Hero Profiles
“The horse is a mirror to your soul. Sometimes you might not like what you see… sometimes you will.”
Buck Brannaman
Our heroes come from all walks of public service:
Active Duty Military, Veterans, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and First Responders
- 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
Horse Profiles
“I’ve often said there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse”
Ronald Reagan
Apache
Retired Border Patrol Agent adopted by SIS.
Quirks: Spends his free time looking handsome.
Breed: Mustang
Color: Paint / Tobago
Sex: Male (gelding)
Bear
Retired Border Patrol Agent adopted by SIS.
Quirks: Calm, cuddly, and easy going.
Breed: Mustang
Color: Dark brown
Sex: Male (gelding)
Belleau
Belleau, more commonly known as, Boo is a purebred Clydesdale gelding. He was originally bred for the sole purpose to pull Anheuser Busch beer trucks. An owner surrendered our true Budweiser Clydesdale.
Quirks: Likes neck scratches
Breed: Clydesdale
Color: Light Bay
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Chula Vista Police Officers Association (R)
Bo
Was originally trained as a charro horse, now is Tammy’s beloved boy.
Quirks: Loves to play in the arena with Sterling and will pull Huck’s fly mask off.
Breed: Azteca
Color: Blue Roan
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
Sponsor needed.
Bonita
Bonita is a Swedish Warmblood, Arabian cross mare, born in 1988. She is the matriarch of the herd. Thor might think he is in charge but it is Bonita who makes the rules. Although Bonita is an older gal, she is still full of energy and one of our best horses for new riders.
Quirks: The matriarch of the ranch, spicy and willing.
Breed: Swedish Warmblood / Arabian Cross
Color: Bay
Sex: Female (mare)
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
Donated by Tom and Rebecca Burcher from SIS Wyoming.
Quirks: The Wyoming Princess
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Bay Dunn
Sex: Female (mare)
Sponsors:
Sponsor needed.
Gunner
Personal donation to the program by a patron.
Quirks: Very flashy boy
Breed: Quarter
Color: Buckskin
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Hollywood
Retired Border Patrol Agent adopted by SIS.
Quirks: He has a short documentary on YouTube about his story from the wild to becoming a team member for Border Patrol.
Breed: Mustang
Color: Black
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Huckleberry
Huck was purchased from a Wyoming horse sale.
Quirks: Crinkles his nose and quivers his lips so looks like he is talking.
Breed: Mixed Draft and Quarter
Color: Sorrel/Flaxen
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Pharo
Our wrangler, Dave’s, personal horse he donated to the program.
Quirks: Loves to give licks.
Breed: Arabian
Color: Gray
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Preacher
Purchased from a Wyoming horse sale.
Quirks: Throws head and backs up when he does not want to do something.
Quirks: Loves to give licks.
Breed: Quarter
Color: Buckskin
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Sihtric
Retired Border Patrol Agent adopted by SIS
Quirks: Always hungry and very stubborn
Breed: Mustang
Color: Sorrel
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Smokey
Used as a trail and lesson horse. He was a personal donation to the program from a patron.
Quirks: Spicy. Likes to buck in the round pen.
Breed: Quarter
Color: Fleabitten Grey
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Splash
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
Sponsors:
● James & Morgan Harrison (R)
Sterling
Used as a mounted rescue horse and is now Mike’s trail buddy.
Quirks: Plays with Bo in the arena.
Breed: Quarter
Color: Grey
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
Thor
Thor is a Quarter Horse gelding, born in 2004. He was abandoned and found wandering the east county by animal control. He was one of the first two horses rescued by Saddles in Service. Thor has become a stalwart companion to many heroes. He is extremely intelligent, athletic, enjoys challenges and an experienced companion.
Quirks: Spooks to the left, sticks his tongue to the side and chews on it.
Breed: Quarter
Color: Bay
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● John & Judie Deaner and Family (V)
Waylon
Retired Border Patrol Agent adopted by SIS.
Quirks: Plays in the water and likes to stick his lip out.
Breed: Mustang
Color: Grulla / Appaloosa
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● San Diego Police Officers Association
Zane
Has no personal boundaries and is always looking for treats.
Quirks: Likes to be in your space. Keeps his ears back, always, but loves love.
Breed: Tennessee Walker
Color: Sorrel
Sex: Male (gelding)
Sponsors:
● Sponsor needed.
In Memoriam
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
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