Hero Testimonials
Our heroes come from all walks of public service:
Active Duty Military, Veterans, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and First Responders
Sean Puckett
“This program is so much more than just a place to learn western horsemanship”
Mike Knobel
“Magic happens on this ranch, and I’ve seen firsthand how equine therapy profoundly impacts people“
Bobby May
“I’ve experienced unique stressors and after a moment in the round pen with a horse, I felt peace.”
“The horse is a mirror to your soul. Sometimes you might not like what you see… sometimes you will.”
Buck Brannaman
- Hero Story: Colleen
- Hero Story: Emily Econie
- Hero Story: Greg Econie
- Hero Story: Cheyenne Hacker
- Hero Story: John Allen “Jam” Moore
- Hero Story: Jason Goyanko
- Hero Story: William Walsh
- Hero Story: Lance Lunker
- Hero Story: Vanessa Holland
- Hero Story: Jason Deaner
- Hero Story: J.T. Welsh
Hero Testimonials
Volunteering at the ranch has brought peace and love back into my life. These majestic animals are mirrors to our souls. They bring out how I am feeling. I started out a nervous wreck. But as time and patience have taught me, everyone including and especially the horses bring positive reinforcement to this vet. I really love this place and how it’s “hands-on.” I have seen the horses and heroes “evolve” together. Witnessing the “joining up” and how so many “battle-hardened” vets have found a sense of accomplishment and calmness from within.
Kyle Green-SGT 1/506th Airborne Division
Having been through childhood trauma and deployments, I have recently discovered horses have the ability to heal what I’ve endured. What drew me to SiS is the fact that they use both groundwork and riding compared to most places I’ve found. Coming to SiS has been something I look forward to every week. Being able to work with horses plus learn from people like Dave, Tammy, and Mike has been extremely rewarding. Having minimal horse experience, having such patient and loving people to teach me is wonderful. I notice that horses have brought peace and tranquility to my life.
Sibel Aydemir- US Navy
As a Veteran that supports other Veterans, I am always looking for services, non-profits, and experiences that will benefit Veterans in a holistic healing approach. I was invited to @SaddlesinService a.k.a. Storm Son’s Ranch and was beyond overjoyed at the “non-program” offered to help Veterans. Their approach is so personalized that the Veteran is met where they are and supported from an intrinsic level. Tammy’s enthusiasm and passion are evident the moment you meet her. She and her husband (a retired Naval Officer) are devoting their lives and their love to help Veterans and horses to come together in a truly magical healing experience.
Bonnie Silver- Army Veteran
This program allows and encourages heroes to get on horses and ride as well as the basics of horsemanship and life around horses. It fulfills my need to share my experience with horses to our heroes. I have grown by teaching and sharing in this program. The bonding experience we teach here is wonderful to see. Heroes and horses both benefit from it, really something to see! I love working/having fun here. First-class operation.
David Vikander-Army Vietnam Combat Vet
Meet Our Horses
Allie
Age: 16
Age: 23
Breed: Quarter Horse (AQHA)
Color: Sorrel
Background: Allie (Diamond Moon Smoke) is all cow horse. She was born and raised in Descanso and was headed for cutting horse fame when she developed a hock issue, but has been living the good life ever since. This little mare loves everyone and enjoys all the attention she can get.
Sex: Female (Mare)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Apache
Age: 15
Breed: Mustang
Color: Paint/Tobiano
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: Retired Border Patrol Agent, Adopted by SIS.
Quirks: Spends his off time looking handsome.
Sponsors:
Sean Puckett & Family
Bear
Age: 13
Breed: Mustang
Color: Dark Brown
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: Retired Border Patrol Agent, Adopted by SIS
Quirks: Just a chill dude
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Belleau
Age: 17
Breed: Clydesdale
Color: Light Bay
Background: True Budwiser Clydsdale. Owner surrendered.
Quirks: Loves neck scratches
Sponsors:
Chula Vista Police Officers Association (R)
Bo
Age:16
Breed: Azteca
Color: Blue Roan
Background: Was originally trained as a charro horse & is now Tammy’s beloved heart horse.
Quirks: Loves to play in the arena with Sterling. Will pull Huck’s fly mask off.
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Breen
Breen, more commonly known as, Breenie Girl, is a beautiful Arabian mare born in 2005. She is full of energy and playfulness. Breenie loves people and other horses and usually is one of the first horses to approach new people visiting the ranch.
Breed: Arabian
Color: Chestnut
Sex: Female
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Captain
Captain, more commonly known as Cap, is a Thoroughbred gelding, born in 2003. He was rescued from a neglectful situation. Once at the ranch, he gained several hundred pounds and his overall health back. New additions to the herd are often taken under Cap’s wing.
Breed: Thoroughbred
Color: Bay
Sex: Male
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Codalina
Age: 21
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Bay Dunn
Sex: Female (Mare)
Background: Donated by Tom and Rebecca Bercher form our SIS Wyoming.
Fun Fact: She is the Wyoming Princess.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Cosmo
Age: 15
Breed: Appaloosea
Color: Black
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: He was a pony horse on the race track, and he did Charro.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Grace
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Red Roan
Background: Grace Is a PMU baby and was rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Gunner
Age: 11
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Buckskin
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: Donated to the program
Fun Fact: He’s a very flashy and handsome boy with a sweet personality
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Hogan
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Palomino
Background: Hogan Is a PMU baby and was rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Hollywood
Age: 13
Breed: Mustang
Color: Black
Background: Retired Border Patrol Agent: Adopted by SIS.
