Boots Off The Ground

Boots Off The Ground has created a Brochure,which we intend to distribute to potential donors, and the various organizations where the Heroes we serve can be found. Take a look…

To promote healing, resilience, and reconnection among military veterans and first responders through equine-assisted programs that restore trust, confidence, and well-being.

We want to acknowledge the great sacrifice so many men and women have made, defending the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans. Those sacrifices range from the loss of life, the loss of a loved one, to the trauma many survivors carry. To those dealing with PTS, we honor you. We invite you to join us for a respite from the every day norms. Horse time can’t solve your challenges. It can help you see those challenges differently, through the human-equine connection. For more information, look us up at www.bootsofftheground.org
Have a peaceful and somber Memorial Day

Boots Off the Ground We are made up of current and retired LEO’s and Equestrian Professionals with extensive experience.

We decided not to sell the shirts. The tax code issues made that process too complex and time intensive. We’ve been giving them to our donors, instead. A suggested donation at or exceeding $100.00 is requested. See us at www.bootsofftheground.org

On Saturday, May 9th Boots Off the Ground joined forces with the Marin Sheriff’s Mounted Posse to provide horse catching and handling training to members of the Marin Sheriff’s Search and Rescue unit. MarinSAR members are all volunteers. They are a critical part of the animal technical rescue model for this region. We met them at the storied Horse Hill Park in Mill Valley. After a brief lecture on safety protocols, best practices and demonstrations by BOTG members, the attendees were tasked with approaching, catching, haltering and leading select horses. By all accounts, the training was a success. Here are some photographs taken of this training, as it progressed.

We will be selling high quality T-Shirts, to help raise money to provide our services free of charge to those we serve. Here is the design, front and back.

One’s a half draft, another a mule, two are first responders, all four were cool. This photo was taken last week. The very sunny background was not photo shopped in. We took full advantage of the weather.

On Monday, March 9th the Marin Sheriff’s Mounted Posse participated in a mock search of three missing hikers. Boots Off The Ground members and their mounts participated as one of the mounted search teams. We understand the need for equines in first responder service, and we keep ourselves and our mounts in a state of readiness for come what may. The scenario focused on the San Geronimo Valley watershed area of Marin County, and took place at night. We utilized red light headlamps, to minimize any risk of interfering with the night vision of our mounts. We successfully located one of the three MP’s (missing persons).

On Wednesday, March 4th members of the Marin Open Space Rangers and the Marin Humane Society gathered at Horse Hill in Mill Valley, California to improve their skills in handling loose equines. Many of the actual horse owners were in attendance, to witness the event. The training was provided through the Marin Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, with all the instructors supplied by Boots Off The Ground, a registered 501c3 non-profit entity (http://www.bootsofftheground.org). The training focused on safe avenues of approach to catch, halter and safely lead loose equines. This training covered equine body language, so the attendees could recognize when it is safer to approach and catch. The attendees learned the approach and retreat method, and were allowed to put their newly acquired knowledge to practical use. We started in medium sized paddocks, and progressed to applying the skills to animals out on a very large acreage. They learned patience (😁). We taught them how to convert a 15’ length of rope or 1” wide flat nylon into an emergency rope halter, so they could take action with or without traditional equestrian equipment. The attendees and instructors want to express their gratitude to the Horse Hill community for their generosity in making their horses and lands available for this critical training, offered at no cost to those heroes in attendance. Photos to follow…

We are very grateful to all you for your support. It’s been said, “Do the right thing when no one’s looking.” Before the explosion of social media and its impact on how we communicate with others, this was easier to live by than it is in present day. At Boots Off The Ground, we want to improve lives. To do that, we need to reach lives. Our board of directors and advisors are quietly working behind the scenes, meeting with government agency representatives. We are making the case that equine based therapeutic strategies, presented by members of the peer groups being served can help to offset the physical, mental and emotional toll that emergency service takes from its members.
We are not a fix all. We can serve as an off ramp that helps remind people about the simple pleasures life offers. Pleasures such as nature’s beauty, being in the present, watching, interacting, handling and riding animals that respond best when treated with fairness, consistency and leadership.
We understand the stresses of public service, we are (or were) you.
Our services are free to the people we serve. We have structured our business model as such that we find kind, sympathetic and generous companies and individuals to assist us with meeting the financial burdens we face. If you have the financial wherewithal to support our efforts, and want to make a difference in the lives of some of those who served us, please go to www.bootsofftheground.org and donate what you can. We are a bonified tax exempt 501c3 entity, allowing you to make a difference and write your financial gift off.
We serve active duty military, veterans, first responders, 911 dispatchers, emergency room personnel and immediate family members. The web site explains how your donation will be spent. Thank you.

Boots Off the Ground We are made Up of current and retired LEO’s and Equestrian Professionals with extensive experience.