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.
