The Carry On Project is a four-phase, year-round program of weekly therapeutic sessions that are conducive to healing, reintegration, and improved quality of life for military veterans. In addition to one-on-one horsemanship training, which helps build strength, balance, self-confidence and independence, the program also offers Physical Therapists and Licensed Counselors as needed. 

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Phase 1: Introduction to Horsemanship

The shortest phase of the program: we introduce veterans to our mini horses for a unique 'introduction to horses.' We cover important safety and grooming information and work on various life skills. Once comfortable with the minis, they will graduate to full-sized horses in Phase 2.

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Phase 2: Basic Ground Work

This phase integrates how horses think and react, relationship building, and basic groundwork exercises. Each vet is paired with a horse  specifically chosen to match their unique needs. This phase covers several months of "on the ground" training and will advance to intermediate and advanced ground work techniques before veterans earn the opportunity to ride their horse.

Phase 3: Basic Riding

In this phase, each rider has the opportunity to choose one of our  weight Western or English saddles. Riders will continue to work on their groundwork skills and will learn to ride at the walk and trot. Using ring figures and our arena obstacle course, riders will learn to steer with accuracy and perform basic and intermediate maneuvers.

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Phase 4: Trial by fire

In this phase each veteran has the opportunity to work with a very 'green' or untrained horse, under supervision. This phase is the ultimate test, but is also a bonding experience where a veteran has to utilize all his learned skills to bond with and train their horse. In this stage we will be as hands-off as possible, but available to encourage, support and problem solve with the veteran.