war horse supporters & Alumni-Owned Businesses
The War Horses for Veterans community extends far beyond the ranch. It includes the generous sponsors and partners who help make our mission possible, as well as the alumni, staff, and board members who continue to build, lead, and serve through businesses of their own.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners who invest their resources, expertise, and trust in War Horses for Veterans. Their generosity helps provide meaningful programs, lasting connections, and continued support for the veterans and first responders we serve. Every contribution-whether through funding, services, equipment, or shared advocacy-strengthens our ability to carry this mission forward and expand its impact.
We are equally proud to support the alumni, staff, and board members who have built businesses of their own. Their work reflects the leadership, determination, service, and sense of community that define War Horses for Veterans.
Supporting the mission. Supporting our own.
Our Partners
ALUMNI-OWNED BUSINESSES
Gillespie Performance Horses
Gillespie Performance Horses is dedicated to developing top-level competitors in Reined Cow horse, Reining, Cutting, and Team Roping.
Led by our very own Taylor Gillespie, the program focuses on building well-rounded, confident horses through a balance of biomechanics, mindset, and tailored training plans. With years of competitive success and a background rooted in horsemanship and discipline, Taylor brings integrity and skill to every horse and rider.
JTW Productions
JTW Productions is a creative photography, videography, and digital media company led by Todd Wilkins, known for capturing the authenticity of the Western lifestyle, equine culture, and rugged storytelling through powerful visuals.
Beyond photography and film, JTW Productions is also the creative force behind the War Horses for Veterans website, translating the heart, mission, and impact of the program into a compelling digital presence that reflects the depth of the work being done at the ranch.
As a valued supporter of War Horses for Veterans, Todd’s ongoing partnership helps ensure stories are told with integrity, grit, and purpose bringing the mission to life for supporters, participants, and the broader community.
Charlie Five
Charlie Five is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through the transformative power of horsemanship. By pairing qualified individuals with their own horse at no cost, Charlie Five fosters healing, purpose, and long-term personal growth. Rooted in the Western way of life, their programs emphasize connection, mentorship, and community helping participants rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience, and continue their journey beyond initial recovery.
Solace Forge Knives
Solace Forge is the work of a former War Horses for Veterans participant, Tyler Holman. His passion for blacksmithing and forging became both a craft and a form of restoration over the last 11 years.
Through fire, steel, and disciplined work, he has built a space where creation, focus, and purpose come together. His work is rooted in lived experience, personal responsibility, and the understanding that strength is built, not given.
Tyler was also at our 2025 Derby Party with Solace Forge Knives, and you can expect to see him there again in 2026!
Go check him out on Instagram @ linktr.ee/SOLACE_FORGE
Author - Rhett Sloan
Every so often, we have the privilege of highlighting something truly special created by someone within the War Horses for Veterans family. This author's identity may remain in the shadows, but his talent deserves the spotlight.
Writing under the name Rhett Sloane, he brings the insight of a former career military professional and a remarkable understanding of human nature to the world of conspiracy thrillers. His debut novel, Oculus Directive, launched The Blind Eye Series with a gripping story of brotherhood, betrayal, black operations, biological overreach, and one veteran's determination to uncover the truth-regardless of the cost.
The story will continue with the forthcoming second installment, Parallax Mandate. If the first book is any indication, readers should prepare to venture even deeper into a world where nothing is quite what it appears and the truth rarely stays buried.
We are incredibly proud to recognize the work of this talented author and valued member of the War Horses family while respectfully leaving the person behind the name exactly where he prefers to be, behind the curtain.
Visit Rhett Sloane's website to learn more about The Blind Eye Series, purchase Oculus Directive, and download the free prequel novella, Before the Fall.
RO Knives
RO Knives, owned and operated by craftsman Ryen Overlin, creates high-quality, handcrafted knives designed to be used, appreciated, and passed down for generations. His collection includes versatile blade styles such as the Bird & Trout, Hunter, Scout, and Cody, along with select limited-edition designs. Each knife balances dependable field performance with the character and attention to detail of true artisan craftsmanship.
