V.E.T.S EQUINE PROGRAMS

V.E.T.S Beginner Equine: Ground Program

Our Beginner Equine Ground Program is an ongoing, 8-week introductory course designed for those with no prior horse experience. This hands-on program focuses on the foundational skills of horse care, communication, and connection, all taught by trained instructors through the V.E.T.S. program.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Safely catch and lead a horse at liberty

  • Select and use grooming tools and tack

  • Prepare a horse for groundwork or riding

  • Read equine body language and nonverbal cues

But this program is about more than horses, it’s about building trust, confidence, and personal growth. Through each session, you’ll develop tools for emotional regulation, breathing techniques, non-linear problem-solving, and holistic approaches to stress and communication.

By the end of eight weeks, you’ll feel comfortable around horses — and more grounded in yourself. No experience needed, just a willingness to learn, connect, and grow.

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V.E.T.S EQUINE PROGRAMS

V.E.T.S Advanced Equine: Mounted Program

In partnership with Beth Tolhurst and StageCoach Equine, our Advanced Mounted Program is a continuous training opportunity for veterans ready to take their horsemanship journey to the next level.

This program builds on foundational groundwork and focuses on developing both technical riding skills and advanced personal growth. Participants will learn:

  • Proper tack selection, fitting, and equipment use

  • Basic equine anatomy as it relates to movement and saddle fit

  • Mounted riding techniques including seat position, balance, and control

  • Walk, trot, and canter work with an emphasis on communication and connection

Beyond riding, this program integrates nonverbal communication, emotional control, and complex life skills into each session. As veterans progress, they strengthen not only their partnership with the horse — but their focus, confidence, and leadership in daily life.

This is more than learning to ride. It’s about becoming centered, capable, and in command — both in the saddle and beyond.

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V.E.T.S OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

V.E.T.S Ruck Up Outdoor Adventure School

Ruck Up Adventure School is an immersive outdoor skills program designed to teach the fundamentals of backcountry survival, personal resilience, and team readiness. Open to students ages 10 and up, this hands-on course requires no prior experience, just a willingness to learn, lead, and get outside.

Over the course of this training, participants will learn:

  • Primitive fire-starting using flint and steel

  • Shelter-building techniques using tarps and natural materials

  • Camp tool safety and skills, including the proper use of a camp knife and camp axe

  • Water sourcing and purification methods

  • Emergency response and helping others in crisis situations

But this is more than just survival skills, it’s where discipline, mindset, and practical knowledge meet. Students will build confidence, improve focus, and develop the kind of calm decision-making that keeps people safe in the wild and in life.

Equipment for use in class is provided, and participants leave not just with skills, but with a renewed sense of capability, confidence, and purpose. Students under 18 need adult particapant. 

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V.E.T.S ARCHERY PROGRAMS

V.E.T.S Beginner Traditional Archery

The V.E.T.S. Archery Program introduces students to the art and discipline of classical recurve archery, taught by USA Archery certified instructors. Designed for ages 10 and up, this program focuses not just on technique, but on the deeper benefits of archery as a path to mindfulness, confidence, and personal growth.

Participants will learn:

  • Proper stance, form, and follow-through using Olympic-style recurve bows

  • Safety and range etiquette

  • Techniques for focus, breath control, and body awareness

  • How to apply archery as a form of moving meditation and intentional exercise

Rooted in the philosophy of “fall in love with shooting arrows, not just hitting bull’s-eyes,” this program emphasizes process over perfection. Archery becomes more than a skill, it becomes a way to practice calmness, clarity, and connection between mind and body.

No experience necessary. All equipment is provided. Just bring your focus and your curiosity.

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V.E.T.S CULINARY PROGRAMS

V.E.T.S Cowboy Kitchen with Kitch Mystic

Saddle up and step into the V.E.T.S. Cowboy Kitchen, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in partnership with Kitch (Olde Mistick Village) and local chef and artisan Dan Price. This hands-on program teaches the timeless art of cowboy cooking and cast-iron mastery, blending heritage recipes with modern skill-building.

Participants (ages 21 and over) will learn:

  • The foundations of cast-iron cooking and fire-based culinary techniques

  • Tips and tricks for cowboy-style meals, from stews to skillet-baked breads

  • Kitchen confidence, independence, and basic culinary skills

  • The joy of cooking with others — and for others

But this isn’t just about food it’s about fellowship, humor, and healing. Whether you’re flipping cornbread or swapping stories over chili, the Cowboy Kitchen is a space for veterans to reconnect, learn, and laugh around a shared fire.

Come hungry. Leave full of food, knowledge, and camaraderie.

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V.E.T.S ANNUAL EVENTS

V.E.T.S & HAVA VETERANS RUCK UP EVENT

Hosted by Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services & HAVA (Honored American Veterans Afield)

Every spring, 24 veterans gather for a powerful two-day experience of camaraderie, connection, and hands-on learning at our annual Veterans “Ruck Up” Weekend. Held in partnership with Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), this event brings together an equal number of veteran instructors and subject matter experts to share their knowledge, stories, and support.

Throughout the weekend, participants engage in:

  • Equine skills training and horsemanship

  • Classical archery using recurve bows

  • Outdoor survival and bushcraft skills

  • Marksmanship and firearms safety training

But more than the skills, it’s the bonding, fellowship, and renewed sense of purpose that leave the deepest mark. Veterans connect with one another in a space of mutual respect, shared mission, and healing rediscovering the strength that comes from community, confidence, and contribution.

This unforgettable weekend is a chance not just to learn — but to belong, grow, and lead.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form below.
This event is for adult veterans active duty service members, and first responders only.

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