Apple and Fritter (formerly Fergie) came to us from a Thoroughbred breeding and racing family as a donation to the Hooves & Heroes program in hopes they would be able to provide services to our Veterans and First Responders. Both ladies are considered "senior" as they are 20 and 21 years old respectfully. Apple came to us slightly underweight and then lost a bit more after arrival, which is unusual for us as we have a number of senior horses needing special diets to maintain weight - so we aren't new to "hard keepers"! In the few months she has been with us we tried to help her gain with no luck. We needed to have her evaluated by the veterinarian, who did a full bloodwork panel, physical exam, and ultrasound. We have implemented the recommended adjustments to her diet, but are now facing a hefty vet bill due to this unplanned visit.

At this time, Apple was given a clean bill of health, but even after implementation of changes she still is not showing any weight gain. We will continue to follow veterinarian advice and treatment options in hopes of adding a few pounds before winter! We will continue to update everyone with her progress.

Thank you so much for your help in keeping our herd healthy and safe.

Curious to know more about Hooves & Heroes and why we work with horses? Read more below!

Why Horses?

Equine-based experiences include activities such as learning about herd dynamics and how they communicate and build relationships with each other, as well as individual interactions with a horse or horses where the individual gains insight through somatic (felt/experienced) activities. Through this connection, the individual finds a relationship with the horse which can be translated to how they relate to and show up in their daily environment.

How Does it Help Me?

As a prey animal, horses rely on their senses and awareness of their surroundings to stay alive, and therefore are excellent at communicating their comfort/discomfort with how we show up in their space as a predatory animal. Their calm awareness is an excellent tool to help us learn how to be fully present without anxiety or additional stress on our body. They are also masterful at returning to a balanced state after a threat has passed, and therefore act as an example which we can draw from for our own experiences.

These experiences can help build stronger coping skills with regard to managing stress, anxiety, PTSD, and when faced with real-time work-related traumas which are part of the role of those in public service such as our military, first responders, and healthcare workers.

Who Can Participate?

Veterans, Firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMS/EMT, and Dispatch are our primary focus. We hope to expand our offerings in the future to include medical personnel, active-duty military, and others.

THANK YOU! We met our goal for Apple's Veterinary Care Fundraiser

We received some generous off-line donations for Apple's vet care and we're closing this campaign. THANK YOU to those who supported Apple and Hooves & Heroes.

Team Members