Horses and heroes

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration awarded a $116,705 Project Grant to Dream Catchers on September 30, 2025, under the VA Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces (CFDA 64.034). The award supports the "Horses and Heroes" program, which delivers equine-assisted therapy services to disabled veterans and armed forces members with disabilities in Virginia through September 30, 2026. This funding aligns with the program's distinct equine therapy funding track, which specifically addresses mental health needs of eligible veterans and service members.

Under this award, Dream Catchers will implement adaptive equine sports activities including instruction, participation, and related therapeutic services. Deliverables encompass program management and implementation, athlete assessment, equipment and supplies provision, training and technical assistance to program staff, and program evaluation activities. The one-year project period enables the organization to develop and operate a comprehensive equine-assisted therapeutic program designed to serve disabled veterans through evidence-based adaptive sports intervention.