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Where Horses Help Heroes Heal

Horses mirror human emotions, helping Heroes rebuild trust, confidence, and connection.

HISTORY

NOSTOS

Greek for "the return home." For every Hero who has been away; from themselves, from peace, from home — this is the road back. Saddles in Service is more than an equine program; it is a nationally recognized suicide prevention and support program built for those who need it most. Through a rigorous, intentional approach to horsemanship, healing, and community, we walk alongside Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and First Responders as they find their way home to themselves.

WHO WE SERVE

BUILT FOR THE HIGHEST RISK, BUILT TO LAST

We believe excellence, accountability, and intentional care save lives. Because our program is designed to serve those with the greatest need, not every applicant will be accepted into the full Hero Program. Our case managers carefully review each application to ensure the right fit, for both the Hero and the program itself. This isn't about serving more people; it's about serving with greater depth, effectiveness, and measurable impact. For Heroes who are not accepted into the full program, we don't disappear. We provide outside resources and connect applicants with the support they need. We also continue offering group IHP sessions for applicants awaiting placement, as well as emergency incident support groups; because connection, community, and care shouldn't have to wait. Every Hero session is documented through a streamlined, intentional tracking system that follows each participant's progress, strengths, and growth areas, creating continuity of care and a clear path forward, session after session. This is our commitment: not just offering support, but establishing a standard of care rooted in compassion, structure, and excellence, one built to save more lives and create deeper, lasting healing.

FIRST 3 PHASES

Intro to horsemanship program

The Introductory Horsemanship Program encompasses the first 3 phases of our natural horsemanship program where our heroes learn everything there is to know about horses through groundwork and equine activities. They also explore how horses teach us about ourselves and how we communicate with others through Equine Assisted Learning Activities. IHP dives deep into the principles of Natural Horsemanship and provides the opportunity for self-improvement and reflection through the incredible healing power of horses.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP

A TRAINED WRANGLER, A TRUSTED HORSE

OUR PROGRAM

The Seven Phases of Nostos

Nostos spans 6–12 months. Some Heroes are placed directly into the full program on the recommendation of their case manager, ensuring immediate access to the deepest level of care. Others begin with the Intro to Horsemanship Program (IHP), a 6-month foundation, before continuing forward. Every path is individually tailored to each Hero’s needs, competence, and availability, offering a progressive and holistic approach to horsemanship and personal development.  Every Hero is placed with a trained wrangler and a horse for each session. As Heroes build skill and confidence, they progress to more advanced horses, mirroring their own growth at every stage of the journey.

1. Horse Psychology and Physiology​

Learn how horses think, feel, and communicate, building the foundation for a strong respectful partnership

2. Grooming and Horse Care

Develop trust and connection through hands-on care, fostering mindfulness and mutual respect.

3. Groundwork

Establish a deep relationship with your horse through groundwork techniques that promote communication and leadership.

4. Riding in a controlled environment

Build confidence and skill through riding in a round pen or arena with the guidance of experienced wranglers.

5. Trail Riding​

Experience freedom and peace in nature while deepening the bond between horse and rider.

6. Advanced Cowboy Skills

Learn advanced horsemanship such as roping, cattle work, and challenge courses, enhancing teamwork and mastery.

7. Wyoming Cowboy Experience

Put it all into practice in an immersive cowboy adventure, celebrating personal growth, confidence, and camaraderie.

LOCATION

program info

Our program is located in San Diego, California. We have two ranches, one in Alpine and one in Descanso. Participants report to the ranch one day a week, from 8:30am – 11:30am, for the duration of our 6–12 month program. We understand that work and life can get in the way, and we work with each Hero to find a schedule that fits their circumstances. At this time, participants must be willing and able to commute to the ranch to participate in our program.

If you are not local to San Diego and are unable to commute to the ranch weekly, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay connected and up to date on everything happening at the ranch. Our goal is to one day provide temporary housing on-site so we can support out-of-state applicants and expand access to our program. Once this becomes available, it will be announced in our monthly newsletter.

Contact Us

+1 619-415-2521

GET HELP

apply to program

    Have you experienced any of the following as a result of your occupation/service: Traumatic brain injury, Post-traumatic stress, Anxiety, Depression, Job-related stress, Poor quality of life, Sleeplessness?
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