Serving Those Who've Served
Veterans & First Responders
Providing heroes with sanctuary, solace, healing and a renewed sense of purpose through the powerful bond with horses.
Text "HEROFUND" to 53-555 to sponsor a veteran or first responder
The Program
Veterans & first responder programs
Major's Place is a specialized initiative designed to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of those who have served our country and communities. Recognizing the unique challenges veterans and first responders face — stress, trauma and the difficulties of reintegration — this program provides a sanctuary where participants find solace, healing and a renewed sense of purpose through the powerful bond with horses.
Many carry the weight of traumatic experiences, whether from combat, emergencies or daily exposure to high-stress situations. Horses, with their innate ability to sense and respond to human emotions, offer a non-judgmental presence that helps participants process and heal.
Through guided equine-assisted activities, individuals can explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Our partner therapist accepts Medi-Cal.
Individual Therapy
The global standard, on the ground
Eagala Equine Assisted Therapy raises the bar for equine-assisted psychotherapy for active military, reserves, veterans and their families. Sessions are 100% ground-based — there is no riding — and there are several ways to participate.
- Bring your own therapist — We'll assist in facilitating the Eagala session.
- Work with our professionals — Our in-house mental health team and equine specialists; our partner therapist accepts Medi-Cal.
- Apply for a scholarship — Thanks to Willow Creek Ranch & Timber for our American Heroes Scholarship Fund. At the core of our mission is making our services affordable to our veterans and first responders. If your therapeutic services aren't covered, apply for a scholarship today.
Group Support
Group sessions & support groups
Major's Place offers specialized group therapy sessions designed to support veterans and first responders in navigating the unique challenges they face. These sessions provide a safe, confidential environment where individuals with shared experiences connect, share their stories and find solidarity.
Facilitated by experienced mental health professionals, the groups focus on fostering resilience, managing stress and promoting emotional well-being. Through open dialogue and peer support, participants build community, reduce isolation and develop coping strategies.
Program Objectives
What the work builds
Reducing Stress & Anxiety
The calming presence of horses and the serene natural environment of Major's Place provide an ideal setting for stress relief. Grooming, leading and simply being present with horses lowers anxiety, reduces hypervigilance and promotes peace.
Building Trust & Relationships
Horses respond to genuine intentions and consistent behavior. For those who struggle with trust after past experiences, working with horses offers a tangible way to rebuild trust in themselves and in others.
Enhancing Emotional Regulation
Horses provide immediate feedback to participants' emotional states, helping them become aware of their feelings and learn strategies to manage them — leading to better coping mechanisms in everyday life.
Promoting Physical Health
Leading and caring for horses improves fitness, coordination and mobility — especially important for those recovering from injuries or living with chronic pain.
Community & Purpose
Veterans and first responders often miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose of service. Here, participants connect with others who understand, contribute to a collective goal and rebuild belonging.
Program Structure
How participation works
Individual Sessions
One-on-one sessions tailored to the specific needs of each participant — a private, safe space to explore personal challenges and work toward healing and growth.
Group Sessions
Veterans and first responders participate in equine-assisted activities as a team. Trust exercises, leadership challenges and team-building tasks rebuild the camaraderie often missed after service.
Workshops & Retreats
Immersive experiences on stress management, trauma recovery and personal development, combining equine-assisted therapy with mindfulness, art and nature-based healing.
The program is open to all current and former military personnel as well as first responders — police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics — and supports those dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and other challenges related to service.
Veterans & First Responder Scholarship Fund
Major's Place is a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. Donations made here are applied directly to our veterans and first responders scholarship programs. Thank you for your contribution.