I could not wait to talk with Julie again because 2019 marked the 10th year anniversary of Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes. An anniversary like that is an amazing accomplishment for any non-profit.
One thing that must be said from the outset, I love getting to podcast in Julie’s barn. Every time I have done a podcast in her barn, I have learned something that made me better. This time was no different.
We sat down and I asked her about 10 years of doing Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes. For those who are reading this for the first time, Julie is the founder and CEO of Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program. Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes provides equestrian therapy to Veterans in need.
Julie explained why the 10th year Anniversary was so special to her and people who support the work. This year’s Gala is a way to reflect, but also celebrate the Veterans Julie serves.
There is a sense of excitement that comes through when Julie talks about her work. She isn’t just working with Veterans. Julie also works with the horses that serve the Veterans. She is always moving, and never still. That is what it takes to operate a non-profit that faces all the typical challenges of running a business. Julie makes it look easy.
There are thousands of non-profits in Massachusetts. Many do not get to three years of operation. Ten years of operation for any non-profit means something is going right. Even if you can’t attend the Gala consider supporting Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes.
Congratulations Julie, I can’t wait to see what is next.
“Under the Stars & Stripes” 10th Anniversary Celebration
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
Horses. Beautiful, majestic, peaceful creatures that most people do not know can help Veterans with PTSD. I talked to Julie Lovely last year, check out Episode 52 here – (Oscar Mike Radio Episode 52).
I met Julie on her farm and set up to begin talking with her. Note to self: Make sure I have headphones whenever I go remote. Snow had made scheduling challenging:)
We were in her barn, and to me this is the best part of doing this episode. Here we are sitting in a barn, outside on a cool spring day talking about what Julie is doing with Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes in 2018.
There is a lot coming up this year. First there is the Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes 2018 Benefit Dinner on April 21st at the Easton, MA Country Club. This benefit dinner and silent auction is to raise funds that Wild Hearts will use to provide equestrian therapy classes to Veterans.
2018 marks the first year that there will be two sessions for the Veterans. There is the Spring Healing through Horsemanship Veterans Program. Based on the need, Julie decided to have a fall session. Her program is growing, and I am happy that Veterans find this valuable.
Talking with Julie, I could see the excitement in her eyes as she was talking about working with Veterans. Even with all the work required to get the paddocks, barn, and training area ready all while preparing for the benefit diner, there was this undercurrent of energy that is contagious. I can’t wait to come back and talk with her and the whole crew this summer. I can’t say this enough, people who serve in this way deserve our support.
Tribute to Marines and Sailor killed in KC-130 Crash
I started this week’s episode with a tribute to the Marines and Sailor that were killed Monday, July 10th in Mississippi. This is still being investigated; however, I wanted to take this time and offer thoughts and prayers to the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific crash.
The Word
I found out about Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes earlier this year when I was guest hosting at WVBF AM 1530 for South Shore New and Views. Julie Crossman-Lovely started this Equestrian Therapy Program a couple of years ago and invited me to come out to see the program working.
I was taken with how the horse paid attention to everything the Veterans was doing. A shoulder dropping, or an arm moved the wrong way could mean the horse would not move as intended.
Julie was authoritative but calm. I could see both Veterans respond well when she was giving instruction.
Afterwards, we all sat together and talked and it was great hearing how much the horses helped these Veterans keep living again.
I am looking forward to visiting again and talking other Veterans about their journey. Thanks Julie
This is a team effort
The Compliant Department
POG and GRUNT want the B1 unleashed in North Korea…. Now
What’s next?
I am still focusing on people who advocate for Veterans. I also like doing podcasts where Veterans are using what they have to open a business, non-profit, or just using what they have to make someone’s life better. Thanks for listening, I can’t wait for this time next year.
I had the privilege of being able to guest host last Wednesday on South Shore News and Views. The program airs on WVBF AM 1530. SSN&Vs is hosted by Jack White, Murray Vetstein and Bob Wisgirda. You could say this program is where I got my real start in radio. I got to see how a program is set up start to finish, and learn some of the important tasks that go into making a radio show work.
Jack White, Julie Lovely, and Murray Vetstein – April 19th 2017
South Shore News and Views airs every Wednesday from 1-3 PM. You can also listen to this program on the Tune-In App on your phone or listen on your computer by going to http://www.hometowntalkradio.com/ and clicking dog to listen live. If you want to find out what is going on around the South Shore, this is the place to be. They love it when people call in to the show. The number is (508) 822-1106.
Wednesday, April 19th Julie Lovely came on the show and talked about the program she runs to help combat veteran suicide.
I was interested to hear about her work and how Horses for Heroes helped veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. It is heart wrenching going to funerals for brothers and sisters who feel that there is no other option.
Julie talked about the program, how it got started, and how horses are well suited to help veterans. I was drawn into how she started with an idea to help someone and now it is something that changing lives. Julie wasn’t there to pat herself on the back, but to tell us how a horse can help someone who is suffering on the inside. I was hooked. WVBF and South Shore News and Views cares about our military and veterans, and I was glad to be a part of this show. Julie closed out the show by talking about the upcoming benefit dinner on May 20th. I will have the link below. Please check out the website and social media links below.
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program – Links
