Image commercially licensed from Unsplash
A groundbreaking initiative, PONIES NORTH, spearheaded by the esteemed CEO and President of Ponies North Inc., Jeff Pappas, is set to ride into the spotlight, bringing national attention to the dire crisis of veteran suicide and the precarious situation of thousands of wild mustangs on federal lands. This venture is not just about awareness but action, as it aims to rescue both veterans and mustangs while creating a positive, mutually beneficial relationship through an innovative equine therapy program.
In an alarming statistic, veterans commit suicide at a rate 57% higher than the general population. In 2021 alone, 8,000 veterans tragically took their own lives. Simultaneously, over 40,000 mustangs face the risk of uncertain futures, desperately in need of permanent homes. Veterans and mustangs remain underserved, unknown, and at risk despite over 50,000 veteran service organizations and 95,000 animal service groups in the United States. It is a perplexing question – how do we continue to lose so many valuable lives each year?
PONIES NORTH, operating as a non-profit organization, has taken on the mission of addressing this crisis through an equine therapy program that uses rescued and adopted mustangs to support veterans in their journey to recovery and rehabilitation. The program not only offers an opportunity for veterans to connect with these magnificent creatures but also creates a therapeutic bond that can be life-changing.
Jeff Pappas, a successful entrepreneur with a proven track record of executive positions within multiple growth brands spanning over three decades, is the driving force behind PONIES NORTH. His journey in advocating for veterans’ well-being and providing support is evident in his previous work alongside NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris for Soldiers Angels, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
In late 2020, Jeff published “Ponies West,” a compelling story about his 1986 cross-country horseback trip with his best friend Chet, which has received two prestigious book awards. He is also a member of The Long Riders Guild, a world-renowned group recognized for their long-distance riding expeditions.
Unique Equine Program with a Singular Mission.
PONIES NORTH’s equine therapy operates year-round and is the only one of its kind in the United States. While a similar program exists, it is only operational for two months, highlighting the exceptional dedication of Jeff Pappas and his team. Their long-term goal is to establish their own ranch, rescuing and adopting 1000 mustangs annually and impacting and saving the lives of 500 veterans each year. This journey culminates nine years of planning and working closely with horses, stemming from a lifelong passion. It aims to bring the proven success of the equine therapy program into full-time, year-round implementation, providing veterans the support they need and mustangs the homes they deserve.
They highly encourage readers to support the cause of saving veterans’ lives and rescuing and adopting some of the 40,000 mustangs currently held in BLM adoption pens. With the trip being filmed as a docuseries, PONIES NORTH hopes that readers will want to follow their journey and extend their support on social media. The 100-day journey from Mexico to Canada promises not only to be an adventure but a life-changing experience for all involved.
To learn more about PONIES NORTH and join their mission, please visit their website here: https://www.poniesnorth.com/
