By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–Saddles in Service, a veteran-founded nonprofit based in Alpine, provides no-cost equine-assisted healing programs for veterans, active-duty military members, and first responders coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injuries and job-related stress.
Participants in the program are paired with horses as part of a therapeutic process designed to help them rebuild trust, process trauma and reconnect with purpose.
“Many of the people who protect our country and communities carry invisible wounds of service, including PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts,” said David Perloff, the organization’s vice president of marketing and community relations. “Saddles in Service helps save lives by giving these heroes a path to rebuild trust, purpose and connection.”
The organization highlighted the continuing mental health crisis facing veterans and first responders, citing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which found that nearly 18 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. Studies have also shown that first responders face elevated suicide risks compared to line-of-duty deaths.
Founded in 2017 by Tammy and Mike Oluvic alongside Jill Breen, Saddles in Service reports that it has served 1,171 participants through 9,376 program sessions. According to the organization, 92 percent of participants report reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, affecting more than 4,000 family members and loved ones.
“I was dry firing a pistol into my mouth almost every morning,” said Brandon V., a U.S. Navy veteran who participated in the program.
Another participant, Navy veteran Kasea S., described the experience as transformative.
“Nothing compares to just being out here with my horse,” Kasea said.
Barbara O., a deputy sheriff in San Diego County, called the ranch “a place that saves lives.”
While the nonprofit supports continued research into emerging therapies, including psychedelic treatments, leaders say programs already producing measurable results deserve immediate investment and support.
The organization currently has a growing waitlist for services. Officials said a $7,500 donation sponsors a full healing journey for one participant.
“Let’s get behind this program and make sure they have the resources they need,” said Robert M. of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The 6th annual Saddles in Service Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for May 8 at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan. Lunch and the awards ceremony begin at 1 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting program services and equine support.
