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why sponsor Walk With Me

A Soldier’s Silent War

Marcus sat in his truck outside his daughter’s school, gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. The dismissal bell rang, and kids rushed out, laughing, calling to their parents. His little girl, Emily, was among them, searching the crowd. She didn’t know he was there. He hadn’t been there for years.

Marcus had fought for his country. He had faced things most people couldn’t even imagine. But nothing—nothing—was as terrifying as stepping out of that truck and facing his own daughter.

War had changed him. It had stolen his sleep, filled his mind with ghosts, and built a wall between him and the people he loved. His wife had tried to understand. She had begged him to talk, to let her in. But how could he explain nightmares so vivid he woke up swinging? How could he tell her that even in their quiet home, he was still scanning for threats?

So, he pulled away. First emotionally. Then physically. One night, after yet another fight, he packed a bag and left. He told himself it was for the best—that Emily deserved a father who wasn’t broken.

Three years passed. Three birthdays missed. And now, here he was, watching from the sidelines, afraid to take even one step forward.

That’s when a buddy told him about the equine therapy workshop. “It’s different,” his friend said. “The horses don’t ask questions. They don’t judge. They just… know.”

Desperate, Marcus signed up. The first day, he stood in the arena, staring at a horse named Twister. Twister just watched him, waiting. No demands. No expectations. Just patience.

Slowly, Marcus reached out. And when twister nudged his hand, something cracked inside him. For the first time in years, he felt seen. Accepted. And as the days passed, as he worked with the horse, Marcus learned to trust again—not just the animal, but himself.

By the end of the program, he did something he never thought he’d have the courage to do. He drove back to Emily’s school. This time, when the bell rang, he stepped out of the truck. He walked toward his daughter. And when she saw him, her eyes widened in shock—then filled with tears.

“Daddy?”

Jake knelt down. “I’m here, baby.”

And for the first time in years, he was.

Welcome to Walk With Me

Welcome to Walk With Me Healing Steps! Our non-profit organization is dedicated to providing healing and support through equine and nature-based therapies. At Walk With Me, we understand the profound impact that interacting with horses can have on emotional and physical well-being. Our program offers a safe and nurturing environment where individuals of all ages can embark on a journey of healing and personal growth.

“After leading Marines in combat and humanitarian operations, coming home was difficult. My wife had essentially been a single mom for years and our relationship was almost non-existent, I felt like a stranger in my own home. For years, we fought, we struggled, we teetered on the verge of divorce. During that time and for many years I was in denial. It took rupturing relationships and missing quality time with my wife and kids for me to seek help. I tried therapy programs that involved sitting in chairs, nodding my head, lying to myself and everyone else. I’ve been in therapy programs with a group of other veterans as we all sat in our own houses talking through a video session. I’ve been prescribed a plethora of pills. I tried the pills. I could have auditioned to be a zombie in a T.V. show. I didn’t want to be part of a narrative that I did not own. Operation Battle Horse and it‘s equine therapy program is so much more than just talking and petting a horse. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s true. There is no room for hiding or lying. The horse won’t allow it. It is so incredible how a four legged animal can keep you accountable and be a partner on the journey of healing.”

Overall, supporting a mental health nonprofit aligns with broader societal goals, enhances the company’s image, improves employee well-being, and can even yield financial benefits in the long run. Equine therapy has been proven to be highly effective in addressing a wide range of challenges, including trauma, P.T.S.D., anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. Our team of experienced and licensed therapists and certified coaches work closely with each individual to tailor sessions to their specific needs and goals, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience.