Operation Wild Horse

Operation Wild Horse by Veterans R&R celebrates the historic bond between the United States Armed Forces and the indomitable spirit of the Wild Mustang. This unique program is not only a tribute but also a therapeutic journey for veterans and active-duty military members, harnessing the healing power of these majestic animals. Based in Bull Valley, Illinois, Operation Wild Horse is a testament to the profound connection between military personnel and wild horses, offering life-changing experiences to participants.

The program integrates Wild Mustangs into various ceremonial duties, echoing the roles they play elsewhere in the military. Just as the U.S. Marine Corps in Barstow, California, and the U.S. Army at Arlington National Cemetery utilize these horses, so too does Operation Wild Horse. Participants learn horsemanship and riding, eventually taking part in mounted color guard duties at parades, community events, and veterans' gatherings across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, proudly bearing the nation's colors.

Every horse in Operation Wild Horse has a story of rescue, having been adopted from the Bureau of Land Management, saved from kill pens, or through the Mustang Heritage Foundation. This program, run entirely on donations, ensures that there is no cost to the veterans and military personnel involved, making the healing and camaraderie accessible to all who have served. It's a cycle of salvation and service, where both the mustangs and the veterans find a second chance at life, mutual respect, and a sense of purpose.