Driving through the gate at H.O.O.V.E.S. feels like coming back inside the wire.
- Cory Spychalski, Army Combat Veteran
Helping Veterans & Horses Transform Post Traumatic Stress into Post Traumatic Growth
H.O.O.V.E.S. is a private, donor-supported charity that provides free, 4-day nonclinical retreats for veterans, first responders, and their family members nationwide who are seeking recovery from service connected stress.
Retreats are led primarily by veterans and family members who have themselves gone through trauma and achieved growth. During retreats, participants are facilitated through a process that integrates past traumas and reveals underlying strengths, as they forge connections with others and ultimately create a mission, vision, and purpose in service to humanity.
From the outside, what we do appears simple. We rescue horses and we rescue veterans. But the truth is, it's so much more than that... We give our service men and women the opportunity to heal, regain control, and live with purpose - so they can return to the lives they fought to protect.
Impact
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Our decision making process is informed by comprehensive empirical studies and high quality data evaluation. Here are what our veterans have to say about the impact of their retreat
Testimonials
Are you ready for your moment?
Hear first hand about the power of H.O.O.V.E.S. from alumni Nick Mielke and his wife Alicia.
Background
The History of H.O.O.V.E.S.
This program was created for veterans by a veteran. Learn the amazing story of how the organization came to be all that it is today.
PR
Watch Us On The Veteran's Channel
This 45 minute episode filmed by The Veterans Channel takes you right inside one of our veteran retreats!