HORSES • VETERANS • COMMUNITY
Rustic Ranch Equine Assisted Wellness is a veteran-owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting resilience and connection through ranch life therapy. We aim to bring horses, veterans, and the community together in the greater San Antonio area.
Equine-Assisted Services
Our programs are centered on “ranch life therapy,” taking a unique approach to traditional talk therapy and personal development through ranching and horsemanship.
By engaging in hands-on experiences with horses and the rhythms of ranch life, participants build practical skills, deepen self-awareness, and develop resilience in a grounded setting.
Veteran & First Responder Care
Rustic Ranch offers a peer support model grounded in shared experience, mutual respect, and authentic connection. Designed for veterans and first responders, this approach creates a space where individuals can feel understood without judgment, build trust at their own pace, and engage in meaningful growth alongside others who “get it.”
The human-horse connection helps build confidence, communication, self-awareness, and trust, fostering a renewed sense of purpose. Through learning basic horsemanship, participants will engage in a collaborative effort alongside their horse.
Various concerns may be addressed, such as relational/interpersonal, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and traumatic stress symptoms.
A tailored plan will be created to meet the participant's needs and goals.
Monetary Donation
On behalf of the Rustic Ranch team, thank you for considering donating to our mission.
100% of your donation will directly fund the mental health services we provide to our community.
Why “Rustic Ranch”
“I found myself at the end of my military career thinking, what's next? I always knew I wanted to go into nonprofit work, but I didn't plan for it to be so soon.
We use a term in the military to describe someone who has been in the military for some time - "salty" quite literally means a seasoned service member.
When we think about the term “rustic,” while by one definition, this means old and seasoned in nature or rural, we now see a new trend of modern farmhouse or rustic chic. What was once thought of as old, simple, or used has now been given a new meaning.
This is exactly how I see our Veterans. We are rustic, we are seasoned, and we too, have a story to share. Our life experiences, rarely obtained outside of military life, are a testament to our unique backgrounds. We possess a wealth of knowledge and service that can enrich our communities in ways no one else can.
When I thought about what to name this nonprofit, I wanted to choose a name that would not only symbolize our growth but also the profound meaning we can bring. While the name, Rustic Ranch, may seem simple, it holds the promise of helping you discover a new meaning and purpose within yourself.
-Nina, Founder and Executive Director