Whether you are a hunter, angler, hiker, outdoorsman, or collector, RO Knives offers practical tools made for real-world use, not knives destined to sit untouched in a display case. With an emphasis on durability, affordability, and timeless design, Ryen’s goal is simple: to place a reliable, heirloom-quality knife in your hands without breaking the bank.
Dawson Horse Performance
Dawson Horse Performance
Performance Horse Central is a vibrant hub for the performance horse world, offering industry news, show results, horse listings, trainer directories, and more that connect riders, trainers, and enthusiasts across disciplines like cutting, reining, roping, and cow horse competition. We’re especially grateful for our unique relationship with Performance Horse Central, whose support goes beyond visibility as they actively help train our Challenge Riders and spotlight the journey and growth of our veterans in the performance arena.
Their dedication to promoting horse sport and celebrating equine achievement aligns with our mission of fostering confidence, resilience, and community for veterans and their families through purposeful horsemanship.
https://performancehorsecentral.com/listings/view.phtml/Trainers/144/Chris---Sarah-Dawson
Dilday Ranch
Dawson Horse Performance
Dilday Ranch is a sixth-generation ranching operation in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, known for its commitment to quality, tradition, and stewardship of the land, values reflected in everything from their pasture-raised beef to their deep involvement in the equine community.
Beyond their ranching roots, Russell and Tanna Dilday have made a meaningful impact on War Horses for Veterans by generously training and mentoring our Challenge Riders alongside other top professionals, helping veterans build confidence, horsemanship skills, and camaraderie in and out of the arena. Their partnership enriches our programs and exemplifies the powerful role of skilled trainers in guiding the journey of growth and resilience for those who’ve served.
Tier 1 Pickleball
Tier 1 Pickleball
Tier 1 Pickleball is an American-made, veteran-founded pickleball gear company led by a Green Beret, Isaac Smith. Tired of paddles made overseas, they set out to produce premium paddles made in the U.S. and are crafted using domestically sourced materials.
Beyond exceptional gear, like the popular Patriot and Mission paddle lines, Tier 1 gives back a portion of every sale to support vetted veteran and military charities. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast, veteran, or supporter of made-in-America craftsmanship, Tier 1 blends performance, patriotism, and purpose into every paddle.
Horse Soldier Bourbon
“Legendary Men...Legendary Spirits...” identifies the pursuit of our passions and shows through in everything we do. Beginning in 2015, our team initially traveled to Yellowstone on a journey to discover our next chapters in life. That adventure led us to our first distillery tour sparking a passion that has since taken us across the globe seeking the best and brightest of the distilling world. We have trained with some of the best distillers in Kentucky, Ireland and Scotland. These lessons have been brought home to improve our distilling process and the selection of our key ingredients. This powerful combination of art and science is what separates us from others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvvNC_HNxg
Attend Our Events
Day 6 Ranch is a mission-driven platform that blends horsemanship, leadership, and mental performance to help veterans, first responders, and high-performing individuals pursue purpose and resilience. Rooted in the western way of life, Day 6 Ranch creates opportunities for personal growth through coaching, mentorship, and storytelling equipping individuals to optimize their potential and build a life grounded in strength, clarity, and legacy.
Smith & Weston Creations
Smith & Weston Creations
Smith & Weston Creations is a custom design and fabrication shop specializing in handcrafted décor and personalized pieces for home, ranch, and lifestyle spaces. Using a blend of modern tools like laser engraving, CNC machining, and 3D printing, they create high-quality, one-of-a-kind items that reflect both creativity and craftsmanship.
From custom signs to unique decorative pieces, Smith & Weston Creations brings ideas to life with precision and attention to detail. Each project is built with intention, combining technical skill with a passion for creating meaningful, lasting pieces for their customers.