Programs for Veterans & Their Families in Northwest Arkansas

non profit veteran organizations near me

Horsemanship and Recreation for Veterans

At Warhorse Legacy Foundation, we provide programs in horsemanship, outdoor recreation, and camaraderie to veterans free of charge, as well as offering many other recreational activities. We believe in connecting people with nature, fostering wellness, and discovering the healing potential of horsemanship. As a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families, we work to ensure high quality opportunities for veterans. Thus, our programs are still in the pilot stage. Horsemanship classes follow curriculum set by the Certified Horsemanship Association. We intend to present other proven programs developed by Eagala, Monty Roberts Join Up™, and PATH, as well as others.

A veteran-centered approach is at the heart of everything we do.

Heroes, Herds, and Horsemanship

Have you Herd? Warhorse Legacy Foundation’s Equine Programs center around the person (heroes) and families/communities (herds). We also focus on relearning how to navigate life in a fair, honest, and trusting way while practicing self-regulation… which is where horsemanship enters the equation. We offer Equine Assisted Activities which help veterans to reestablish peace of mind, clarity, and confidence by using unique, abstract, horse-centered lessons. Our Equine Programs relate back to life through reestablishing healthy choices, fair communication, trusting in relationships, and integration into a “herd” setting. Heroes, Herds, and Horsemanship is a year-round program in three phases. These activities are created to offer the new-to-horses veteran the ability to interact and learn everything they would need to know to confidently apply for the Warhorse Horses at Home Program if they so choose. Additionally, working through the phases provides our veterans with skills, experiences, and a sounding board that only our equine co-workers can teach. All lessons are under the guidance of our Equine Director who is Path, INTL certified as well as EAL certified through the OK Corral. Lessons are free to all veterans.

Horses at Home

Warhorse Legacy Foundation is excited to introduce the Horses at Home Program, a direct product of the Second Careers for Horses Program (SCHP). SCHP was run successfully by Betty Jones and the Arkansas Equine Foundation for more than a decade and — incredibly — rehomed over 300 horses.

With WLF’s Horses at Home Program, we honor Betty’s hard work and dreams along with our veteran horseman.

The purpose of the Horses at Home Program is to advocate for safe and healthy horse handling, care, and partnerships while providing interested and qualified veteran candidates the opportunity to form a significant horse/human connection and transfer this to the veteran’s environment. The ultimate goal is that the horse will provide support in the form of responsibility, self-regulation, emotional stability, and team-work at home with them.

There are prerequisites and an application process. Candidate acceptance in the Horses at Home Program will be determined by the Equine Services Director. Approved candidates for this program will have completed three of the four phases of the Heroes, Herds, and Horsemanship programming offered by Warhorse Legacy Foundation or be able to test out of all three phases. Warhorse Staff will be involved with the approved candidate in creating a sustainable and safe place for the equine at their home as well as monthly check-ins to support and help as needed.

Funding for the Horses at Home program is essential to successful placement and continued home support for the equine and their veteran owners. Please consider giving to support this valuable program.

Donate to Support Horses at Home

Complementary Wellness Treatments

At Warhorse Ranch, we are excited to offer on site complimentary wellness treatments to veterans. These treatments are designed to work in conjunction with traditional treatments, and alongside our equine and recreational activities. Currently, we have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (for treatment of wounds and general wellness) and one of the only Biocharger NG™ units in the state of Arkansas. A biocharger is a subtle energy revitalization device for focus, performance, sleep, and recovery.

Family Activity Days

Warhorse Legacy Foundation is excited to offer veterans and their families predetermined days during the year for family activities. Warhorse will offer these family activity days once per season as interest arises.

Prior to participating in a family activity day, the veteran will complete the intake interview and familiarize themselves with Warhorse property and facility.
Dates and times to be determined.
Potluck type meal. Families, please bring a side dish. Warhorse will provide main course and dessert.

Family fun activities will be seasonal specific and may include:

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Pre-planned horsemanship demonstrations or activities

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Hiking on the trails

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Specific events planned by WLF staff and volunteers

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Picnics

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Fishing in one of three stocked ponds

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