We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Held a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

“One of the most defining risks I took was the decision to start HOOVES. It began with a deep, personal journey. As a veteran myself, I grappled with the challenges that come after service – the transition back to civilian life, the search for purpose, and the need to heal from invisible wounds. I found solace and healing through my connection with horses, which inspired me to think bigger.

The risk was multifaceted. Financially, it was a leap into the unknown. I invested not just money, but time and emotion, into something that had no guaranteed outcome. I also risked my professional reputation. Transitioning from a structured military career to running a non-profit based on equine therapy was unconventional and fraught with skepticism from peers.

But the biggest risk was emotional. I was putting my personal healing journey out in the open, making myself vulnerable to the veterans we aimed to help. This vulnerability, however, became our strength. It allowed me to connect deeply with other veterans and understand their struggles on a personal level.

The outcome? HOOVES has grown beyond my expectations. We’ve helped countless veterans find healing and purpose through our programs. The risk of starting HOOVES brought me an incredible sense of fulfillment and proved that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding journeys. It reinforced my belief that with passion, resilience, and a willingness to be vulnerable, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those who’ve served our country.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Background and Journey into Equine Therapy: I am a military veteran who faced significant challenges while transitioning back to civilian life. My personal struggles led me to discover the therapeutic power of horses. This transformative experience inspired me to create HOOVES. My goal was to extend this healing opportunity to other veterans struggling with similar issues.

Services and Impact:
HOOVES offers equine-assisted healing programs specifically tailored for veterans. Our unique approach involves working with horses to help veterans overcome trauma, anxiety, and post-service adjustment difficulties. Horses, with their intuitive nature, reflect the life inside of the human and help in building trust, empathy, and communication skills. The programs are designed not just as healing sessions but as transformative experiences that promote personal growth, resilience, and healing.

What Sets HOOVES Apart:
What distinguishes HOOVES is our custom curriculum created from a deep understanding of the veterans’ journey. As a veteran myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that come with reintegration into civilian life. This personal insight shapes every aspect of our programs. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space where veterans can connect with horses and, through them, reconnect with themselves and the community.

Proudest Achievements:
I am most proud of the profound impact HOOVES has had on the lives of veterans. Hearing their stories of transformation and witnessing their journey of healing is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about individual sessions; it’s about the lasting change that occurs in their lives.

Message to Potential Clients/Followers:
To veterans and their families, HOOVES is more than a healing program – it’s a community of support and understanding. We recognize the unique challenges you face and are here to walk alongside you in your journey of healing. Our approach is holistic, respectful, and grounded in real experience.

For those interested in supporting our mission, know that your involvement makes a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. We welcome volunteers, donors, and advocates to join us in this cause.

Conclusion:
At HOOVES, we are committed to providing transformative experiences that foster healing and personal growth. Our dedication to veterans’ well-being is at the heart of everything we do, and we continuously strive to expand our reach and impact. Whether you are a veteran seeking support or someone looking to contribute to our mission, your journey with HOOVES will be one of meaningful change and profound connection.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

“In addition to training and knowledge, there are several key elements crucial for success in the field of equine-assisted therapy and non-profit management. First and foremost, passion and empathy are at the heart of everything we do. They’re essential for creating meaningful and healing experiences for the veterans we serve.

Leadership skills are also vital. It’s not just about guiding a team; it’s about inspiring them, fostering collaboration, and being adaptable in our approach.

Building strategic relationships and networking is another crucial aspect. These connections are invaluable for resource mobilization, increasing awareness, and exploring new opportunities.

Effective marketing and branding are important too. They help us communicate our mission and impact, connecting us with our audience and potential donors.

Business acumen cannot be overlooked. Understanding financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency is key to sustaining our mission.

Additionally, being adaptable and innovative is essential. The needs of our veterans are constantly evolving, and so must our programs and approaches.

Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning ensures we stay updated with the latest in therapy techniques and best practices, allowing us to provide the best possible support to our veterans.

In sum, it’s a combination of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, operational know-how, and a deep commitment to our mission that drives success in this field.”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

“One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that simply doing good work would naturally attract support and recognition for our organization. Initially, I thought that the quality and impact of our equine-assisted therapy programs would speak for themselves and that this alone would draw in the necessary help and resources.

However, I learned that it’s not just about what you do, but also about who you know and who supports you. This realization was a turning point. I understood that to grow HOOVES and extend its reach, I needed to actively engage in networking and relationship-building.

The backstory to this is the early days of HOOVES, where despite our best efforts and the positive impact on veterans, growth and recognition were slower than anticipated. I had to step out of my comfort zone, attend events, connect with potential donors, and collaborate with other organizations. This shift in approach wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

This experience taught me that networking is not just about seeking support; it’s about building genuine relationships and partnerships. It’s about sharing our story and mission with a wider audience and finding those who align with our values and goals.

So, the lesson was clear: while doing the right thing is fundamental, actively building and nurturing strategic relationships is equally essential for the sustainability and growth of a non-profit organization like HOOVES.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hooves.us
• Instagram: @Hoovesforvets
• Facebook: @hoovesforvets
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h-o-o-v-e-s-sanctuary-and-healing-center-85a156240?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: @hoovesforvets8032

Image Credits
Sean McConnel