Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammi Wilson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After a full career in the corporate world, I reached a point where I knew God was calling me to something more purposeful. Horses had been a constant in my life for over 25 years—through training, competing in horse shows, and simply finding peace and clarity in the barn. I had experienced firsthand how powerful the connection between humans and horses can be, and I felt a deep desire to share that healing with people who needed it most.
My heart for this work is deeply personal. I am the daughter of a 27-year U.S. Air Force veteran and the sister of a brother with special needs. Growing up, service, sacrifice, and compassion were woven into everyday life. I saw both the strength and the challenges that veterans and individuals with disabilities—and their caregivers—carry. I knew horses could be life-changing for these communities, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
In 2017, I became PATH International certified and spent years intentionally learning the field from the ground up. I served as a volunteer, coach, program director, and operations director at several larger therapeutic riding programs. Those experiences gave me the foundation, wisdom, and confidence to build something of my own—something rooted in excellence, safety, and heart.
In 2022, Living Hope Equine Therapy was born with just two horses and eight riders. Today, as we enter our fourth year, it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come. We now have nine horses, provide nearly 40 lessons each week, and have recently moved to a larger facility that will allow us to grow and serve an even greater population of veterans and riders with disabilities.
Living Hope is more than a program—it’s a community. It’s why we include a caregiver support program, recognizing that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. When caregivers are supported, entire families are strengthened.
At its core, Living Hope exists to offer dignity, connection, and hope through the unique partnership between horse and human. What started as a calling has become a mission—and watching lives change, week after week, reminds me exactly why this work matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life.
I’m no stranger to wearing a lot of hats, but building a nonprofit brings a whole new level of responsibility. I’ve had to step into roles I never expected—becoming a grant writer, learning how to fundraise, building donor relationships, and creating sustainable events that support the mission. Every decision matters because people and horses depend on it.
One of the bigger challenges has been building our competitive show team experience. That requires specialized equipment, well-trained horses, and highly experienced instructors and volunteers. We made the intentional decision to grow slowly and steadily—doing it the right way instead of the fast way. That meant saying “not yet” at times, being patient, and making sure safety, quality, and integrity always came first.
There were moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and stretching far beyond my comfort zone—but those moments also strengthened the program. Each challenge taught us how to be better stewards of the mission, more compliant as a nonprofit, and more intentional about long-term sustainability.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the hard parts. They shaped Living Hope Equine Therapy into a program that is strong, thoughtful, and built to last.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Living Hope Equine Therapy, we provide professional, PATH International–certified equine-assisted services for veterans, children, and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, and trauma-related challenges. Our programs include therapeutic riding, a Living Valor veterans program, a competitive show team experience, and a caregiver support program—because healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
What we specialize in is intentional, whole-person care. We’re known for meeting each rider exactly where they are and building programs that support not just physical progress, but confidence, emotional regulation, and connection. The horse becomes a partner in that process, offering feedback that is honest, calming, and incredibly powerful.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Living Hope truly feels like a barn family—a place where veterans rediscover purpose, riders find their voice, caregivers feel seen, and volunteers serve with meaning. Watching riders accomplish things they never thought possible, or seeing a veteran reconnect and begin to trust again, is why we do this work.
What sets Living Hope apart is our depth of experience and our heart. With more than 25 years of equine experience and years spent leading and learning within established therapeutic programs, we operate with a high standard of safety, professionalism, and excellence. At the same time, we remain deeply relational. We grow slowly and intentionally, never sacrificing quality for numbers.
Living Hope isn’t just about riding horses—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and confidence through the unique bond between horse and human.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Wow, that’s a tough question because I was blessed with an incredible supportive family and there are so many amazing memories. If I have to choose one it would be the times just me and my dad were able to spend time with horses together. He is retired Colonel and known for his accomplishments and an amazing career. But in those moments, he was just my Dad. It’s amazing that I get to help provide similar moments to the families we serve now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livinghopetherapy.org
- Instagram: livinghopeequinetherapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livinghopeequinetherapy
