https://mailchi.mp/saddlesinservice/novemberhighlights-14189052?e=[UNIQID]

Each time I came out to the ranch thereafter my anxiety and impostor syndrome seemed to dissolve. The more I worked with the horses the more they taught me I belonged here and I had found my tribe. In addition, every session the horses seemed to be able to fix hidden internal wounds that I had been harboring for years and built defenses up. Week after week I would head back to San Diego a better person. I have never been surrounded by so many people committed to helping others. I will be eternally grateful to the other heroes, ranch hands, wranglers and most importantly the donors to this incredible organization that allows for this space of healing, helping and empowering to exist.

Saddles In Service our nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting our nation’s heroes—veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders—through equine-assisted therapy and community engagement. Our programs provide transformative experiences, building resilience, providing purpose, and fostering a community of healing for those who sacrifice so much for us.

Proceeds help combat the suicide rates of Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders by promoting mental health, wellness and healing.

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Location: Singing Hills Golf Club 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, Willow Glen 18-hole Golf Course

Time: 6:00 am Breakfast and Registration 8:00 am Shotgun Start (Scramble Format

Schedule

6:00 AM: Registration & Breakfast

8:00 AM: Shotgun Start (Scramble Format)

1:00 PM: Lunch & Awards Ceremony

100% of the proceeds raised goes directly to our program services and equine support.

Early Bird Special Ends February 14th

I want to thank our donors and volunteers who have been helping do projects around both ranches. The rain has wreaked havoc on our roads and have needed lots of work. Thank you to Keith Anderson who purchased material for our roads and John Salzano who worked to fix the main road. What a difference a nice road makes, especially when towing horse trailers with our precious cargo. 

I am excited to announce that our Bunkhouse is ready to go!  Kenny’s Bunkhouse will house our first official hero this month! The Yontz Valor Foundation made the renovation possible through their yearly support to SIS. I want to thank Terri Yontz Miller for her and her family’s continued support! I am also excited to share that we have adopted two new mustangs from the Sacramento Sheriff’s department. Their names are Yontz and Liberty! Yontz was named in honor and memory of Kenneth Yontz. I cannot wait to see the difference these two horses will make in the lives of our heroes. 

Thank you again to our Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers. We could not do the healing work we do without you! You are saving lives one ride at a time!

Thanks to you, our heroes “don’t have to ride alone.”

With much love and gratitude.
Tammy

But not only did Heroes transform their lives, we also saw some amazing transformations of our horses. Apache, the retired Border Patrol Mustang, who was going to be euthanized is now serving his new purpose. Dr. Larry Martin knew Apache still had a long life ahead of him and recommended he be retired to SIS. He did need surgery on his back hoof but I am so excited to report that Apache is now full time in our program! He is definitely one of the favorites among the heroes and volunteers! We were also able to take in 7 rescued colts and fillies. They have a new purpose in life as well. The volunteers and heroes are learning so much from Pete Spates in starting these 7 horses. What a great experience for all of us and the horses. This took our horsemanship learning to a whole new level.

2024 is already shaping up to be another BIG year! With our new ranch, The Circle T, we have so much room to grow. We have some big plans for this year! We will be sharing them as we progress through these next few months. One of our main goals for this year is to be able to provide continued riding and horsemanship for our heroes who have graduated. We will institute open riding days and trail rides for them. We have also implemented our Hero to Wrangler mentorship program. It is so wonderful to watch our heroes become wranglers and pass on their knowledge to new heroes!

With our increased growth, we will need your support even more. Please continue to tell others about SIS and our stories of transformations and saved lives! It is imperative our mission is spread far and wide so we can continue the life saving work we are doing everyday at Saddles In Service.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey of hope!

Grateful to have you as part of the family.

Hugs,
Tammy

Wow, what a year we have had! I am humbled by all of the support SIS has received this past year. From monetary support, tack and horse items, feed, horses, a truck and a New Ranch! All of us at SIS feel extremely blessed.  Thank you so very much!

As I look over 2023, I see how much we have grown. We are serving over 45 heroes a week! This year alone we have served over 375 heroes and we sent 17 heroes to Wyoming. Our herd of horses is now at 28 (CA & TX) and we have 3 steer. Included in that number are the 7 rescued colts & fillies. What a beautiful opportunity we had to adopt these beautiful horses and bring them to our new ranch in Descanso, to the Circle T. Thank you to the Indy 68 Foundation for facilitating their adoption and to the McBeth Foundation for covering a majority of their transportation costs. The colts & fillies are thriving and we are learning so much. Thank you also to Pete Spates for imparting his immense knowledge and teaching us all about colt starting. We are so very grateful to everyone involved.

As I look to 2024, I am excited for our continued growth and new opportunities to serve our Heroes and Horses. In the coming months I will be sharing my vision for new programs along with our growth plan. 

If you thought this year was filled with extraordinary growth just wait until next year!

I want to thank you so very much for your continued support of our Heroes and Horses. It is because of you that we are able to continue our mission of combating the suicide rates of our veterans, active duty military and first responders. It is because of your generosity that we are saving lives, one ride at a time. 

As we close out 2023, please consider a last minute tax deductible donation to help us save lives.  

From our SIS family to yours, thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. 

Hugs,
Tammy