41-Day Program

Heroes and Horses offers Veterans a demanding 41-day experience that challenges students to reframe their perspective on hardship and adversity as an inevitable component to life and as a tool for finding clarity and personal meaning.

The program takes place on the Double-H Ranch in Montana.  You will receive instruction on horsemanship, animal husbandry, farrier work, packing, and equine medicine.  The days are long and dense with information.  While this is true, there will be more than enough time for you to spend riding, journaling, and talking with your mates. The Double-H Ranch is a working ranch.  Participants will integrate into all ranch operations, learning new skills and participating in all ranching elements.  This is hard but productive work.

You will be given all the tools necessary to conduct the final element of the program.  Your class will go to the backcountry of Montana for 10 days with horses and mules to put into practice all the things you have learned at the ranch.  The quiet and solitude of this experience will allow you to assimilate all of the things we have discussed during the program.  It will allow you an opportunity to decide how you will put into practice critical insights that you have found along the way. 

Our program is 41 consecutive days long, and you are expected to attend the program in its entirety.  We expect your commitment level to your own health to match our commitment to you.   We only have 32 slots available, and hundreds of applicants.  It will be a challenge.  There is incredible value in the work you will do.

  • Please note that applications must be completed in their entirety in order for the applicant to be considered for our program. It’s also important to note that family members, spouses, friends, etc. cannot apply on behalf of the veteran - they must apply themselves. It is critical that you want this for yourself.

    Those who have not been accepted may be placed on an “alternate” list.

    You will be notified in early April whether you are accepted or have been placed on the alternate list. Please note, those individuals who have been accepted will be given one week to confirm their participation. After that week has lapsed, any open slots will be deferred to individuals on the “alternate” list.

    IF ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM, PRE-WORK BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

    We will begin communicating with participants as soon as you are accepted. There is significant pre-program work to accomplish before the in-person program begins. It is important for participants to engage with the material and come to the ranch prepared.

  • In Camp:

    While in camp, you can expect long days filled with all the classes and instruction you will need to make it through the backcountry and the program. Days start early with gathering the horses, hands-on instruction will fill the bulk of the day. Days on the ranch begin with PT, and heat and cold exposure. They will end with discussions on the critical elements of the day and the most important lessons that life is trying to teach you. The mental, emotional, and spiritual work is as challenging as the horses. All of these activities break down the narrative and create room for growth.

    On Pack Trips:

    Horse packing is an age-old art form used to transport items on the backs of mules and horses ranging from entire homes, cables, railroad tracks, timbers, and, in our case, everything we and the horses will need to survive during the continuous movement across some of the toughest terrain in North America.

    You are not only responsible for yourself, but a large “string” of animals, and your classmates. You will learn very quickly to face your self-imposed limits through self-reliance, teamwork, and perseverance under tough and harsh conditions. When you get into the backcountry there is no back, only forward - just like in life. You cannot run from who you at Heroes and Horses, and you certainly can’t lie to the mountain.

    Our team of veteran and non-veteran experienced instructors and graduate apprentice guides will be there alongside you as you learn to grow daily, mentoring you as you evolve as a horseman, cowboy, and person. Your guides will give you the tools to get the job done right no matter what. There are no shortcuts to the top. All roads lead back to you.

    Spouse Contact:

    If you opt for it, we will send out periodic communication to spouses to keep them informed of activities as well as share our experiences. Part of this will be to help with any expectations they may have for you during and after the program.

  • Q: Who is eligible?
    A: Most of our participants are United States combat veterans, although we will consider all types of United States veterans. Please note that our current program is for male veterans only, as we do not have an all-female program at this time.

    Q: Is there an age limit?
    A: No.

    Q: Is there a weight limit?
    A: For safety reasons, we have a weight limit of 260 pounds.

    Q: Do you need horse experience?
    A: No.

    Q: How much does the program cost?
    A: The program is free to attend.

    Q: Are airline tickets included?
    A: Yes, we will provide airline tickets to and from Montana.

    Q: If I get injured or sick while in the program, does Heroes and Horses cover my medical expenses?
    A: No. Program participants are responsible for their own medical expenses. We recommend that prior to attending you continue or obtain your own medical insurance to cover any unforeseen medical costs.

    Q: Can female Veterans apply?

    A: To female veterans, we understand and appreciate your interest in our courses. H&H currently does not offer a course specifically for women but, we are diligently working towards developing such a program for the future. In the meantime, we have established a partnership with the Mosaic Foundation, which may offer alternatives that align with your interests and needs. We are committed to expanding our offerings and appreciate your understanding and patience in this matter. Please reach out to their founder Melissa at love@exploremosaic.com and check out their website for further details and questions.