A group of First Responders, active military, and veteran have come together to create a grass roots approach on our own mental resilience. At Saddle and Sea Foundation, we believe that true healing begins when hands-on experience meets the natural world. Founded by individuals with deep roots in emergency services, horsemanship, and ocean stewardship, our mission is to restore balance, resilience, and purpose in the lives of first responders, military personnel, and veterans through nature-based therapy and experiential learning.

We operate with an ethos of:
“Give someone a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”

We don’t just offer temporary relief — we provide tools for lifelong growth, emotional strength, and self-reliance. Our approach blends Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Blue Mind Therapy, two powerful, evidence-supported practices that empower participants to reconnect with themselves, their peers, and the healing rhythms of the natural world.

Through Equine-Assisted Learning, participants engage with horses in structured activities that reflect their emotions and communication styles. Horses, by their very nature, respond honestly and without judgment, creating a mirror for participants to explore trust, boundaries, leadership, and emotional regulation. When grooming, leading, observing, and riding each interaction becomes a moment of insight and growth. This type of natural horsemanship is about partnership, mindfulness, and learning to lead with integrity and self-awareness. For those who’ve served in high-stakes environments, the quiet presence of a horse can be a grounding force in the journey toward post-traumatic growth.

Complementing our land-based work, Blue Mind Therapy introduces the calming, restorative influence of water — particularly the ocean — as a therapeutic tool. Blue Mind, a term coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, describes the mildly meditative state our brains enter when we are near, in, on, or under water. For those who have endured chronic stress or trauma, reconnecting with water through surfing, paddling, or diving offers an organic way to lower cortisol, improve focus, and foster emotional balance. 

Trauma-Informed Approach

A trauma-informed approach is a framework for providing care, instruction, or support that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and actively seeks to create a safe, empowering environment for healing. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, a trauma-informed perspective asks, “What has brought you here?”

This approach is built on understanding that trauma - including chronic stress, exposure to violence, loss, or life-threatening experiences - can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and connects with others.

Saddle and Sea Foundation is more than a nonprofit - it’s a movement rooted in the belief that strong hands and sound minds can be cultivated through nature, movement, and purpose. We’re here to support our nation’s heroes not just in surviving, but in truly thriving - one ride, one wave, one breath at a time.