Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation

What We Do

Healing through Equine Therapy & Mental Health

We provide a unique path to recovery through our therapeutic herd. Our equine programs offer veterans and first responders a safe space to address invisible wounds and find emotional peace. 

Our equine-assisted therapy leverages the unique bond between humans and horses to heal the physical and psychological wounds of service. Through therapeutic riding and horsemanship, veterans and their families improve balance and motor skills while building emotional regulation and self-awareness. It’s more than just riding; it’s a non-judgmental space to gain the confidence and resilience needed to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.

The Stay In The Fight Veterans Foundation (SITFVF) is proud to introduce our Healing Herd, a pivotal part of our commitment to veteran and family wellness.

We are honored to continue this powerful work. Our three horses, Murphy, Teddy, and Pilar, are ready to help veterans and their families toward healing and hope.

Veterans & First Responders Program

At Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation, we recognize the unique challenges faced by our military veterans and first responders. Our therapeutic horsemanship program is specifically designed to provide a supportive community and a powerful path toward healing. Beyond the physical benefits of riding, our participants often experience reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and strengthened interpersonal relationships through the unique bond formed with our horses and fellow service members.

Our Lesson Structure  

To ensure a high-quality experience, the program follows a structured schedule consisting of six-week sessions held throughout the year, complemented by specialized seasonal sessions. Participants commit to one-hour lessons held once per week in an intimate environment of one to four riders. These small groups are organized by skill level to foster both individual growth and a sense of camaraderie among peers. To maintain the highest standards of safety and instruction, every session is led by a PATH Certified Instructor and receives dedicated support from trained volunteer horse leaders and side walkers.

Enrollment & Eligibility  

To ensure the well-being of all participants, eligibility for the program is determined by the organization’s ability to maintain a safe environment for both the horse and the rider. The enrollment process begins with a thorough review of all program policies and required documentation. Once prospective rider(s) are familiar with these guidelines, they must submit a formal New Rider Application. After the application is received and processed, the administration will contact the applicant to discuss current availability. If a suitable opening exists, the final step involves a professional assessment conducted by a Riding Instructor to evaluate the rider’s specific needs and readiness for the program.

Hands-On Vocational Training

We believe that a meaningful career is a cornerstone of a successful transition to civilian life. For many veterans and first responders, the challenge isn’t a lack of drive, but finding a way to translate their elite service skills into a new professional landscape. Our vocational training program bridges this gap by providing practical, hands-on skill-building in high-demand fields. By equipping our heroes with tangible tools and certifications, we help them reclaim their sense of professional identity and secure a future built on stability, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Renewed Purpose & Support

Your Next Mission Starts Here: Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it evolves. Stay in the Fight is dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders in their pursuit of healing and a renewed sense of purpose. We understand the unique challenges of reintegration, especially for those who have faced personal setbacks or physical trauma. By combining therapeutic connection with professional skill-building, we help you rediscover who you are outside of your rank or role. We are more than a foundation; we are your partners in rebuilding a life of dignity, stability, and strength.