Wild to Warrior Veterans Program

Launched this year, Wild to Warrior is a program that provides an opportunity for veterans to participate in therapeutic horsemanship focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness, trust-building, and personal growth while working in hand with a wild mustang. Over twelve weeks, a group of veterans learn the process of gentling mustangs through hands-on sessions while building partnership, patience and trust.  

At the end of the twelve weeks, there is an adoption and education event where the community can visit and hear firsthand about the veterans' experience working with the mustangs. There is a meet-and-greet with the horses, and many of them are adopted to new, loving homes.  

Expanding Education 

Beyond the education that occurs between veteran and mustang in the round pen, the Wild to Warrior program is also working to increase public awareness of the benefits of owning a mustang. During the adoption and education event, attendees learn about the history and management of America's wild horses, the Bureau of Land Management adoption program, facility requirements for adopters, and the training process involved in transitioning a wild mustang into a willing partner.  

The event also highlights the positive impact that working with mustangs can have on veterans and community members through skill development, confidence building, and personal growth. At the event held this June, there were four new mustang adopters in attendance – that means four less mustangs in off range holding! 

Horses Helping Humans  

One of the most inspiring aspects of the first Wild to Warrior program was watching a veteran build a meaningful partnership with two previously unhandled mustang foals. Over the course of the twelve weeks, the veteran demonstrated patience, dedication, and consistency while helping the young horses learn basic handling skills and gain confidence around people. The transformation was remarkable—not only in the horses, but also in the veteran's growth and sense of accomplishment throughout the process. By the end of the program, both yearlings had made significant progress and were successfully rehomed to caring adopters. Seeing these horses find permanent homes while celebrating the veteran's achievement highlighted the positive impact the program can have on both people and animals. It was a powerful reminder of how patience, perseverance, and partnership can create meaningful change.  

Supporting the Mission 

Funding from the Mustang Heritage Foundation Sponsorship directly supported the Wild to Warrior program—providing education and community outreach components such as educational materials and demonstration equipment. 

This is what community in action looks like. 

It’s education. 

It’s opportunity. 

And it’s exactly why supporting these grassroots events matters. 

Help us keep moments like this possible. 

When you become a member or make a donation, you’re directly supporting programs that allow the community to showcase the talent and versatility of these animals to encourage more people to choose a mustang or burro. 

Give back. Be part of the impact.