Hoofbeats for Veterans
The Archie Foundation offers 3-levels of an 8-week therapeutic horsemanship training program to veterans of the armed forces and their families, free of charge. Participants attend classes twice a week for 2 hours of grooming, riding, barn and horse care education, as well as Equine Facilitated Learning sessions.
level one
Level one is our introduction into the program and focuses on building a solid foundation of horsemanship skills through learning the fundamentals of horse care, barn care, tack, and beginner riding skills.
Level two
Once participants have completed level one they move on to our intermediate level and expand on the fundamentals. Participants will begin to develop more advanced riding skills and further their responsibilities and independence with horse and barn care.
Level three
Level three is the final level of our Hoofbeats for Veterans courses, and allows participants to dive deeper in to their training with introductions to various riding disciplines and horsemanship skills. Participants at this level will be encouraged to consider entering competitive events and progressing to other disciplines such as para-equestrian, dressage, western riding, and attending advanced riding clinics.