Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Burnside. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joshua, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I am a US Army combat veteran. Through my multiple deployments, I relied on my faith and trust in God to make it through. Like many of my brothers and sisters, I had no time to make sense of what I’d experienced while deployed.
After my injuries in 2011 and stateside post-surgeries and rehabilitation, I began to process war trauma. It was during this time I became angry with God and “the demons” started to surround me.
The Nightmare
By May 2013, I was medically retired from the Army. It will all be over soon, right? Wrong. Instead, I looked to drugs, prescribed and illegal, and combined with alcohol to take away the reality. It didn’t take long to spiral out of control, which led to three suicide attempts, and several run-ins with authorities. Where is God? What could possibly be next? I put myself in isolation, not leaving the house, not even my room.
The Wild West
Fast forward to my last suicide attempt in May 2015, when a buddy reached out to tell me about a program called Higher Ground in Sun Valley, Idaho; they were having a veteran ranch rodeo. I said, “ A rodeo?” Dude, are you crazy? I’m not riding a bull!” He replied, “No, man, it’s like a horsemanship type of thing.” I said, “Hell no, I’m definitely not getting near or on a horse.” But, my mother, who was my caregiver 24/7, convinced me to give it a try.
So, we went, and although I was scared to death and thought it would be a waste of time, I fell in love with Peanut, a horse I rode for the entire program. The staff at River Sage Stables, along with Higher Ground, literally saved my life. After just one week of learning basic horsemanship, I WAS HOOKED!
I returned home with a whole different outlook, a burning desire to learn more about horses, and get out of the house! I began volunteering at a local farm that offered kids with disabilities a place to ride. This opened my eyes to the fact that they were helping me as much I as was helping them. I couldn’t get enough of the farm. Eventually, I was able to exchange my volunteer work for riding lessons.
The Lifestyle
I connected with a fantastic cutting horse trainer in western North Carolina, Tim, who has been a great mentor and friend. I have since experienced several veteran equine programs to acquire more knowledge of the relationship between horses and humans.
In spring 2017, I completed a six-month apprenticeship in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming on a cattle ranch,the Double Rafter cattle drive. I am currently enrolled in the Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program through the Semper Fi Fund, where I continue to saddle-up at working ranches to hone my skills.
After attending equestrian retreats, workshops, and clinics, I realized they were never long enough, at least for me! I WANTED MORE. Then I wondered, was it just me, or did others have the same desire?
After reaching out to over 125 veterans who have been on one or more of these specialized programs, dozens had a similar feeling. They wanted more. However, most could not commit because of their jobs and families.
I always tell the veterans I meet and know that I believe to be a better father, husband, brother, son, and friend, you must heal yourself first.
That’s when I got the idea of a working ranch, where veterans could learn how to ride horses, care for livestock, and take an extended break, “Hiatus”.
The Transformation
In October 2018, I went on a two-week spiritual journey with “Heroes to Heroes,” a program for vets in Israel. This journey gave me the opportunity to close the circle on some of the missing pieces of my life.
On the day of my return, I was offered the opportunity to come to Idaho for the winter and watch over a small ranch. YES, a thousand times, yes! I packed my truck and drove 36 hours to Idaho with Gunner, my Belgian Malinois service dog.
On that drive, I realized what I missed most about the military was giving back. I know what these magnificent animals and this hard work lifestyle has done for me—both permanently changed my life.
My Purpose
Through Hiatus Ranch, my sole purpose is to share what I have learned with other veterans, giving them a second chance to regain control of their lives. Hiatus means “a pause or break in continuity,” and that’s exactly what saved me. I am confident it can do the same for others.
One Life Equals Many
I developed a 10-year plan to purchase land and start this dream and vision to drastically reduce the suicide rate. If I can save even one person’s life, I will have succeeded.
In January 2020, God provided, and now I have a 40-acre ranch with horses, donkeys, burro’s, miniature horses, goats, sheep, alpacas, dogs, cats, turkeys, cows and a few wild Mustangs.
Hiatus Ranch was born!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a US Army combat veteran. Through my multiple deployments, I relied on my faith and trust in God to make it through. Like many of my brothers and sisters, I had no time to make sense of what I’d experienced while deployed.
