About Us
Our Team
(Left to Right)- Darci Parry - Vice President, Bob Parry - Treasurer, Des Hansen - Participant/Mentor, James Barnes - President, Bree Klungness - Participant/Mentor, Ashley Wasilewski - Secretary, Katie Barnes - Director
Our History
The Mustang Recovery Challenge, launched in January 2024, aims to support individuals transitioning from substance use or mental health treatment programs by helping them build real-world coping skills through the healing power of horses. Participants are paired with a horse, a professional trainer, and have access to mental health support. Running throughout the spring and summer, the program involves training a wild horse, which is then sold in the fall. This process serves as a metaphor for personal growth, teaching participants not only a valuable trade but also lessons in healthy relationships, responsibility, and self-discipline. Proceeds from the horse sales are shared between participants, trainers, and the nonprofit, funding future horses and program continuation. Future plans include workshops for youth and veterans, using equine-assisted interventions led by mental health professionals and mentors to further expand the program's impact.
Our Mission
The Mustang Recovery Challenge empowers individuals in recovery by fostering growth, resilience, and healing through the transformative bond with wild horses. We provide life skills, responsibility, and healthy relationship building, while teaching a valuable trade. Through equine-assisted interventions, we aim to sustain our program and expand our impact to youth and veterans.
