What they reported doing
- #1 primary $13KDriving: Throughout 2024 WRF supported 12 sessions were held for veterans and first responders, 4-5 per session. 54 veterans and first responders benefited from participation across multiple sessions. Total program hours exceeded 200.
- #2 $10KHorse Rescue: WRF did not adopt out any horses but did rescue 2 horses in 2024. WRF currently cares for 3 horses. Training continues on the three horses to rehabilitate, retrain and re-purpose each horse in preparation for adoption to a new home. As part of the re-training, the horses are used in retreats and carriage driving.
What they call their work
What they do
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Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Programs 2 activities
- Conduct equine interaction and carriage driving sessions for veterans and first respondersHosts regular equine interaction and carriage driving sessions as part of its programming, serving 54 individuals across 12 sessions in 2024 (over 200 program hours) and 28 participants in 23 sessions in 2022, with consistent integration of rescued and retrained horses.
- Deliver equine-facilitated retreats and therapy programs for veterans and first respondersOffers structured horsemanship retreats and non-riding equine activities—including grooming, feeding, and ground exercises—for veterans and first responders, particularly those with PTSD, using Natural Horsemanship methodology and facilitated by equine specialists and a licensed clinical social worker. Programs are held at the foundation’s Calverton, NY ranch facility and require application through an eligibility process.
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Documentary Film Production 1 activity
- Produce and distribute documentaries on trauma recovery for veteransProduced the documentary "WARRIOR – A Battle Against Trauma: Learning to Love and Trust Again," which received a Gold award at the Houston International Film Festival, and made it available for free public viewing to support outreach and awareness. Also produced "One Soldier, One Horse" as part of mission-related storytelling efforts.
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Mental Health Education and Awareness 1 activity
- Provide crisis intervention and mental health training for first respondersOffers crisis intervention services for first responders delivered by a certified mental health professional and hosted a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course for local first responders and healthcare workers.
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Equine Rescue and Retirement Care 1 activity
- Rescue, retrain, and rehabilitate horses for therapeutic programs and adoptionRescues and retrains horses, including retired racehorses and mini horses, integrating them into therapeutic retreats and equine interaction programs before preparing them for adoption. In 2024, rescued 2 horses and provided ongoing rehabilitation for 3; in prior years, rescued multiple horses including full-size and mini breeds, with documented successful adoptions such as Red, a retired racehorse.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eileen Shanahan | President | 30 | $22K |
- Colonel E David Woycik — Director
- Joan Nolan — Treasurer
- Larry Ortolani — Director
- Maureen Anderson — Secretary
Who they work with
- ADI Residio Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- American Regent Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Partner — Board member Colonel E. David Woycik previously served as board member and president, instituting an endowment program.
- Bulldog Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- CBS Partner — Featured Warrior Ranch Foundation in a segment with Cindy Hsu, discussing the ranch's origins and programs.
- Canine Companion for Independence Partner — Board member Colonel E. David Woycik serves on the board of Canine Companion for Independence, which is listed in affiliation with Warrior Ranch Foundation.
- Center for Suicide Prevention of New York Partner — Co-sponsored a two-day ASIST training course hosted by Warrior Ranch Foundation.
- Courage and Sacrifice Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Embassy Diner Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Footing First Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Fox News Partner — Featured Warrior Ranch Foundation in multiple segments on Fox and Friends, highlighting the ranch's work with veterans and horses.
- Grady Health System Partner — Partnered with Grady Health System to support veterans and first responders through the horse interaction program.
- Iron Horse Fields Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- LI News Radio Partner — Conducted interviews with Warrior Ranch Foundation's Founder/President Eileen Shanahan on the "Street Smart" show.
- Local 138 Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Lyons Legacy Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Partner — Board members volunteer with and support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, including organizing its New York Leatherneck Ball.
- Meadowlands Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Meadowlands Raceway Funder — Sponsors the driving program at Warrior Ranch Foundation that involves Sully and supports veterans.
- Morrison Foundation Funder — Funder supporting Warrior Ranch Foundation through sponsorship.
- NEWSMAX Partner — Featured Warrior Ranch Foundation in a segment on the Saturday Report with Founder/President Eileen Shanahan and Board Member Larry Ortolani.
- New York State Department of Law, Charities Bureau Government — Regulatory body from which the annual report is available.
- PSEG Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Rheem Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Riverhead Building Supply Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- Siegelman Stables Partner — Connected Warrior Ranch Foundation with the Standardbred Retirement Foundation regarding Sully.
- Sparrow HVAC Partner — Sponsor of Warrior Ranch Foundation events or programs.
- St. Joes Partner — Collaborates with St. Joes, where veterans participate in educational programs aligned with values of service and integrity.
- Standardbred Retirement Foundation Partner — Partnered with Warrior Ranch Foundation to rescue and transfer Sully the horse.
- Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital Partner — Co-sponsored a two-day ASIST training course hosted by Warrior Ranch Foundation.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equine-Assisted Therapy for Trauma Recoverymethodology: equine_assisted_therapy_for_trauma_recoveryBy engaging veterans and first responders in non-riding, emotionally reflective interactions with horses—particularly rescued ones—we foster healing from trauma, build trust, and support emotional regulation, because horses provide real-time feedback on human emotional states due to their sensitivity as prey animals.
- Mutual Rescue Modelmethodology: mutual_rescue_modelBy pairing the rehabilitation of veterans ("America's Heroes") with the rescue and training of retired racehorses ("America's Icon"), we create a reciprocal healing process where both species benefit, because shared vulnerability and purpose enhance emotional recovery and social reintegration.
- Strengths-Based, Individual-Centered Equine Programmingmethodology: strengths_based_individual_centeredBy designing equine-assisted services around individual strengths and personal needs—leveraging military-trained attributes like hyper-awareness and discipline—we increase engagement and therapeutic effectiveness, because the approach validates existing capabilities while fostering self-awareness and growth.