Veteran Partnership

Equine-Assisted Learning: Veterans, Mustangs, and the Power of Presence

At Dream Horse AZ, we recently had the honor of hosting incredible veterans from Warrior Built—a group of individuals whose resilience, courage, and sense of brotherhood inspire everything we do. Through our Equine-Assisted Learning program, something remarkable unfolded: a space where healing, self-awareness, and transformation took root in the dust of the Arizona desert, side by side with wild mustangs.

Sometimes, when doors close, it’s just so others can open. The horses teach us this—not through words, but through presence. To truly engage with a horse, especially a mustang untouched by human hands, is to live in the moment. You can’t fake calm. You can’t hide fear. You must come as you are.

Facilitator Jeff Cook guided each session with intention, encouraging each veteran to slow down, observe, and tune in—not just to the horses, but to themselves. The horse becomes a mirror, quietly reflecting what we carry inside. You see your own reflection in the soul of a wild, untamed being, and somehow, it all becomes clear: your energy, your intentions, even your self-imposed barriers.

The mustangs demand honesty. They don’t respond to force, only to authenticity. That’s where the breakthrough happens. Understanding and relinquishing control isn’t about giving up—it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you, so you can truly connect.

In those quiet moments, standing side by side with a mustang, subtle signs become conversations. A shift in breathing. A twitch of an ear. A look that says, I see you.

These aren’t just horse lessons. They’re life lessons—about trust, brotherhood, resilience, and transformation. And when shared among fellow warriors, they foster something sacred: connection, support, and strength in vulnerability.

We’re deeply grateful for the partnership with Warrior Built and for the opportunity to witness such powerful moments. Our gates are always open for those seeking clarity, connection, and the kind of healing only a horse can offer.

Equine-Assisted Learning

Our equine-assisted learning program helps veterans build confidence and resilience through meaningful interactions with horses, fostering personal growth and healing in a supportive environment.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and our foundation, “Warrior Built”. My name is Nick Hamm and I am a combat wounded Marine who has served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years and retired as a First Sergeant. My hope is that once you learn about “Warrior Built”, its mission, purpose, and objectives, you will be eager to partner with this exciting, unique and rewarding foundation.

Being an avid, lifelong motorcycle and off-road enthusiast, coupled with the mechanical knowledge to start a motorcycle project, I envisioned a way to help my fellow combat veterans and wounded warriors through vocational and recreational therapy. Constructing any type of vehicle from the ground up is very therapeutic and develops camaraderie and new support systems amongst each other while building. We came together as a team to accomplish a mission which sparked new motivation in each combat veteran. As a combat wounded Marine working alongside my fellow wounded service members and combat veterans, the “Warrior Built” concept was born.

We are proud to represent The Warrior Built Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves the brave individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Their mission is deeply rooted in gratitude and the commitment to aid wounded warriors and combat veterans. rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, small business leaders, and corporations who share our vision and values, allowing us to fulfill our mission and expand our reach. The core of our endeavor lies in providing essential resources and support to those who have faced the challenges of military service.

Your contributions not only help us maintain our workshop—an invaluable space where we create, innovate, and build—but also enable us to acquire necessary equipment for our ongoing projects. Each dollar donated is a step towards enhancing the lives of our veterans, providing them with opportunities to develop skills, engage in therapeutic activities, and connect with others in similar situations. Our current projects span a wide array of initiatives that aim to uplift and rehabilitate. Whether it’s through adaptive sports, automotive projects, or wellness programs, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our veterans.

One of our most exciting new endeavors is the introduction of equine-assisted learning. This innovative approach combines the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses with personalized learning experiences, providing veterans with unique opportunities for healing and personal growth. However, to successfully launch and sustain this initiative, we are in need of additional resources. Your financial support is critical in not only bringing this project to fruition but ensuring its long-term success. Equine-assisted learning has the potential to create profound transformations. The bond between humans and horses can significantly impact emotional healing, foster self-awareness, and build resilience. As our veterans work with horses, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning to trust again, and developing valuable skills that translate into all areas of their lives. But to deliver this program effectively, we need to secure appropriate facilities, qualified instructors, and the essential equipment that will make this learning experience truly impactful.

With your financial support, we can ensure that we are equipped to take on new ventures, host more races, and organize events that not only serve as a platform for healing but also foster community and camaraderie. Every event we host—from races that push the limits of our capabilities to gatherings that celebrate resilience—serves a greater purpose: to inspire, support, and uplift our community of warriors. We aim to reach as many wounded warriors and combat veterans as possible, and your generosity plays a critical role in this pursuit. It enables us to extend our programming, develop new initiatives, and maintain a sustainable model that can grow in impact.

We understand that for many, the act of giving is a deeply personal choice. We are sincerely grateful for each individual and organization that believes in our mission. Your support empowers us to break down barriers, create opportunities, and provide impactful, life-changing experiences for those we serve. Together, we can help our heroes transition into fulfilling lives outside of the military, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

In closing, we invite you to join us in this noble cause. Your commitment—whether through monetary donations, in-kind support, or volunteerism—will help us forge a path toward greater resources and opportunities for our veterans. Together, we can make a profound difference in their lives, ensuring they know the gratitude and respect we have for their service. Join us as we continue to build a supportive community for our wounded warriors, one generous act at a time.