Feature of the month


Team Member Spotlight
Team Member Spotlight
William Cunningham, Director of Operations (aka Wild Bill!)
William Cunningham is director of operations at the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center, the headquarters and flagship facility of Las Vegas non-profit Horses4Heroes.
William has been volunteering with Horses4Heroes since 2018. He was involved in the move from Floyd Lamb Park to our new home on Miller Lane, and has worked field trips, special events, open houses and helped with several offsite events at Nellis AFB and the annual tribute to Military and First Responders at Craig Ranch Regional Park.
In March 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, William was named director of operations. In this capacity, he supervises volunteers, takes care of the barnyard animals, and supports all ranch programs, events, and activities.
William’s journey to his new position in the Mojave Desert started back in the 1960s when he was a young Seabee stationed on the beaches of Da Nang during the Vietnam War. A native of South Pasadena, Calif., William did two tours in Vietnam before receiving his honorable discharge from the US Navy. William returned to Pasadena and college, receiving a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Woodbury College. He worked in retail management and sales for more than 45 years, including owning his own men’s clothing store, Cunningham’s in Pasadena and serving as manager of Gary’s Island and Gary’s Studio in the Rio Masquerade Village, inside the Rio Hotel.
William always has been passionate about community service. Following his time in the Navy, William signed on with the Tournament of Roses Assn. and was a volunteer for 25 years, serving on various committees that stage the legendary parade and annual football game.
William has two sons and five grandchildren. Stop by the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center and say “hi” to our very own Wild Bill! He’d love to introduce you to his favorites, Zeus and Willy.
A New Home for Victory Riding Academy Congratulations to our Gold Star Affiliate in Omaha!
Victory Riding Academy is a Horses4Heroes Gold Star Affiliate! For years, owners Jodee and Tony Barnes have pursued their dream of a facility with an indoor arena. The facility where they started at and operated for the last eight years did not have an indoor facility. It’s hard to serve the community, clients and local heroes and their families during harsh Nebraska winters and hot, humid Nebraska summers.
Tony Barnes shared with us how their dream came true.
During this eight year journey, we pursued two other properties, but was unable to raise the funds. VRA continued working towards an indoor facility and to fulfill our mission to touch and change lives. But without an indoor arena, this was a challenge.
Someone we had worked with in the industry was selling their facility and contacted us wanting us to purchase it. The facility sits on five acres in Omaha and has nine indoor stalls, cedar tack room, hay and grain storage, 60 x 100 foot indoor heated arena, restroom, office and shop. The house, which will be partially used for VRA group sessions, instructor housing and much more is three times the size of the house at the old facility.
Once we stopped trying so hard to find a facility and allowed God to show us where He wanted us, all the pieces came together.
Congratulations Jodee and Tony!
Here is a link for a tour of the facility.
https://www.victoryride.org/newfacility/
Here is the announcement video
https://www.facebook.com/315720031823465/videos/327634561887183