Hi. I’m Rylie Halsell. I’m fundraising for the Elite Vocations Veterans Horsemanship Program to train American Veterans on California’s central coast in the philosophy of natural horsemanship to enable them to gain employment in the equine industry.

Over ten weeks the Veterans learn how to safely and effectively handle horses, basic first aid, grooming, feeding and nutrition, ground manners training, exercising, and more. Graduates of the program are assisted with gaining employment as professional grooms, assistant trainers, assistant barn managers, equine veterinary assistants, and in other related areas.

The equine industry is a major employer of workers in California, and additionally, these jobs often come with housing benefits, helping Veterans overcome one of their biggest challenges – stable housing. Furthermore, working regularly with horses using the natural horsemanship approach provides therapeutic benefit – helping Veterans in the program improve their mental and emotional wellness.

Elite Vocations utilizes retired racehorses, all of which are adopted out at the end of the training program.

I’m volunteering with the Elite Vocations program this summer, and am helping raise funds for the cause because I have seen first-hand how the program is helping Veterans improve their lives with a new career in an industry I’m passionate about.

All donations are 100% tax deductible. Please help heal our heroes through horsemanship with a donation today.

Elite Vocations is a program of ECHO Group, Inc - a Veteran-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Santa Maria, CA (EIN 36-4870618).

Elite Vocations Veterans Horsemanship Program

By ECHO Group/Band of Brothers California

Elite Vocations Veterans Horsemanship Program

Helping Veterans on California's central coast find a rewarding new career in the equine industry

Team Members