPORT
5A public relations campaign to spread the word about this program to the heroes and their families in Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Montana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, Pennyslvania, New York, New Jersey, Florida, and coming soon to a community near you!
LESSONS
6We offer participants deeply discounted horseback riding lessons, and the opportunity to attend camps, clinics, and participate in local horse shows, all for a fraction of the costs normally associated with such equine activities!
STAYSTRONG
7Open to Families/Individuals in Crisis/At-risk.
The StayStrong program was created especially for families and individuals (pre-teens, teens, adults) who are struggling with life’s challenges.Our program works with families that have a member who is disabled, seriously or terminally ill, at-risk youth, foster kids, those in abusive situations, and those suffering from depression, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and motivation, and more.
Recognizing the need in our community, including at Nellis AFB, we created StayStrong in 2011. This program offers horseback riding sessions to families and individuals who need the recuperative, therapeutic and healing power of horses to cope with life’s challenges.
This program is perfect for families who have a family member who is deployed, disabled, seriously or terminally ill or injured, at-risk youth, foster kids, those in abusive situations, and those suffering from PTSD, depression, low self-esteem, lack of self confidence and motivation and more.
Back in the Saddle
8Open to Families/Individuals in Crisis/At-risk.
Back in the Saddle is a StayStrong type of program that serves adult men and women (formerly homeless veterans, victims of domestic violence and abuse) and adds a job training and re-training element to give them job skills needed in today’s fast-paced competitive workforce.
Membership is very affordable and includes a t-shirt for every member of the family. Our facilities offer horse experiences that emphasize fun and safe activities with horses, mounted and un-mounted for all ages and abilities. Instructors in our network focus on all aspects of horse care and horsemanship, including ground fundamentals, as well as riding. Members learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills, make new friends and develop a lifelong love of horses!
For information or to join, call us at (888) 9US-HERO (987-4376).
