H2H - Vets of Hoof to Heart | Application Preview
H2H - Vets of Hoof to Heart is seeking government grant funding to cover boarding costs for two horses and to minimize expenses for veterans participating in the program. The aim is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder veterans from accessing the therapeutic benefits of horse interaction.
The business plan outlines an expansion within five years to include an additional 1-2 horses, thereby increasing the number of veterans who can participate in group lessons. There is also a goal to relocate to a facility with an indoor space to allow for year-round programming, as the current venue lacks this option.
The applicant emphasizes their deep belief in the program’s mission, backed by 30 years of equine experience and a background in agricultural education and business management. The program aims to foster qualities such as integrity, camaraderie, and a greater purpose, which resonate with veterans' military values. A particular focus will be placed on groundwork in horsemanship, with an emphasis on activities that can be done in hand, although riding lessons will also be available.
In terms of competition, the program identifies existing organizations such as Veterans Equine Therapy, Iron Stone Farm, and TEC in Massachusetts. However, the applicant considers their unique position as an OIF/OEF veteran with equestrian expertise to be a competitive advantage, allowing for a more personalized and impactful approach to veterans' equine therapy.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Hoof to Heart
Location: WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
To fund / pay for board for the two horses and some of the expenses previously listed. Want to have as little cost to the veterans as possible to have this program open to all without worry of money.
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Business Plan
Within the next 5 years I plan to expand by hoping to add 1-2 more horses and this will open the program up to more veterans per group lessons/sessions. I also would like to move to a facility that has an indoor for year-round program availability. Currently facilities do not have an indoor. I believe in my program not only as a fellow veteran but also as an equestrian. I have 30 years of experience in the equine world. I have attended Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass/Amherst for A.S. Equine Management degree in 2001-2005. (Did not graduate but transferred to a bachelor's degree program in Business Management/HR which I obtained from APUS in 2016). I am currently a licensed MA riding instructor and have attended clinics with some well know equestrian clinicians. I fully believe in the healing powers of the horse. even if you are just in their presence. One can benefit from just grooming a horse. my program I hope to instill the very basics of what the military held for so many. Integrity, comradery, and a purpose greater than themselves. Also, my program will focus MORE of the groundwork area of horsemanship, I will offer riding lessons of course, but main focus would be groundwork. which would entail a number of various activities that can be accomplished in hand.
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Self Identified Competition
Veterans Equine Therapy - V.E.T.S - CT Iron stone Farm - Andover MA TEC - the equestrian center - Northampton MA I believe I am a little different from my competitors in the fact I am an OIF/OEF veteran and also an equestrian. I feel I have the knowledge and background to be beneficial to a veterans equine program. on a smaller scale than most.
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Contact Applicant
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