Fun Fact: He has a YouTube video on his story from the wild to becoming a team member for the Border Patrol. Tap his photo to watch his video.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Huckleberry
Age: 15
Breed: Mixed Draft and Quarter
Color: Sorrel Paint
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: Huck was purchased from A Wyoming horse sale
Fun Fact: He loves to crinkly his nose. He is a very curious guy who likes to angle his neck when looking at you.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Junior
Age: 22
Breed: Unknown
Color: Sorrel
Background: Born in the Rocky Nevada Mountains and rescued in 2005.
Fun Fact: He recently came to SIS & is now loving his new life helping heroes heal.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Liberty
Age: 4
Breed: Mustang
Color: Buckskin
Background: Adopted through a Mustang Auction.
Sex: Female (Mare)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Lily
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Bay
Background: Lily is a PMU baby and was rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Luca
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Bay
Background: Luca is a PMU baby and was rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Mojo
Age: 20
Breed: Unknown
Color: Bay
Background: Mojo (CD Moon Pep) Mojo is an old-school cutting horse. His sire was the famous CD Olena, out of a Peppy San Badger (Little Peppy) mare. He’s been trained in cutting, reining, and roping but has been primarily a trail horse for the last 15 years. He loves people and is up for almost anything, anytime. He’s turning into a nice parade horse as well.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Oakley
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Bay
Background: Oakley is a PMU baby we rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Odie
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Bay
Background: Odie is a PMU baby we rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Penelope
Age: 3
Breed: Unknown
Color: Red Roan
Background: Penelope Is a PMU baby and was rescued and acquired from a ranch in Kentucky.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Pharo
Age: 23
Background: Our Wrangler Dave’s personal horse he donated to the program.
Breed: Arabian
Color: Grey
Fun Fact: Loves to give licks.
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Preacher
Age: 17
Breed: Quarter
Color: Buckskin
Background: Was purchased from a Wyoming horse sale
Fun Fact: He is very laid back and prefers going out on trail over arena work.
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Sihtric
Age: 14
Breed: Mustang
Color: Sorrel
Background: Retired Border Patrol Agent, Adopted by SIS.
Fun Fact: Always hungry and very stubborn
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Smokey
Age: 15
Breed: Mixed
Color: Flea-bitten Grey
Background: Used as a trail/lesson horse. Was donated to our program.
Fun Fact: Spicy and Sweet
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Splash
Splash is a beautiful Sabino Paint mare, she’s also Barbie’s best friend. She is a “go-to” horse for many of our Heroes and loves to ride on trails. She is a confident, affectionate, and loyal companion to our heroes.
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Appaloosa
Sex: Female (Mare)
Sponsors:
● James & Morgan Harrison (R)
Sterling
Age: 16
Color: Grey
Background: Used as a mounted rescue horse now is Mike’s trail buddy.
Fun Fact: Loves to play with Tammy’s horse Bo in the arena.
Color: Grey
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Tony
Age: 27
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Sorrel
Background: He was brought from Mexico to the U.S. to teach riders a fabulous sliding Reining stop.
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Thor
Age: 19
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Bay
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Background: He was abandoned and found wandering after a fire by East County Animal Control. He was one of the first two horses rescued by Saddles in Service.
Fun Fact: Thor has become a stalwart companion to many heroes. He is extremely intelligent, athletic, enjoys challenges and an experienced companion.
Sponsors:
John & Judie Deaner and Family (V)
Waylon
Age: 13
Breed: Mustang
Color: Gruella/Appaloosa
Background: Retired Border Patrol Agent. Adopted by SIS
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Fun Fact: He loves to play in water.
Sponsors:
San Diego Police Officers Association
Yontz
Yontz is named in honor and memory of Kenneth Yontz. The Yontz Valor Foundation has made our infrastructure upgrades and bunkhouse renovation possible.
Quirks:
Breed: Mustang
Color: Bay
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
Zane
Age: 24
Breed: Tennessee Walker
Color: Sorrel
Sex: Male (Gelding)
Fun Fact: Zane would sit in your lap if you let him. He’s a sweet guy with no personal boundaries and is always looking for treats.
Sponsors:
● Sponsor Needed ●
In Memoriam
Bonita
Bonita was the matriarch mare of our herd. Born in 1988 and although an older gal, she truly made a difference in the lives of our heroes and was known as one of the best horses for new riders.
Breed: Swedish Warmblood / Arabian Cross
Color: Bay
Sex: Female (Mare)
Barbie
Barbie was a stunningly beautiful Quarter Horse mare. Barbie was rescued from a slaughter auction and has visible and deep emotional scars.
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Palomino
Sex: Female (Mare)
Romey
Romey was a Quarter Horse gelding, with striking blue eyes, born in 2004. He was a gentle, yet sturdy, soul who followed people around like a puppy. Romey was comfortable and a great ride for children and adults.
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Overo
Sex: Male
Tequila
Tequila was a Quarter Horse, born in 1995. He was rescued while on his way to slaughter. Tequila arrived at the Ranch with some major trust issues but he started to heal and trust humans with each passing day. He had such a sweet spirit and was wonderful with new riders.
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Sorrel/Tobiano
Sex: Male
Secret
Secret was a retired Riverside Sheriff’s Search & Rescue horse. He served many heroes in both our San Diego CA and Elkhart Texas locations. He was Zane’s best buddy.
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Black & White
Sex: Male
“I’ve often said there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse”
Ronald Reagan