Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

07/23/2025

We’re making some important updates to our website and email system to better serve our community. As part of this transition, our email may be down for up to 72 hours.

Thank you for your patience while we work through the changes. We’ll be working hard to get everything back online as quickly as possible.

If you need to reach us during the outage, please message us here on Facebook. We’ll keep you posted once everything is back up and running. 👊🇺🇸

— Team V.E.T.S.

07/09/2025

Congratulations Scott! You have come so far in your journey. We are very proud of you.

Congratulations to Scott Dilley!
Winning the series in hand trail 🏆Champion 🏆buckle from KW Equestrian Online Horse Shows.
We can’t wait to tune ourselves up next winter with our exhibitiors!

07/04/2025

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from all of us at V.E.T.S. 🇺🇸

Today’s about more than cookouts and fireworks (though we hope you get to enjoy those too). It’s a day to pause and appreciate the freedoms we have and the people who’ve fought to protect them.

To the veterans, service members, and first responders in our community: thank you. Your courage and sacrifice are the reason we get to celebrate days like today.

Wherever you are, we hope you have a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Independence Day. We're proud to stand beside you.

Your friends at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

07/03/2025

Thank You, Command Master Chief Dean Marvin
All of us at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Command Master Chief Dean Marvin on his well earned retirement from the United States Navy.

Throughout his distinguished career, Command Master Chief Marvin has embodied the highest standards of leadership, service, and integrity. His dedication has left a lasting impact on those he led and on the veterans' community he continues to support.

We are especially grateful for his steadfast support of V.E.T.S. and our mission. His encouragement and belief in the healing power of horsemanship have meant so much to our team and the veterans we serve.

We also want to recognize and thank his family for their strength, support, and sacrifices throughout the years.

Thank you, Command Master Chief Marvin, for your service, your leadership, and your continued support. We wish you the very best in all that lies ahead. Fair winds and following seas! ⚓️🐎

06/23/2025

We are so proud of Miliania and just look how good that VETS sticker looks on that truck!!!such an inspiring young lady. Keep an eye on her, she is going to be doing great things!!

06/18/2025

Proud Announcement – V.E.T.S. Golf Classic 2025 Name Sponsor!

We are deeply honored to announce that the MDA-UAW Marine Draftsmen’s Association Local 571 will be the Name Sponsor of the V.E.T.S. Golf Classic 2025!

Their generous support is more than just a sponsorship, it’s a powerful investment in the future of our mission. Thanks to their partnership, we will continue to offer life-changing programs in equine therapy, outdoor skills, culinary education, and archery for our veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families.

From all of us at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services — thank you for standing with us and making a real difference in the lives of those who serve.
If you're interested in sponsoring or playing in the tournament, please visit: www.vetsctgolf.org

06/18/2025

First Night of Bits & Bites Was a Hit!

Tonight, Stagecoach Equine and Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services kicked off the very first session of Bits & Bites at Leaning Birch Equestrian Center and what a great night it was!

Our veterans dove into the fascinating world of equine anatomy, learning about the bone structure, muscles, and body part names of the horse. The hands-on experience sparked curiosity, learning, and a lot of great questions.

After class, everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious charcuterie board and some casual conversation, sharing laughs and stories in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

We’re already looking forward to next week’s session: Bits & Saddle Fitting don’t miss it!

06/17/2025

June is PTSD Awareness Month

At Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.), we stand with our veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders not just this month, but every day.

PTSD is real. It's treatable. And awareness saves lives.

Throughout June and all year long, we're committed to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and supporting those affected through evidence-based programs, community, and compassion.

If you or someone you know needs more information or support, visit:
👉 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp

Together, we can break the stigma and be part of the solution. 💚

06/16/2025

Where in the World is Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services?

The 102nd Infantry Battalion of the Connecticut Army National Guard recently completed a three-week deployment to Greece and V.E.T.S. was honored to go with them in spirit!

During the mission, Command Sergeant Major Stephen Clark proudly shared one of our V.E.T.S. patches with a Greek Military Police soldier, symbolizing camaraderie, connection, and the reach of our mission across borders.

From Connecticut to Greece, our message of healing, service, and partnership continues to travel far and wide. Thank you, CSM Clark and the 102nd, for carrying V.E.T.S. with you.

06/14/2025

🇺🇸 Honored to Celebrate Flag Day with Paradiso Insurance 🇺🇸

Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services was proud to share in the celebration of Flag Day with our friend and longtime supporter, Chris Paradiso, and the incredible team at Paradiso Insurance!

Despite the weather, it was a fantastic day filled with fun, community spirit, and a few brave souls getting soaked in the dunk tank!

A huge thank you to all of our dedicated V.E.T.S. volunteers who traveled up to Stafford Springs and helped make this day such a success. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

A very special shoutout to Sarah Stepalavich and our barn volunteers back home, who made sure the class ran smoothly and all the barn chores got done while we were away. We’re able to support others because of their hard work behind the scenes. Sarah, you’re a real hero.

We’re also proud to officially welcome Chris Paradiso as Coin Holder #2 in the 300 Society. Chris, thank you for all you do. It’s an honor to support you as you help so many others.

06/12/2025

🇺🇸 Join Us This Flag Day! 🇺🇸
We’re proud to be celebrating Flag Day with our friends at Paradiso Insurance in Stafford Springs, Connecticut at the American Legion!

Come join us as we honor our flag, our nation, and the values that unite us. This is a great opportunity to come together as a community, show your patriotism, and celebrate this special holiday with friends and neighbors.

📍 American Legion, 10 Monson Rd, Stafford Springs, CT
📅 Flag Day – Saturday, June 14 @11:30
🎉 Food, fellowship, and flag-waving fun!

All are welcome—bring your family, your friends, and your red, white, and blue spirit!