We believe that experiential training makes a difference for veterans and that Equine Assisted Learning can have a life changing impact on our service men and women. Through transformational workshops, our team works tirelessly to provide this much needed support.
Meaningful Work. Unforgettable Experiences.
Here at HOOVES, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in rescuing horses and enlisting them to help service men and women heal, regain control and return to the life they fought to protect. Our decision making process is informed by comprehensive empirical studies and high quality data evaluation. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Service (H.O.O.V.E.S.) was officially established in 2011 as a 501©3 non-profit. The organization’s foundation was built by Amanda Held. Amanda is a United States Air Force veteran who has personally overcome PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other transitional challenges faced by many veterans.
Guiding Principals
To uphold the military mindset of selfless service
Fill organizational voids through creative thinking and effective application
Support each other at any capacity to the best of our ability
Strive daily to grow on a personal level
Practice what we preach
Foster continuous service to humanity
Create a legacy that will continue to serve beyond our lifetime
Mission
H.O.O.V.E.S. mission is to offer Equine Integrated Wellness services in a welcoming environment for veterans and their families to promote life-long healing and growth. We provide veterans with 3-day retreats, group workshops, and individual sessions where the service member is partnered with rescued horses in customized exercises. These unique experiential interactions combined with a facilitated learning process help participants break down emotional barriers, build connections, ignite self-awareness, and develop new thought patterns. Our mission is to help veterans break down harmful thought patterns and create new beliefs that foster meaningful and sustainable growth in their lives.
The workshop curriculum is action-based and results in the individual finding a renewed sense of purpose in a personalized mission statement. The opportunity to fine tune new insight is available during monthly educational workshops. We encourage the continuous involvement of alumni by welcoming them back for opportunities to help other veterans through the H.O.O.V.E.S. Mentor Program. Additionally, monthly events are hosted that allow our participants to serve and give back in the H.O.O.V.E.S. Community Group.
Vision
H.O.O.V.E.S. vision is to create a unified organization that fosters a collaborative effort between veterans, advocates and health-care partners who work to transform lives, re-build relationships, and bring families back together through Equine Integrated Wellness™.
Horses are partnered with service men and women in a judgement free environment to work through stress and trauma incurred by the effects of military service. With this methodology, the program participants regain confidence and self-worth, while aligning with new purpose, empowering them to reconnect with their family and the community.