Staff Spotlight: Travis Fishburn
In early 2023, H&H hired a Program Director to oversee and lead the daily operations of the H&H Summer Program. We were extremely lucky to hire Travis Fishburn for this position. Here is a quick introduction to Travis! Enjoy!
Growing up on a ranch in Australia I have always had a special place in my heart for horses. They truly are magnificent animals. I feel so blessed and fortunate to now work with them on a daily basis here at Heroes and Horses.
I moved to the United States when I was seven and grew up in Idaho. When I was twelve my father gave me a book about Navy SEALs and I immediately knew my calling. That calling was solidified on 9/11. I was a SEAL for nine years including two years as an instructor at BUDs, training SEAL recruits. Upon leaving the Navy I returned to school and got my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boise State University.
After earning my degree in Psychology and going through my own journey to heal, which has included copious amounts of reading and continued learning, and experiencing outdoor therapy for 100 straight days while hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 2022. I knew my next calling was to help other Veterans. I already believed in the power of wilderness therapy and the importance of self-discovery as crucial to healing for Veterans when I came across the job posting for H&H. To top it off I got to return to my childhood roots working with horses and move to Montana, a state I had fallen for during my hike across the country. Coming to H&H was a perfect storm for me. Everything about this position spoke to me.
Seeing the Veterans change over the 41 days is truly remarkable. I look forward to helping them and guiding them along their journey, improving my horsemanship skills, and gaining more wisdom and knowledge along my own journey. Life is our greatest teacher, but we have to be open and willing to learn the lessons she teaches us.
-Travis Fishburn
