Bringing Veterans All The Way Home
to themselves and their families after military service has taken them away.
Home Again Horses is a start-up nonprofit organization established to provide horsemanship experiences for Veterans and their families. Our program is designed to help Veterans expand self-awareness, improve emotional and psychological well-being, and strengthen self-regard after a life of service and sacrifice. This growth occurs as a natural byproduct of the incredible bond that can be nurtured between horses and humans.
Our Organization
Home Again Horses - founded by retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Jessica McWain - was approved for incorporation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and granted 501c3 nonprofit tax-exempt status in late 2023.
We’ve brought Olive and Maestro home thanks to Heavenly Gaits Theraputic Riding Center Inc.'s generosity. We have much exciting work ahead to continue building programs for Veterans.
We are an all-volunteer operation, so all contributions go directly to operational expenses, care and feeding for our horses, and projects.
*Photo Courtesy of Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
Note from Jess: Words cannot express my gratitude for this program, these horses, and these humans.
Our WHY
Our founder, Jess McWain, did not grow up with horses but has experienced the seemingly magical healing the trust of a horse can provide a person’s soul. The first moment this powerful, majestic animal yielded, with such trust and grace, to a vulnerable human, a piece of Jessica’s spirit settled and she knew that despite the survivor’s guilt, the PTSD, the second-guessing decisions as a leader, the imposter syndrome, the losses in and out of combat…she knew she was deserving. She knew she could heal, slowly start to feel like herself again, and use her struggles to become a better version of herself, to continue to serve her nation and her family. Now, in retirement - through Home Again Horses - she will hold space so other Veterans may find this peace, if only one moment at a time.
Our Board
Jessica McWain, Founder/Director
Patrick McWain, Board President & Creative Director
Craig Falgione, Financial & Business Advisor
Nikki Ladouceur, Special Events Director
Allison Visco, Secretary
Autumn Bogert, Trustee 1 (Social Media)
*All-volunteer board; 100% of donations directly support operations.
Our IMPACT
Veteran, Male, 68
“From the moment I got on to the property, it was a breath of fresh air. One thing I realized pretty quickly is that I wasn't second guessing myself on how to do something or what needed to be done. I wasn't thinking about if I was going to fail. I was just doing, not worrying about doing it right. I could use more of that at home. I'll take that with me forever."
Veteran, Female, 43
“You (Jessica) and Maestro provided space and allowed failure in a safe way with a natural learning environment. I learned so much about myself right then and there in the moment, then even more so after reflection and introspection after the session. Simply realizing how much my actions may be communicating something entirely different than my words - wow. The self-awareness lesson was so profound in such a simple moment; I'll never forget it.”
Stroke Survivor, Male, 66
"After three days at Home Again Horses, I felt more relieved of tension and anxiety than I could recall experiencing in many, many years. Even my best of friends noticed and remarked that I was the most at ease they've ever seen me. There's MAGIC happening at Home Again Horses and I'm living proof of that!"
Veteran with PTSD, Male
"In my 8 1/2 years of service, I encountered many different situations, some of which have given me some serious PTSD. Having been through the VA program to avail, I turned to my God, and recently I found Home Again Horses and they have helped me immeasurably. Jessica and her husband have welcomed me with open arms. She is very gracious and comforting. Getting to know Olive and Maestro has been very helpful. I will continue to go there for healing.”