Freedom Riders: A "Horses for Heroes Program."
The "Freedom Riders" a Horses for Heroes Program, is for military active duty and veterans. The program offers many horse related activities for those who have served and their families. Throughout the year we offer military kids riding sessions, veterans and active duty riding eventings, horsemanship, deployed spouse activities, and date night for OEF/OFF members and their spouses. The Freedom Riders sessions are at no cost to the participant, the program is funded by grants and donations.
A Military Hero brings to his or her riding a different view point and skill set than a youngster just discovering life's possibilities. Freedom Riders is a program exclusively for active military, their families and veterans to enjoy horses together. It honors the equine traditions of our armed services, and provides a friendly venue in which to relax, exercise, and connect with horses and other veterans.
A Freedom Rider moment - veteran enjoying building his horse's trust by grooming it before arena work.
How to Participate
Questions specific to this program please e-mail:
Gregg Goodman: gregg.g@horseshelp.org
Full scholarships enable National Guard, Reserve, Active Duty and Veterans Honorably Discharged to join these small groups of fellow soldiers in horsemanship and horseback riding classes, assisted by fellow veterans, and civilians with a special connection to service members and veterans.
All applications are reviewed for possible participation. Once an application is received, a tour of the facility is scheduled for you. If class space is available, an intake assessment is scheduled.
All riders must have a physician's statement indicating there are no contraindications for participating in an equine program. Transportation assistance is arranged through Phoenix area veterans service organizations for Freedom Riders who request it.
If you are a disabled active or veteran who wishes to participate in this program, please complete the rider application below.
Riderapplicationupdated42011.pdf
Community Members
Active Duty or Veterans Benefit Counselors or Healthcare Providers who would like more information are warmly invited to contact Horses Help for an information packet, to schedule a tour or to arrange for one of our coordinators to attend an event.
How to Volunteer and Application
We welcome all veterans who wish to volunteer assisting the riders or the horses in this program. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Leah Smith at leah.s@horseshelp.org for more information on training and available times.
How to Donate
Would you like to sponsor active military or veterans with scholarship funding, program improvements, or donate a horse or equipment? Simply click on our "Donate" tabs and designate "Freedom Riders". If you wish to discuss your donation, please contact our Executive Director, Gregg Goodman gregg.g@horseshelp.org.
Our own Ted Newman, cowboy poet, songwriter, performer, and Freedom Riders Program volunteer, from Gilbert has a new DVD/album cut on You Tube honoring our heroes, "Those Who Served So Well". Invitation to listen and view here. Ted has performed for our clients and friends from US Veterans Initiative, and Arizona Heroes to Hometowns.
Special Thanks to USAA, and the Nappi Foundation for this years Funding Commitment!