Project Horses for Forces
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Our program teams

2025 Program Instructor Volunteer Team

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Ruth Nortje, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor 
- CPR, First Aid certified (AHA)  
- Mental Health 1st Aid certification (Natl Council for Behavioral Health) 
- Completed Military Culture modules: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals (DOD -   Veterans Health Administration)
- PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes webinars 2016, 2018 & 2022
- Extensive equine experience 
- 1996 & 2000 Olympian​
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I have worked with & owned horses since I was a young girl.  I trained as a sprint kayaker (1992-2004) & competed in 2 Summer Olympic Games & 1 Pan American Games. I then worked for 9 years at an Adaptive Riding & Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies Facility. 

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 ​Jan Kuhn - EAGALA trained Equine Specialist and Parelli Natural Horsemanship Trained Instructor

Jan joined our program in 2023 and has brought her amazing and extensive knowledge and skill to the programs, taking our participants to higher levels of horsemanship than ever before.
Jan owns two horses, Pedar and Lily.

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​Kathy Hart, PATH Intl. Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
 

​- CPR, First Aid certified (AHA)
- Extensive equine experience
- PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes webinars 2018 & 2022

Kathy grew up with horses and developed her knowledge and experience as a Veterinarian Assistant, breeding and training Thoroughbred sport horses, and as Program Director at a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. 
Kathy brings her enthusiasm and extensive experience to Project Horses for Forces where she coordinates & teaches Veterans group sessions, working with the Mental Health Professionals in interpreting the horses' reactions & behaviors elicited during the session exercises.​​

Program Volunteer Team
​​Veteran Volunteers - receive ongoing training in horsemanship & our Programs
​Veterans from many military backgrounds unite to provide camaraderie & support to participants. The presence of those who have been there greatly enhances program effectiveness in helping our injured warriors come out of isolation, find hope & re-integrate into civilian life. ​
Civilian Volunteers - Extensive Equine Experience required to assist with programs
​To join the Volunteer Team, please contact us

Joe - US Army; American Legion, Alpha NJ
Ken - USA Vietnam, 30 years Veterans Adaptive Skiing Instructor
Woody - USAF
Charlie - US Army, Warren County American Legion Commander
Erik (USA Ret.)
Paul (aka Cowboy) - US Army
Sue - Equine Assistant Team
Jan - Equine Assistant, Parelli trained, E3 (Equine Experiential Training)
Fran - hospitality
Carol - USN Ret.
Linda - hospitality
Our gratitude to Mike Lombardo (USN Ret.) for serving with us in 2024

Equine Team

Ion - Thoroughbred
Lance - Thoroughbred
Junie - Welch Pony
Pardner - Quarter horse
Nicky - Quarter Horse
Moose - draft
Dunkin - Miniature
Letty
Sugar - Percheron
Cheese & Colby - Hanoverian
Maverick - Welsh - Shetland Pony
Legacy
Merlin - Thoroughbred
Moonie
Slick - Thoroughbred
Wally
In memory of Phoebe - 2008 - Oct 2024
In memory of our beloved Ben - 1994-Feb 7/2022

Volunteer Board of Directors

Carol Kain (USN Ret.) - Vice President, Secretary
Andre Nortje - Treasurer
Ruth Nortje - Director

All photographs & content copyrighted 2025 - All Rights Reserved

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