Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

04/29/2026

Good Morning Tribe!!

Drift isn’t failure.
It’s what happens when life gets full and you can’t steer everything at once.

You handle what matters most…
and the rest slowly moves along without you noticing.

Until one day you look up and realize you got off course.

But we can see it now, and understand that we can take back control.

Today, you take control of the wheel….
and the map.

Carry that mindset into everything today…
Into your work, your health, your interactions.
The decision of where you want to be in life in the future

Move with intention, not reaction.

Remember, You don’t need to control the ocean, you just need to control the boat.

04/28/2026

More moments from our incredible Ruck Up event. Archery is a cornerstone of our Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services program. Participants got hands-on with recurve bows and experienced the quiet, grounding stillness this sport brings. Proud of everyone who stepped up to the line.

04/27/2026

Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.) is proud to welcome US Navy Veteran Nick Ransom and his wife Monique Ransom to the VETS 300 Society.

About The 300 Society
V.E.T.S. officially launches The 300 Society — a growing circle of committed supporters who embody the Spartan ideal: strength, unity, and purpose in service of something greater than themselves.
With 15 founding members and counting, the 300 Society represents our core belief: a small, dedicated group can create meaningful change. These members aren’t just donors. They’re champions of our mission, investing in healing, hope, and the transformative power of the horse-human connection.

If you would like to know more please visit us at VETSCT.ORG

04/27/2026

V.E.T.S. Organization Marks 5th Year of Honoring Those Who Served

For five years, Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.) has worked tirelessly to create one incredible annual event for our service community.

Presented in partnership with Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), this free 2-day event brings adventure, healing, and camaraderie to those who’ve given so much.

What:
RUCK UP! Adventure Training for Veterans
Two full days of adventure training, equine therapy, and connection with fellow service members. Free for all veterans, active duty service members, and first responders.

Why:
Because healing happens through movement, purpose, and community. RUCK UP! combines hands-on training with the power of equine therapy to help you reset, recharge, and reconnect.

Our Partners & Hosts:
This event wouldn’t be possible without HAVA and our generous hosts and partners: Leaning Birch Equestrian Center, Heritage Hill Farm, Stage Coach Equine, Beard Octane, NOI INNOV8TIVE 3D ION, Kitch, Stomping Horse Wines , Travelin Toms coffee truck of mystic , Niantic Sportsmen’s Club and Coca Cola Northeast .

A Special Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the V.E.T.S. Board of Directors and our Executive Director for their vision, leadership, and relentless dedication over these five years. To every volunteer who gives their time, sweat, and compassion — you are the backbone of this mission. And to our participants — thank you for trusting us with your journey, for showing up for each other, and for reminding us why this work matters. RUCK UP! exists because of all of you.
We’re honored to serve those who served.

Help Us Keep This Mission Free
V.E.T.S. is always looking for sponsors and partners who believe in this mission. Everything we do runs on donations. Your support ensures we can continue providing these life-changing services at no cost to our veteran and first responder communities. If you or your organization would like to help us carry this forward, we’d be grateful to connect.

Learn More or Get Involved: VETSCT.ORG

04/27/2026

04/26/2026

RUCK UP 2026
VETS & HAVA
DAY 2: Shooting
What an incredible day on the range! We had s***t, long-range rifle, and pistol shooting today.
Huge thanks to our co-partner HAVA for their support, and to Niantic Sportsmen's Club for hosting us.
Another amazing year in the books. We can’t wait for what’s next!

04/26/2026

VETS RUCK UP 2026
Day 2 at niantic Sportsmans Club with Archery and The Shooting Range. Excellent second day . Stay tuned for more pictures .

04/26/2026

We at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services are proud to recognize Calvin Hill Jr., a fellow veteran, Ruck Up alum, and steadfast supporter of VETS.
Calvin knows firsthand the power of the mission. After completing Ruck Up, he didn’t just move on — he turned around to lift up others. Whether it’s showing up for our events, mentoring new participants, or advocating for equine therapy, Calvin embodies what it means to leave no one behind.
Thank you, Calvin, for your service to our country, your commitment to your fellow veterans, and your continued support of VETS. We’re honored to stand alongside you.