REMOUNT FOUNDATION

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RF History

Remount Foundation was started in 2009 by Jeanne Springer and Billy Jack Barrett. Both were working in various capacities at the United States Air Force Academy Equestrian Center with cadets and other military members when they began to see horses in a new light. They witnessed first-hand the transformative, healing power between equines and humans. From there, Billy Jack and Jeanne started tapping into the equine magic.  The program grew, mostly by word of mouth, and a vital mission took form. In 2016, Remount Foundation was selected for the organization’s name, symbolizing the rich history between horses and the United States military, which was once called the Remount Service. As Remount Foundation started growing, the organization began focusing on its purpose to provide a safe environment and supportive community to bring military service members back from the brink of suicide ideation. The Remount team quickly realized that the pain experienced by the service member also extended to their family members. In addition to combat warriors, Remount Foundation received inquiries for help from first responders in the law enforcement and the medical communities. These frontline heroes were losing the fight to live due to traumatic service and life experiences similar to Remount’s military participants.

Military History of Remount

The resupply of horses to military fronts of American armed forces dates back to the Civil War, but it had been an ad hoc affair. In 1908, the U.S. Army began the Remount Service, a formal program providing horses for moving armies, artillery, and supplies. For U.S. service members, Remount horses also warmed hearts and raised morale during wartime. 

In 1913, Remount began a breeding program with appeals to civilian breeders for suitable stallions. The program produced recognizable horses of the highest quality. Most of today's registered Paints, Palominos, Quarter Horses and Appaloosas are direct bloodlines from Remount stallions.

In spite of the program’s successful 40-plus-years run, mechanized transport replaced real horsepower. In 1948, the U.S. Army Remount Service program ended.

A Place of Healing for America's Bravest

Today, the Remount legacy lives on. Remount Foundation is an equine-assisted philosophy program for active military, veterans of all eras, first responders, and their families impacted by service and life trauma.  A Colorado registered and IRS-recognized 501c3 charitable organization founded at the United States Air Force Academy Equestrian Center, the program has assisted over 16,000 participants since 2009. Remount Foundation co-founder Billy Jack Barrett says, “For decades Remount horses carried warriors into battle, now the animals are taking today's heroes on the journey to healing.”