WILD HEART MUSTANGS
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Articles
  • Trainer Tips
  • Vet Talk
  • Homesteading
  • Freedom's Trail
  • L'il Buckaroos
  • Calendar of Events
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
    • ADV - Home Page
    • ADV - Articles Page
    • ADV - Calendar of Events
    • ADV - Resources
  • Archives
    • Mar/Apr 2017 e-zine >
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Home
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Horse Sense
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Articles
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Vet Talk
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Homesteading
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar/Apr 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan/Feb 2017 e-zine >
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Home
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Horse Sense
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Articles
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Vet Talk
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Homesteading
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan/Feb 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan 2016 e-zine >
      • Jan 2016 Home
      • Jan 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jan 2016 Articles
      • Jan 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jan 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jan 2016 Homesteading
      • Jan 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jan 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jan 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Jan 2016 Resources
    • Feb 2016 e-zine >
      • Feb 2016 Home
      • Feb 2016 Horse Sense
      • Feb 2016 Articles
      • Feb 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Feb 2016 Vet Talk
      • Feb 2016 Homesteading
      • Feb 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Feb 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Feb 2016 Trail Riding
      • Feb 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Feb 2016 Resources
    • Mar 2016 e-zine >
      • Mar 2016 Home
      • Mar 2016 Horse Sense
      • Mar 2016 Articles
      • Mar 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Mar 2016 Vet Talk
      • Mar 2016 Homesteading
      • Mar 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Mar 2016 Trail Riding
      • Mar 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Mar 2016 Resources
    • Apr 2016 e-zine >
      • Apr 2016 Home
      • Apr 2016 Horse Sense
      • Apr 2016 Articles
      • Apr 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Apr 2016 Vet Talk
      • Apr 2016 Homesteading
      • Apr 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Apr 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Apr 2016 Trail Riding
      • Apr 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Apr 2016 Resources
    • May 2016 e-zine >
      • May 2016 Home >
        • Advertising - May 2016
      • May 2016 Horse Sense
      • May 2016 Articles
      • May 2016 Trainer Tips
      • May 2016 Vet Talk
      • May 2016 Homesteading
      • May 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • May 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • May 2016 Trail Riding
      • May 2016 Calendar of Events
      • May 2016 Resources
    • Jun 2016 e-zine >
      • Jun 2016 Home
      • Jun 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jun 2016 Articles
      • Jun 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jun 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jun 2016 Homesteading
      • Jun 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jun 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jun 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jun 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Jul 2016 e-zine >
      • Jul 2016 Home
      • Jul 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jul 2016 Articles
      • Jul 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jul 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jul 2016 Homesteading
      • Jul 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jul 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jul 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jul 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Aug 2016 e-zine >
      • Aug 2016 Home
      • Aug 2016 Horse Sense
      • Aug 2016 Articles
      • Aug 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Aug 2016 Vet Talk
      • Aug 2016 Homesteading
      • Aug 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Aug 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Aug 2016 Trail Riding
      • Aug 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Sep 2016 e-zine >
      • Sep 2016 Home
      • Sep 2016 Horse Sense
      • Sep 2016 Articles
      • Sep 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Sep 2016 Vet Talk
      • Sep 2016 Homesteading
      • Sep 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Sep 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Sep 2016 Trail Riding
      • Sep 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Oct 2016 e-zine >
      • Oct 2016 Home
      • Oct 2016 Horse Sense
      • Oct 2016 Articles
      • Oct 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Oct 2016 Vet Talk
      • Oct 2016 Homesteading
      • Oct 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Oct 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Oct 2016 Trail Riding
      • Oct 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Nov 2016 e-zine >
      • Nov 2016 Home
      • Nov 2016 Horse Sense
      • Nov 2016 Articles
      • Nov 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Nov 2016 Vet Talk
      • Nov 2016 Homesteading
      • Nov 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Nov 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Nov 2016 Trail Riding
      • Nov 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Dec 2016 e-zine >
      • Dec 2016 Home
      • Dec 2016 Horse Sense
      • Dec 2016 Articles
      • Dec 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Dec 2016 Vet Talk
      • Dec 2016 Homesteading
      • Dec 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Dec 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Dec 2016 Calendar of Events

