Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services We provide healing therapeutic services to the broad Veteran community though equine, agricultural, and educational engagement.

We strive to enrich the broader veteran, military and first responder communities through equine, archery, outdoor, culinary, and educational therapeutic programs. 501(c)3.

08/08/2026

🐴 Another great morning at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services ! 🇺🇸

We started the hot, muggy morning with some barn chores and stall cleaning before spending time with our wonderful equine partners, Willow and Sparrow. We were happy to have a great group of our regular participants join us, along with a brand-new participant—we’re always excited to welcome new faces to our VETS family!

During this morning’s class, we focused on horse basics, grooming, and breathing exercises, followed by a discussion about the importance of hoof care. There’s always something new to learn when working alongside our equine partners!

A very special thank you to Olivia Wolfe for stepping up and helping with barn chores this morning. We truly appreciate your willingness to lend a hand! 💙

Interested in learning more about our program? We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message here on Facebook or visit VETSCT.ORG for more information.

08/07/2026

In the British military, the SAS - the Special Air Service - lives by the motto "Who Dares Wins."

We love that at V.E.T.S. because we see it every day.

It takes guts to ask for help. It takes guts to walk into the barn for the first time, to trust a 1,200 lb horse, to trust yourself again.

That dare isn't just for commandos. It's for anyone working to heal, grow, and move forward.

On August 7, Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services pauses to honor National Purple Heart Day.On this day in 1782, General...
08/07/2026

On August 7, Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services pauses to honor National Purple Heart Day.

On this day in 1782, General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to what we now know as the Purple Heart. It remains the oldest military decoration in the United States, awarded in the name of the President to any member of the Armed Forces wounded or killed, or who died after being wounded, in action against an enemy. 

More than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented since its creation. Each one represents a story of courage, sacrifice, and a price paid that can never be repaid. 
To every Purple Heart recipient, to the families who stand beside you, and to those we remember who did not come home — we honor you. Your service and your sacrifice are the reason we do what we do.

At VETS, we are privileged to walk alongside many of you in your healing journey. Our herd is here to offer quiet strength, trust, and peace when words fall short.
With deep gratitude and respect,
All of us at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

August 6, 2011 marks 15 years since Extortion 17.On August 6, 2011, a CH-47D Chinook helicopter with the call sign Extor...
08/06/2026

August 6, 2011 marks 15 years since Extortion 17.

On August 6, 2011, a CH-47D Chinook helicopter with the call sign Extortion 17 was shot down in the Tangi Valley, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, while moving to reinforce Army Rangers. It was the single greatest loss of life in Naval Warfare history.
On board were 30 American service members — 17 Navy SEALs, 5 Army aircrew, 3 Air Force Special Operators — and one Military Working Dog, Bart, along with 7 Afghan Commandos and 1 Afghan interpreter who fought beside them.
We speak their call sign with reverence. We speak their names with gratitude.

At Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services, we understand that some burdens are carried quietly for a lifetime. The horse does not ask you to explain it. It simply stands with you, and carries it with you.
Today, we stand with the Gold Star families, the teammates, and all who loved them. We honor their courage, their brotherhood, and the promise they kept to never leave anyone behind.

We will not forget. We will continue to serve in their honor.
Never Forgotten. Extortion 17

🏁 From Horses to Horsepower! 🏁THIS SATURDAY - August 8th at 4PMNew London-Waterford SpeedbowlJoin members of our Veteran...
08/04/2026

🏁 From Horses to Horsepower! 🏁

THIS SATURDAY - August 8th at 4PM
New London-Waterford Speedbowl

Join members of our Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services tribe as we head to the Speedbowl to cheer on SHILOSKY RACING!

We're proud to support local standout Milania Shilosky and Milania Shilosky Motorsports — a young, record-breaking driver from right here in CT who shares our love of horses and hard work.

Come say hi, wear your V.E.T.S. gear, and help us pack the stands for a great night of family-friendly racing. Let's show what community looks like!

See you at the track!

Happy 236th Birthday to the United States Coast GuardOn behalf of everyone at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E....
08/04/2026

Happy 236th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard

On behalf of everyone at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.), we wish our brothers and sisters in the United States Coast Guard a happy birthday.

For 236 years you have lived your motto — Semper Paratus, Always Ready — safeguarding our coasts, our waterways, and our nation.

At V.E.T.S., our mission is “To support and enrich the lives of veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families through innovative therapeutic services...” and that includes the many Coast Guardsmen, veterans, and families we are honored to serve.

Thank you for your service. We stand with you.

Semper Paratus!

08/03/2026

Communication is key, because the team is one body. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, what is not good for the swarm is not good for the bee. I cannot control how others work, only how clearly I speak, how carefully I listen, and how fully I show up for the work in front of me.

08/02/2026

It was a hot and humid morning at the farm, but that didn't stop our crew from putting in the work before spending meaningful time with our incredible equine partners, Gump and Bowtie.

The morning began with cleaning and caring for the farm, followed by a relaxed grooming session. With several of our junior members joining us, we focused on slowing down, building confidence, and strengthening the bond between horse and handler. Because of the high humidity, we kept our groundwork light, ensuring both our participants and horses stayed safe and comfortable.

During our debrief, VETS Co-Founder and Lead Instructor, Thor Christian Torgersen, spoke about the importance of the tribe we've built together. A tribe is more than just a group—it’s a community of people who support, encourage, and stand beside one another through life's challenges. That sense of belonging can make a lasting difference, both individually and collectively.

To wrap up the morning, we made time for some enthusiastic snuggles with our mini-donkey friends at Heritage Hill. Trust us—you haven't truly lived until you've hugged a mini-donkey!

What does being part of a tribe mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If you're a veteran interested in learning more about Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (VETS), send us a message here on Facebook or visit VETSCT.ORG.

08/01/2026

Good morning tribe

Have you ever noticed, there are people who walk past a piece of trash… and there are people who bend down and pick it up.

People who drive past someone stranded… and people who pull over.

The difference isn’t usually strength, talent, or money. It’s attention.

Some people move through the world asking, “Whose job is this?” Others quietly ask, “How can I help?”

Every day gives us dozens of chances to leave a place, a person, or a moment a little better than we found it. Most of them are small. Most of them go unnoticed.

But character is often built in the moments no one applauds.

Remember, The world doesn’t need more people waiting for someone else to help.
It needs more people like us.

AIM, RAFFLE, RALLY FOR KURT - Saturday, August 29thJoin us as our community comes together to support Kurt and the Herzb...
07/30/2026

AIM, RAFFLE, RALLY FOR KURT - Saturday, August 29th

Join us as our community comes together to support Kurt and the Herzberg Family.

When: Saturday 8/29/26, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Where: Vantage Point Training Center, 79 New London Road, Salem, CT 06420
All raffle ticket sales and lane rental proceeds will go directly to the Herzberg Family. Your generosity and presence make all the difference.

What to expect:
• $20 Main Raffle Tickets - Chance to win a Marlin 1894 SBL Mountain Lion .357 Magnum and a G***k 19 Gen 6
• Additional raffles throughout the day - You do NOT need to be present to win

• Flash Tattoos by Black Lantern Tattoo Co.
• Range time and community rally
Huge thank you to our sponsors who made this possible:
Vantage Point Training Center, Black Lantern Tattoo Co, R&W Heating Energy Solutions, S.C. Renovations, Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S) and Two Brothers Pizza (Salem )

Address

463 Pumpkin Hill Road
Ledyard, CT
06339

Telephone

+18602357872

Website

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