Who we are

Still Breathing Equine offers equine-assisted support in a calm, grounded environment for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders.

Participants find connection and steadiness here. Horses are highly attuned to human body language and emotion, offering immediate, non-judgmental feedback that supports calm, presence, and connection.

For many participants, time with horses supports improved mood, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and a greater sense of control and grounding.

For donors, this means supporting a proven, complementary approach that enhances well-being, resilience, and long-term stability for those who have served.

Two boys and a man with a beard and short hair pet a large brown horse with a white stripe on its face in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.

Derek – Founder

Derek is a retired military veteran with 23 years of service. He understands firsthand the weight many service members carry long after active duty ends.

Through his own experiences, he discovered that time spent with horses provided something difficult to find elsewhere: quiet strength, grounded presence, and steady companionship without expectation.

That personal experience became the foundation of Still Breathing Equine.

Derek is deeply committed to walking alongside fellow service members, veterans, and first responders — offering a space built on respect, steadiness, and shared understanding.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a blue top standing next to a brown horse with a blonde mane, both facing forward outdoors.

Ava – Co-Founder

Ava grew up around horses, developing a lifelong respect for their intuition, steadiness, and quiet strength.

Through witnessing her husband Derek’s connection with horses after military service, she came to deeply understand the grounding impact these animals can have — not as treatment, but as presence.

She is committed to stewarding a space that feels safe, warm, and deeply human — where service members, veterans, and first responders are welcomed exactly as they are.

Her role focuses on building the structure, partnerships, and community support that make this mission sustainable and accessible at no cost to participants.

Ready to connect?

Whether you are seeking support, exploring partnership, or considering a donation — you are welcome here.

Share a little information below and someone from our team will personally reach out.

No pressure.

No obligation.

Just connection.