RIDING FREEDOM'S TRAIL 

Picture

AMERICA THE BRAVE

The Wild Heart Mustangs™ logo features a strong symbol of something we feel passionate about - the American flag. The freedom that Americans enjoy has never been free. It's been defended and preserved by countless military men and women who've given their time, energy, strength, heart  - and sometimes their lives -  in the name of freedom.

This page is dedicated to those in the military now, and in the past, and to the families who watched, waited and prayed for the safety of their loved ones.  Let us never forget those who have served this great country.  Thank you ALL for your service! 


Picture

On this page, you'll find articles about honor, health and healing for the heroes among us, with a section of resources that we hope will help and inspire you. If you have questions that aren't answered here, please let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.
Picture
Picture

HEARTS THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Santa Barbara, CA

​

Picture
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) as a “premier center” — the highest possible level of accreditation, demonstrating a superior level of adherence to national industry standards.


​Located overlooking the Pacific in Santa Barbara, Hearts Therapeutic offers life-changing experiences to people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities.  Since opening in 1985, approximately 60,000 lesson hours to over 2,000 members of our community have benefited from therapeutic riding. Today we have 10 horses and serve 80 riders per week.

Our mission is to employ the power of the horse to enhance the capabilities of children and adults with special needs in Santa Barbara County.


​

​Mission: Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center honors US Veterans by offering the Operation Unbridled Freedom Program, designed for veterans by veterans. OUF offers an opportunity to build camaraderie; be of service to fellow veterans and the community; and experience a challenging physical activity.

Concept: Operation Unbridled Freedom (OUF) provides US Veterans with an opportunity to ride and interact with horses and fellow veterans.  OUF Veterans work with specially trained volunteers and Certified Instructors, some of whom have also given their service to our Country.  This mutual understanding of military values and war experiences Veterans have faced creates an environment of trust and camaraderie.  In addition, all staff and volunteers are hand selected and must complete online training to become culturally equipped to serve our Veterans.
Picture
OUF provides Veterans with their choice of the following opportunities:
  • Trail Riding
  • Horse Handling & Care
  • Natural Horsemanship & Join Up
  • Basic Riding Lessons for New Riders
  • Advanced Riding Lessons For Experienced Riders
  • Adaptive Riding for Physical Impairments
  • Volunteering to Serve other riders
  • Equine Assisted Therapy – Group, Individual, and Veteran Family sessions
Picture
Equine Therapy for Veterans includes the following benefits:​
  • Rehabilitation – improve core strength, cognition, balance, coordination, circulation,  emotional stability and overall fitness
  • Reintegration into the civilian sector
  • A challenging physical activity
  • Camaraderie with other veterans
  • Opportunity to be of service again
  • Relaxation
Structure: OUF is a weekly program for US Veterans.  Once registered with proof of service, Veterans may attend on a weekly basis.  Veterans can participate in equine activities including horsemanship, ground work, trail riding, or arena work.  Veterans are assembled into Units, using a ranking system based upon equine skill level and physical or emotional needs.  Each Rank is encouraged to support their fellow Veterans by volunteering during other Units.  In addition to our services, Hearts has collaborated with Hope for Warriors to provide Equine Assisted Therapy, or EAP, for Veterans and their families.  All Veteran activities will take place Wednesday’s with the following schedule:
0900 – 1000 Individual or Family EAP Session
1000 – 1100 Women Veteran Group EAP Session
1100 – 1200 Men Veteran Group EAP Session
1300 – 1330 Unit War Horse (WWII & Vietnam Veterans)
1330 – 1430 Unit Mustang (Advanced level Veterans)
1430 – 1530 Unit Green Horse (New or Novice level Veterans)
​

Cost: The true cost of this program is underwritten, allowing veterans to participate at no cost to them.

