Horses Helping Heroes

04/10/2026

The next session of Horses Helping Heroes Thursday evening sessions starts in two weeks, on Thursday, April 23rd, from 6-8 pm. During this 6-week session, participants will learn basic horsemanship and beginner-level riding skills and get a glimpse of our carriage driving program.

There will be no session on Thursday, April 30th.

Free to all Veterans and Active-Duty service members | All ages

Link in comments! ⬇️

04/06/2026

"What an amazing day. It was really neat to see how far I’ve come working with horses...I really found a new respect and love for horses." - H3 participant

There are many hidden benefits of working with horses waiting to be uncovered. Find out if our free Veterans programs would be beneficial for you or someone you know at https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/horses-helping-heroes-h3/.

04/03/2026

During the first five weeks of our Thursday evening Horses Helping Heroes programs, Veterans will be busy building skills that will benefit them both with their horse and in their everyday lives. These skills include identifying relationships, communication, recognizing peace, managing challenges, and incorporating mindfulness through ground-based learning with the horse.

Week six, the Veterans will take the skills they have learned and put them into play while on horseback. The added element of being mounted on their horse challenges the Veterans to use the skills from the previous weeks in a new way, while also providing a fun, relaxing experience for the last day.

Veterans can choose to opt out of riding their horse and continue ground-based learning if they prefer.

If this interests you or a Veteran you know, more information can be found on our website, https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/horses-helping-heroes-h3/.

03/27/2026

What is the Horses Helping Heroes program, and what should participants expect?

Horses Helping Heroes is a free Equine-Assisted Activity, Learning, and Therapy (EAAL/T) program for Veterans and Active Service Members. The Co-Ed program meets on Thursday evenings for six consecutive weeks and is open to men and women.

Participants in our Horses Helping Heroes programs will spend 6 weeks engaged in ground-based and mounted learning, as well as basic horsemanship. You will be challenged with tasks such as obstacles, verbal and nonverbal communication, and working in unison with the horse.

Interested in learning more about Horses Helping Heroes or looking to sign up? Visit our website, https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/horses-helping-heroes-h3/.

03/24/2026

If you don't already, be sure to follow our main account, Jester Park Equestrian Center, so you don't miss out on the fun and excitement as we prepare to transition to one account for more streamlined communication!

We’ve got exciting news to share! 🎉

We’re bringing all the good things together by merging the Horses Helping Heroes page with our main Jester Park Equestrian Center page. Our dedication to supporting Veterans and Active-Duty service members is still going strong, and we’re simply streamlining where we share the love.

The Horses Helping Heroes page will officially close on April 17th, so make sure you’re following our main page, Jester Park Equestrian Center, to keep the updates, stories, and inspiration coming. Give it a like, follow, and share with your friends so no one misses out!

All future posts, announcements, and program highlights will be shared on Jester Park Equestrian Center . Thank you for being part of our community, and we can’t wait to see you over on the main page! 🐴💙

11/09/2025

Do you want to experience the healing power of horses but can't commit to a six-week session? Join us for the first, one-day Warrior Wednesday session - Intro to Draft Horses! At this session, you will learn all about the draft horse and get a hands-on experience with the "big guys" themselves.

📆 Wednesday, Nov. 19
🕕 6:00-8:00 pm
💲Free to all Veterans

Click the link in the comments to register.

07/01/2025

The next session of our Horses Helping Heroes Warrior Wednesdays program starts this Wednesday, July 2nd, and spots are still available. This six-week program covers basic horsemanship and riding and offers a glimpse into our carriage-driving program with the draft horses.

📆 Wednesday, July 2nd - August 6th
🕕 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
💲FREE to all Veterans and Service Members
📍11171 NW 103rd Court, Granger, IA 50109

Check the comments for a link to register.

06/20/2025

The next session of our Horses Helping Heroes Warrior Wednesdays program starts on July 2nd, and spots are still available. This six-week program covers basic horsemanship and riding and offers a glimpse into our carriage-driving program with the draft horses.

📆 Wednesdays, July 2nd - August 6th
🕕 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
💲FREE to all Veterans and Service Members
📍11171 NW 103rd Court, Granger, IA 50109

Check the comments for a link to register.

04/28/2025

The weather looks perfect for another VFW Day of Service this Saturday, May 3rd. Join Jester Park Equestrian Center staff and VFW Post 12208 - Timothy Brandon Lay at 9 am for spring cleaning on the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail.

📆 Saturday, May 3rd
🕘 9 am to 3 pm
📍 11171 NW 103rd Court, Granger, IA 50109

Check the comments for registration information.

03/21/2025

Visit our Horses Helping Heroes booth this weekend at the Iowa Horse Fair!

If you are at the Iowa Horse Fair this weekend, be sure to stop by our booth in the Varied Industries Building. We have squishy horses, stickers, and more for you to grab and take home!

📍Iowa State Fair Grounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
🕰️ 9 am to 6 pm Friday & Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm Sunday

02/20/2025

Stay tuned for April 2025--Horses Helping Heroes one night 6-8 PM single Horse Sessions Workshops for Veterans and First Responders! Minimum 5 participants and a maximum of 10 participants. New horse programs!

02/08/2025

Checking for interest in exclusive Female Veteran, Law Enforcement and Firefighter Horse Experience in our Horses Helping Heroes program we use mini horses, riding horses and draft horse carriage driving. Cost: Free minimum 5 participants maximum would be 10.
Let me know

Eric Moorman
Jester Park Equestrian Center
Granger Iowa
Program Instructor
515-210-2096 call or text
[email protected]