(630) 379-8213
Mailing Address:
17350 Eaglesnest Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80930
Ramah (Calhan) Ranch Address:
17565 S. Ramah Dam Road, Ramah, CO 80832
HORSES FOR HEROES
Email: horsesforheroes@map1.org
VISION
Horses for Heroes envisions a world where structured equine-supported connections restore dignity, build resilience, and foster lasting belonging for veterans, children, families, and individuals of all abilities.
HOW HORSES HELP:
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Nonjudgmental presence: Horses respond to body language and energy, providing immediate, honest feedback that helps veterans tune into emotions and reactions without pressure.
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Emotional regulation: Learning to calm and regulate oneself around a large animal translates into improved self-control during stressful situations.
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Trauma processing: Safe, structured activities offer opportunities to practice trust, establish boundaries, and rebuild confidence—key elements in PTSD recovery.
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Physical and cognitive benefits: Riding and barn tasks can improve balance, coordination, focus, and motor planning—useful for veterans recovering from TBI.
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Social reconnection: Group sessions and team-based activities reduce isolation and foster peer support and community.
PARTNERS/SPONSORS
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Horses for Heroes, part of the Mustang Program, is proud to have a dedicated board of directors committed to serving veterans and their families. Our team consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the mission. Together, they ensure our program meets the unique needs of those who have served our country. Their leadership and vision drive to create impactful experiences that foster healing and support our heroes.
Equine-Assisted Learning Coach
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Dana Ferguson
Dana Ferguson is an equine-learning practitioner and combat veteran with over 18 years of military service. From 1988 to 2006, he served with the U.S. Army 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne); the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center; U.S. Marine Corps 1st Force Reconnaissance Company; and the U.S. Army 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Like many veterans, he has experienced prolonged challenges with PTSD and TBI and has participated in numerous VA and civilian treatment programs with limited benefit.
Vice Chairman
Susan Sutherland
Susan Sutherland is the executive director and one of the co-founders of the Mustang Ambassador Program.
Equine Assisted Learning Coach
Jaime Wade
Certified through the Certified Horsemanship Association and specializing in natural horsemanship techniques that foster a deep connection between horse and rider, Jaime Wade has a passion for teaching, and her extensive knowledge makes her a valuable asset to the Mustang Ambassador Program. In addition to over 25 years in education, Jaime has also coached the Air Force Academy's IHSA equestrian team and is one of the cofounders of the Mustang Ambassador Program. Jaime lives with her husband and two children on their farm in Colorado.
Veteran Liaison
Heather Browning Barber
Heather Browning Barber is the Veterans Benefits Department Manager at a law firm in Colorado Springs, where she has dedicated more than a decade to assisting veterans exclusively. Her work focuses on guiding veterans through complex benefits processes and advocating for those facing service-connected challenges.
Heather’s passion for supporting veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) led her to become involved with the Mustang Ambassador Program. Through this work, she has seen firsthand the powerful impact of alternative, connection-based approaches to healing and recovery.
In her personal time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, four dogs, her children, and her grandchildren. She brings a compassionate, informed perspective to the Board and is deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission in service to the veteran community.
Member At Large
Kerry Ferguson
Kerry Ferguson is the Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation.
Volunteer Coordinator
Terri Bufka
Terri Bufka is the volunteer coordinator for the Mustang Ambassador Program.