Leadership: OUF is led by Marine Corps Veteran Devon Sachey.  Sachey grew up training and competing horses before joining the United States Marine Corps in 2003.  Devon is now the Program Director of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center and is honored to provide a program that continues to offer Veteran Support to the local Santa Barbara community.

“This Program was built by Veterans, for Veterans to provide an opportunity to be part of a cohesive unit again; where we can be of service once more and de-compress from the stress of daily life.

​
We’re not here to fix anybody.  We simply wanted a place where our sense of service mattered; a place where our military values are a common virtue.”
D. Sachey, Sgt. USMC

Picture
​“This place is a sanctuary. It is a safe place where the outside world just disappears.”
USMC Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient & Founding Member
Picture
“I’ve told this Horse all my problems, and he still likes me.”
Iraq Veteran
Picture

​Veterans Open Letter
 

​Dear Veterans,
It’s an honor to have served after you, along side you, and to have been amongst those leading the way for many to come.

When I joined the Marine Corps at 17 I found myself part of a unit whose members came from all walks of life.  We trained hard, played hard, and fought hard –together as a unit. The collective bond we shared was unlike anything in the civilian sector. It was our sense of service to each other and something greater than us that was a driving force for our camaraderie.

Transitioning from that brotherhood to civilian life presented challenges I was not prepared to deal with.  Among these challenges was the disappointment that uncommon valor was no longer a common virtue.

Life after the service meant I was no longer a service member yet no longer a civilian. This in-between world of being a Veteran was frightening.  I thought the military defined who I was- without it, where did I belong?  I spent 5 years in this in-between state looking for my life’s purpose again.

Oddly enough, I found the answer where I least expected it; with my brothers in arms and horses.  Three years ago I began volunteering with Equine Therapy to serve fellow Veterans struggling with their war experiences and various challenges.  Along the way, I rediscovered the unbridled freedom of horses and the camaraderie amongst veterans.  Through this experience, I quickly learned how effective Equine Therapy was.  I began to see how these non-judgmental animals could neutralize the affects of Veteran’s PTSD, anxiety, depression and physical challenges.  These horses were effective barometers to help Vets with self awareness and they had the ability to make you feel understood and respected. 

Ultimately, helping fellow Veterans with these animals helped me to find my way back to that brotherhood and sense of service.  This experience changed my life.  Since then, I have had the honor of designing a program that exemplifies the Esprit De Corps Veterans like I had been missing.  Operation Unbridled Freedom is a program where Veterans can be part of a cohesive unit; where we can de-compress from the stress of our daily lives, and where we can be of service to fellow veterans and the community once again.

With this open letter, I invite my fellow U.S. Veterans to join this elite team.  Whenever you are ready, we are here to serve along side you, once again.
 

Semper Fidelis,


Devon Sachey, Sgt. USMC
Program Director
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Picture

DEDICATIONS ARE WELCOME HERE
​
at any time
​

Picture
If you have a special someone you'd like recognized here, ​or a story to tell, please ​let us know! 
​
And if haven't got a particular soldier to remember, but would like to post your own message of gratitude and honor here, we'd love to hear from you, too.
Picture

