How did you first hear about Heroes and Horses and decide to apply?

I was introduced to Heroes and Horses by a friend I deployed with in 2008. He had attended the program and posted a video called Aspects on YouTube. I watched it, and I knew immediately this was something I needed to do. I went online, researched the application process, and started filling it out.

Last year, I attended Heroes and Horses as a student, and I was invited back this year to be a class guide. I was very excited because it was a great opportunity to give back and provide the same type of experience and journey that I had the year before.

What makes Heroes and Horses unique?

The best thing about Heroes and Horses is that they don’t provide you with answers. They put you in situations and give you experiences that allow you to look inside yourself and find the answers. It’s not about being told what to do or taking a specific approach; they introduce you to different modalities and experiences that challenge you to explore solutions internally rather than relying on someone else.

Can you share some of your personal routines or practices for mental health and stability?

Personally, I like to start my day early with a walk, usually about a mile, to get my blood flowing and prepare mentally for the day. After that, I work out in my garage for about 45 minutes and then do some breath work. In the future, I hope to incorporate a sauna and cold plunge, but for now, the walk, workout, and breath work set the tone for my day.

What is life like during a Heroes and Horses program?

During the 41 days at Heroes and Horses, we focus intensely on ourselves. The day starts with a morning routine similar to what I do at home: workout, breathwork, yoga, cold plunge, and sauna, to prepare for the day.After breakfast, we spend time with the horses.

Every night we do Maximum Labs, where the group shares personal challenges and experiences. The program is mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding. You’re constantly active, which is a metaphor for life - you need to take the time to pause, listen to yourself, and care for yourself so you can continue moving forward.

What advice do you have for veterans considering Heroes and Horses?

I think timing is imperative. When you show up here, you have to be in the right mindset, and sometimes that means hitting rock bottom. For others, like me, they’re already on their own journey. Heroes and Horses pieces together everything they’ve been searching for and provides a format and experience to consolidate it all in a short period of time.

I would encourage all veterans to do their homework, look into everything they can, gain knowledge through the internet, explore Heroes and Horses’ website, social media, and YouTube videos, and then apply if it resonates with them.

What are your goals for the future with Heroes and Horses?

I want to continue giving my time back to Heroes and Horses and help other veterans experience the same journey I had. It’s about supporting veterans who are seeking help and guiding them through the process.

What advice do you have for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life?

It’s imperative that they do their own research and not rely solely on guidance from the VA or government organisations. Veterans should use their intellect, explore options, and take action on what they think will work for them.

In my personal opinion, a lot of mental health stigma among veterans comes from the belief that men cannot show emotion. Society often portrays men as stoic and unemotional, which I believe is false. True warriors can be empathetic, emotional, and sensitive while still being strong and capable of taking care of business when needed. Shutting emotions down is not a sign of strength - it’s okay, and actually strong, to feel and process emotions.

How do you view society’s role in supporting veterans?

I believe that it's the veteran's job to do their own homework and to look inward and find support for themselves.

They need to learn to stand on their own two feet again. When they're serving in the military, they are strong and able to do things on their own, and they're capable of doing the same thing as civilians. In my opinion, society is doing everything it possibly can to support veterans. Veterans need to start stepping up and supporting themselves.

Can you share an inspiring story from your time at Heroes and Horses?

One of the most inspirational stories I’ve seen involved a student in my class this year. Less than a year ago, he was hiking in the mountains with a friend when they were struck by lightning. His friend passed away, and he survived.

When he first checked in, he asked about the horse he would be riding. He was assigned a Mustang named Jack. He looked astonished, and that's when he shared that his friend had been called Jack. The fact that he was paired with a horse named Jack, out of 90 horses, felt meant to be.

During our program, we spent time in the wilderness on horseback preparing for our pack trip. On the first night, a storm rolled in, and lightning struck close by. It was a difficult situation for him, but he was able to use the modalities we practice at Heroes and Horses - controlling his breathing, allowing himself to feel his emotions, and letting them pass. The next morning, he was able to lead us back and work through the challenges.

We decided to take a route very similar to the one he had been on with his friend the previous year during our 11-day pack trip. To me, this is a testament to his strength and the trust he has in Heroes and Horses and the tools we provide. He’s using them to overcome his personal challenges.

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for you personally?

I plan to continue giving back to Heroes and Horses, helping other veterans experience the same transformative journey. Supporting veterans is not just about providing tools - it’s about guiding them to discover their own resilience and inner strength.

Through his work with Heroes & Horses, Ryan demonstrates that true leadership is about presence, guidance, and example. By helping veterans navigate personal challenges and embrace their own resilience, he transforms experience into empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on those he mentors and the community he serves.

To learn more about Heroes & Horses and the transformative experiences they offer, visit their website and explore how you, or a veteran you know, can get involved.