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God made doctors to help heal the body.
But he made horses to help heal the soul.
Hope 'N Horses is a 501c3 non-profit located in Palisade, Colorado dedicated to serving military veterans, and first responders. Our team of trained volunteers and amazing horses provide hope to those who served our country and sacrificed for freedom!
Our programs are supported and sponsored by our generous partners in the Grand Valley community. We are a grassroots organization and our programs are of no charge to our heroes.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest information about events and rides.
Contact
Ride With Us
Rides are free of charge for our veteran and first responder heroes. Fill out our quick application so we can set up a ride that will bring you hope and healing.
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Get in Touch!
Hope ‘N Horses was a great opportunity for me to be in an environment that I was comfortable in. Being around good, like-minded people and being around the horses gave my brain a chance to shut down, and it has been great for my mental health. I am truly blessed to have found such a great place with such an important, beautiful mission.
–DB (veteran)
Being around horses, whether riding, grooming, or just in their presence, I feel a sense of beingness. Butz functions as a lead horse on ridesand is a solid riding companion. He is able to navigate the trails and be a sturdy guide. As a veteran, it gives me peace to be able to ride Butz knowing he’s got me. Hope ‘N Horses offers an amazing opportunity for veterans.
–RM (veteran)
The public sometimes overlooks the trauma and lingering PTSD first responders experience daily without time to decompress between patients. A two-hour ride in a beautiful setting with fellow riders with similar experiences and traumas is a healthy reprieve from the rigors of healthcare. Butz is a savory and sure-footed leader. He puts the riders and other horses at ease on the trail with his experience.
–DB (first responder)
I had a wonderful time riding with Hope ‘N Horses. JJ Fletcher’s service to veterans and horses gives me the ability to learn more about horses and how to ride in a peaceful and relaxing setting. As a veteran serving in the United States Army and Reserves for over 20 years, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, having the opportunity to do this brings me peace.
–R (veteran)
As a first responder, Hope ‘N Horses has had a huge impact on me. As a police officer, I see and deal with very tough and tragic things daily. I have been going to a therapist for the past four years of my career, and in just a few months with Hope ‘N Horses, I have seen more progress and healing with my mental health and sanity than speaking with a counselor. Being around the horses and riding them has allowed me to feel safe and vulnerable to work through my feelings. Horses are such incredible creatures, and therapists. I always look forward to a ride or the presence of a horse to feel at peace. All of the volunteers and board members are welcoming and supportive. I can’t thank Hope ‘N Horses enough.
–ER (first responder)
Hope ‘N Horses:
● Keeps me from sequestering in my house
● Gives me a peer group with a common interest
● Gives me a place of value by being able to contribute ideas on the board.
● Horses
● Ability to ride safe horses
● Tactile stimuli
● Connection with the horse without words.
● Like-minded veterans and first responders
● Decrease in loneliness & grief
–ES (veteran)
Hope & Horses changed my life. As a first responder, I carried the weight of traumatic calls and relentless stress for years — sleep was fragmented, emotions felt raw, and I felt increasingly isolated. Working with the horses and the compassionate team at Hope & Horses gave me a safe, nonjudgmental space to breathe, process, and rebuild. Through gentle, guided equine therapy, I relearned how to calm my nervous system, trust my instincts, and be present. The horses mirror honesty and patience, and that connection taught me how to manage anxiety, communicate more clearly, and set healthier boundaries both on and off duty. The staff’s expertise and genuine care helped me translate those moments with the herd into everyday coping tools. Today I feel more grounded, resilient, and hopeful. Hope & Horses didn’t just support my recovery — they restored my confidence and helped me reclaim a sense of purpose after trauma. I’m forever grateful for their healing work.
-NB (first responder)
UPCOMING EVENTS
In an effort to reach more veterans and raise funds to support our mission, Hope 'N Horses plans to host several community events where anyone and everyone is invited. This also will be a place to check frequently to see what our riding schedule is.
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