RESOURCES for VETERANS

Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center - Santa Barbara, CA   Operation Unbridled Freedom provides US Veterans with an opportunity to ride and interact with horses and fellow veterans.  OUF Veterans work with specially trained volunteers and Certified Instructors, some of whom have also given their service to our Country.  This mutual understanding of military values and war experiences Veterans have faced creates an environment of trust and camaraderie.
Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Articles
  • Trainer Tips
  • Vet Talk
  • Homesteading
  • Freedom's Trail
  • L'il Buckaroos
  • Calendar of Events
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
    • ADV - Home Page
    • ADV - Articles Page
    • ADV - Calendar of Events
    • ADV - Resources
  • Archives
    • Mar/Apr 2017 e-zine >
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Home
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Horse Sense
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Articles
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Vet Talk
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Homesteading
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar/Apr 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan/Feb 2017 e-zine >
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Home
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Horse Sense
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Articles
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Vet Talk
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Homesteading
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan/Feb 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan 2016 e-zine >
      • Jan 2016 Home
      • Jan 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jan 2016 Articles
      • Jan 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jan 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jan 2016 Homesteading
      • Jan 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jan 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jan 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Jan 2016 Resources
    • Feb 2016 e-zine >
      • Feb 2016 Home
      • Feb 2016 Horse Sense
      • Feb 2016 Articles
      • Feb 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Feb 2016 Vet Talk
      • Feb 2016 Homesteading
      • Feb 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Feb 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Feb 2016 Trail Riding
      • Feb 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Feb 2016 Resources
    • Mar 2016 e-zine >
      • Mar 2016 Home
      • Mar 2016 Horse Sense
      • Mar 2016 Articles
      • Mar 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Mar 2016 Vet Talk
      • Mar 2016 Homesteading
      • Mar 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Mar 2016 Trail Riding
      • Mar 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Mar 2016 Resources
    • Apr 2016 e-zine >
      • Apr 2016 Home
      • Apr 2016 Horse Sense
      • Apr 2016 Articles
      • Apr 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Apr 2016 Vet Talk
      • Apr 2016 Homesteading
      • Apr 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Apr 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Apr 2016 Trail Riding
      • Apr 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Apr 2016 Resources
    • May 2016 e-zine >
      • May 2016 Home >
        • Advertising - May 2016
      • May 2016 Horse Sense
      • May 2016 Articles
      • May 2016 Trainer Tips
      • May 2016 Vet Talk
      • May 2016 Homesteading
      • May 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • May 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • May 2016 Trail Riding
      • May 2016 Calendar of Events
      • May 2016 Resources
    • Jun 2016 e-zine >
      • Jun 2016 Home
      • Jun 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jun 2016 Articles
      • Jun 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jun 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jun 2016 Homesteading
      • Jun 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jun 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jun 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jun 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Jul 2016 e-zine >
      • Jul 2016 Home
      • Jul 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jul 2016 Articles
      • Jul 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jul 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jul 2016 Homesteading
      • Jul 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jul 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jul 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jul 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Aug 2016 e-zine >
      • Aug 2016 Home
      • Aug 2016 Horse Sense
      • Aug 2016 Articles
      • Aug 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Aug 2016 Vet Talk
      • Aug 2016 Homesteading
      • Aug 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Aug 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Aug 2016 Trail Riding
      • Aug 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Sep 2016 e-zine >
      • Sep 2016 Home
      • Sep 2016 Horse Sense
      • Sep 2016 Articles
      • Sep 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Sep 2016 Vet Talk
      • Sep 2016 Homesteading
      • Sep 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Sep 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Sep 2016 Trail Riding
      • Sep 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Oct 2016 e-zine >
      • Oct 2016 Home
      • Oct 2016 Horse Sense
      • Oct 2016 Articles
      • Oct 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Oct 2016 Vet Talk
      • Oct 2016 Homesteading
      • Oct 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Oct 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Oct 2016 Trail Riding
      • Oct 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Nov 2016 e-zine >
      • Nov 2016 Home
      • Nov 2016 Horse Sense
      • Nov 2016 Articles
      • Nov 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Nov 2016 Vet Talk
      • Nov 2016 Homesteading
      • Nov 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Nov 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Nov 2016 Trail Riding
      • Nov 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Dec 2016 e-zine >
      • Dec 2016 Home
      • Dec 2016 Horse Sense
      • Dec 2016 Articles
      • Dec 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Dec 2016 Vet Talk
      • Dec 2016 Homesteading
      • Dec 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Dec 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Dec 2016 Calendar of Events