After my injuries in 2011 and stateside post-surgeries and rehabilitation, I began to process war trauma. It was during this time I became angry with God and “the demons” started to surround me.
The Nightmare
By May 2013, I was medically retired from the Army. It will all be over soon, right? Wrong. Instead, I looked to drugs, prescribed and illegal, and combined with alcohol to take away the reality. It didn’t take long to spiral out of control, which led to three suicide attempts, and several run-ins with authorities. Where is God? What could possibly be next? I put myself in isolation, not leaving the house, not even my room.
The Wild West
Fast forward to my last suicide attempt in May 2015, when a buddy reached out to tell me about a program called Higher Ground in Sun Valley, Idaho; they were having a veteran ranch rodeo. I said, “ A rodeo?” Dude, are you crazy? I’m not riding a bull!” He replied, “No, man, it’s like a horsemanship type of thing.” I said, “Hell no, I’m definitely not getting near or on a horse.” But, my mother, who was my caregiver 24/7, convinced me to give it a try.
So, we went, and although I was scared to death and thought it would be a waste of time, I fell in love with Peanut, a horse I rode for the entire program. The staff at River Sage Stables, along with Higher Ground, literally saved my life. After just one week of learning basic horsemanship, I WAS HOOKED!
I returned home with a whole different outlook, a burning desire to learn more about horses, and get out of the house! I began volunteering at a local farm that offered kids with disabilities a place to ride. This opened my eyes to the fact that they were helping me as much I as was helping them. I couldn’t get enough of the farm. Eventually, I was able to exchange my volunteer work for riding lessons.
The Lifestyle
I connected with a fantastic cutting horse trainer in western North Carolina, Tim, who has been a great mentor and friend. I have since experienced several veteran equine programs to acquire more knowledge of the relationship between horses and humans.
In spring 2017, I completed a six-month apprenticeship in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming on a cattle ranch,the Double Rafter cattle drive. I am currently enrolled in the Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program through the Semper Fi Fund, where I continue to saddle-up at working ranches to hone my skills.
After attending equestrian retreats, workshops, and clinics, I realized they were never long enough, at least for me! I WANTED MORE. Then I wondered, was it just me, or did others have the same desire?
After reaching out to over 125 veterans who have been on one or more of these specialized programs, dozens had a similar feeling. They wanted more. However, most could not commit because of their jobs and families.
I always tell the veterans I meet and know that I believe to be a better father, husband, brother, son, and friend, you must heal yourself first.
That’s when I got the idea of a working ranch, where veterans could learn how to ride horses, care for livestock, and take an extended break, “Hiatus”.
The Transformation
In October 2018, I went on a two-week spiritual journey with “Heroes to Heroes,” a program for vets in Israel. This journey gave me the opportunity to close the circle on some of the missing pieces of my life.
On the day of my return, I was offered the opportunity to come to Idaho for the winter and watch over a small ranch. YES, a thousand times, yes! I packed my truck and drove 36 hours to Idaho with Gunner, my Belgian Malinois service dog.
On that drive, I realized what I missed most about the military was giving back. I know what these magnificent animals and this hard work lifestyle has done for me—both permanently changed my life.
My Purpose
Through Hiatus Ranch, my sole purpose is to share what I have learned with others, giving them a second chance to regain control of their lives. Hiatus means “a pause or break in continuity,” and that’s exactly what saved me. I am confident it can do the same for others.
Through Hiatus Ranch, my sole purpose is to share what I have learned with other veterans, giving them a second chance to regain control of their lives. Hiatus means “a pause or break in continuity,” and that’s exactly what saved me. I am confident it can do the same for others.
One Life Equals Many
I developed a 10-year plan to purchase land and start this dream and vision to drastically reduce the suicide rate. If I can save even one person’s life, I will have succeeded.
In January 2020, God provided, and now I have a 40-acre ranch with horses, donkeys, burro’s, miniature horses, goats, sheep, alpacas, dogs, cats, turkeys, cows and a few wild Mustangs.
Hiatus Ranch was born!
www..hiatusranch.org
Can you talk to us about how you funded your firm or practice?
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Being genuine in helping others and staying true to my mission.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Myself