The veterans equine program at Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center, Inc. is an equine-assisted wellness and therapeutic program designed to support veterans through interaction with horses in a calm, supportive farm environment. Located in Bristol, Connecticut, Shepard Meadows focuses on emotional wellness, confidence-building, stress reduction, personal growth, and social connection through horse-centered activities.

Shepard meadows

Veteran equine program

ODO recognizes that many veterans face challenges such as stress, isolation, anxiety, depression, and difficulty reconnecting with civilian life after military service. Rather than focusing on traditional clinical settings, ODO uses the outdoors as a pathway to healing.

Their philosophy is simple:

• Reconnect veterans with nature.
• Promote healthy physical activity.
• Foster camaraderie and peer support.
• Strengthen family relationships

open doors outdoors

Factum equine

Factum Equine provides veterans and their families with unique opportunities to experience the healing power of horses. Through equine-assisted activities, participants can build confidence, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and develop meaningful connections in a supportive and welcoming environment. Factum Equine is dedicated to helping veterans discover hope, resilience, and personal growth through the special bond between humans and horses.

Connecticut

state parks

The 2026 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge invites you to explore some of Connecticut's State Parks and Forests, each with a story to tell. This year’s theme, “America’s 250th", celebrates Connecticut’s role in shaping our nation - from Revolutionary War landmarks to places that reflect the voices and experiences of diverse communities across time. This year’s challenge starts with 20 different hikes, but we are keeping some of our powder dry, so be on the lookout for additional missions to be launched as the year progresses. 

Whether you're hiking solo, adventuring with a flock of friends and family, or bringing along your leashed four-legged companion, this challenge is your chance to learn, explore, and play outdoors.

Download the Goosechase app (Button Below), you’ll complete fun, interactive missions - checking in at designated locations, snapping photos, answering trivia, and discovering hidden gems along the way.

PGA Hope Connecticut

PGA HOPE is a national veterans wellness and rehabilitation program run through the PGA of America and local PGA sections. In Connecticut, the program is coordinated through the PGA of America-Connecticut and the Connecticut PGA Foundation. The goal is to help veterans and active-duty military improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through the game of golf.

The program uses golf as a way to:

• reconnect veterans with their community
• reduce isolation and stress
• encourage healthy activity outdoors
• build camaraderie with other veterans
• support mental wellness and confidence

take a vet fishing

branford based Connecticut, Take a Vet Fishing (TAVF) is an organization dedicated to getting veterans out of clinical environments for a relaxing day of free fishing. They supply everything needed, including fishing gear, bait, food, drinks, and round-trip transportation.  TAVF hosts multiple events across Connecticut throughout the spring and autumn seasons. Recurring venues include:

• Killam's Point Conference Center (1009 Main Street, Branford, CT)
• Branford Yacht Club (39 Goodsell Point Road, Branford, CT)
• Bozrah Rod and Gun Club (Rixive Road, Lebanon, CT)
• East Glastonbury Fish and Game Club (Planters Road, Marlborough, CT)