
Fundraisers & Special Events
Check out our current events and fundraising activities taking place at TEC. If no events are listed, be sure to check our Calendar of Events or Facebook.
Join us for a
Senior Veteran Celebration

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The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) invites the community to come together in gratitude, celebration, and connection at the TEC WITH VETS Senior Veteran Celebration on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jane M. Hiler Facility in Buchanan.
Presented in partnership with Riders of Valor, this special event honors the courage and resilience of our nation’s veterans, active military members, and their families while showcasing the powerful healing that happens every day through the TEC WITH VETS program.
A Day of Honor, Inspiration & Community
Gates open at 10 a.m., with the celebration beginning with a Color Guard Opening Ceremony at 10:45 a.m., setting the tone for a day filled with patriotism and appreciation.
Guests will experience:
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A Veteran & Spouse Riding Skills Demonstration at 11 a.m.
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Live music from country artist Curtis Lee Putman at 1 p.m.
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An entertaining performance by illusionist MagicBob at 2 p.m.
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Inspiring remarks from program leaders and community voices at 3 p.m.
Throughout the day, families can enjoy:
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Face painting, games, and hands-on activities
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Mechanical calf roping tutorials and practice
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Opportunities to connect with local service organizations
Admission is FREE, with food and beverages available for purchase. Donations are appreciated to support TEC’s life-changing programs.
TEC WITH VETS: Where Our Nation’s Heroes Meet TEC’s Horse Heroes
For many who have served, the journey home can be just as challenging as the journey to war. The transition back to civilian life often brings invisible wounds—Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), anxiety, depression, and more.
That’s where TEC WITH VETS steps in.
This unique program brings together TEC’s incredible Horse Heroes and the brave men and women who have served our country, creating powerful connections that foster healing, trust, and renewed purpose. Through equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding, participants experience life-changing “I Did It!” moments.
Participants work one-on-one with trained instructors and specially selected horses, building trust, confidence, and emotional resilience. For some, healing begins in the saddle. For others, it starts simply by connecting with a horse on the ground.
“I came to TEC to get back in the saddle, but what I found was a place where you rebuild, reconnect, and grow stronger in every way. It’s more than riding, it’s a second chance.” Shared Nick Jones, participant of TEC WITH VETS since early 2023, and a member of Riders of Valor.
The program serves:
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Veterans
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Active military personnel
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Family members, recognizing that healing often extends beyond the individual
Whether overcoming physical injuries, processing trauma, or rebuilding confidence, participants find a safe, supportive environment where progress happens at their own pace.
More Than a Program; It’s A Community
TEC WITH VETS is not just about riding, it’s about reconnection:
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Reconnecting with self
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Reconnecting with others
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Reconnecting with purpose
Many participants continue their journey by becoming volunteers, giving back, and supporting others walking a similar path.
Join Us at the TEC Barn on May 17, 2026
Jane M. Hiler Facility, 1207 E. Galien-Buchanan Road, Buchanan, MI
Together, let’s celebrate strength, service, and the healing power of the horse.
Download the event flyer or media PR/PDF.
Meet Nick Jones ...
From the Navy to the Saddle: Meet Nick Jones
Back in 2023, at the age of 78, Vietnam-era Navy veteran Nick Jones had one goal after hip replacement surgery: to ride again. What he found at TEC was something even greater: renewed strength, connection, and purpose.
Fast forward three years, and Nick is now a proud participant in TEC WITH VETS, a member of the Riders of Valor, and a key supporter of the upcoming Senior Veteran Celebration. Nick’s journey is one of resilience, history, and heart.
“TEC is in a class by itself. You don’t just ride, you rebuild.”
Read Nick’s story and see how lives are changing through TEC WITH VETS.


Help Us Keep TEC’s Horse Heroes Healthy, Happy & Ready to Serve
Spring & Summer at TEC: Growing Hope, One Horse Hero at a Time
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As the days grow longer and the pastures turn green, TEC comes alive with energy, movement, and new beginnings. Spring and summer are seasons of growth, not just for the land, but for the children, veterans, and participants who find strength, confidence, and connection through our programs.
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Out in the sunshine, our Horse Heroes are hard at work, helping riders take brave first steps, build independence, and experience those powerful “I Did It!” moments. These incredible equine partners are more than part of our program; they are the heart of it all, offering patience, partnership, and life-changing support with every stride.
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Behind Every Hero Is a Team of Supporters
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Every hero needs a strong team behind them.
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For our Horse Heroes, spring and summer bring increased activity, longer days, and full schedules of lessons and programs. With that comes the need for consistent care, nutrition, and attention to keep them healthy, strong, and ready to serve.
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Each of TEC’s Horse Heroes costs an average of $6,500 per year to support, totaling more than $52,000 annually to care for our herd.
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What does spring & summer care for a Horse Hero look like?
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Nutritious feed, hay, and supplements to fuel active lesson schedules
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Farrier, veterinary, dental, and chiropractic care
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Pasture maintenance, fencing, and safe turnout spaces
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Fly control and seasonal health management
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Skilled staff to monitor, exercise, and care for our horses daily
Share the Season. Support a Horse Hero. Grow the Impact.
This season of growth is the perfect time to make a difference.
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Your support helps ensure TEC’s Horse Heroes stay healthy, happy, and ready to change lives all summer long and beyond. Every gift directly fuels the programs that create confidence, independence, healing, and connection.
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Horse sponsorships also make meaningful gifts, whether to celebrate a milestone, honor someone special, or give back as a business or organization.
Because when you support a Horse Hero, you’re not just giving … You’re helping someone grow stronger, braver, and more confident every single day.
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Support Our Horse Heroes. Share the Sunshine. Change a Life.
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Every gift, large or small, helps us continue our mission and give our Horse Heroes the care they deserve.
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Sponsorship categories include:
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Barn Buddy – up to $120/year (up to $10/month)
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Supports: Healthy treats and grooming needs.
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Trail Blazer – $121 - $300/year (up to $25/month)
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Helps provide hay, feed, supplements, and medication.
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Pasture Pal – $301 - $600 (up to $50/month)
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Ensures daily exercise and turnout care.
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Stable Supporter – $601 - $1,200 (up to $100/month)
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Keeps stalls, tack, and barn in excellent condition, and provides bedding for the stalls.
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Mane Partner – $1,201 - $2,400 (up to $200/month)
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Funds farrier visits, veterinary checkups, and specialized care like chiropractic and dental.
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Arena Advocate – $2,401 - $6,000 (up to $500/month)
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Supports utility and maintenance costs for the barn, pastures, and arenas.
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Herd Hero - $6,001 - $10,000 (up to $833/month)
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You are the guardian of one TEC horse hero, ensuring all their needs are met throughout the year.
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Other Ways to Support Our Horse Heroes
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Not ready for a sponsorship? You can still make a big impact:
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Become a Volunteer – Help with lessons, barn chores, or events
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Donate Supplies – Barn and office essentials are always needed
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Be an Advocate – Share TEC’s story and help grow our community
Help Us Make This a Season of Growth
Our horses show up every day under the sun, in the arena, and in the lives of those who need them most.
This spring and summer, let’s show up for them.
Donate today and help grow something truly life-changing.
Questions? E-mail info@tecfarm.org or call (269) 429-0671.


