When Mike Oluvic retired from the United States Navy in 2016, he and his wife, Tammy, bought an equestrian ranch in Alpine, California.
After 25 years of service, Tammy watched Mike’s mental health decline, noticing he could be dealing with symptoms of PTSD. Not long after, Mike was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia.
Soon, they discovered a group of abused horses in need of a new home, and embarked on a journey that led them them to the eighteen remarkable horses they have today, each with their own special story.
But, Tammy didn’t want to just save the horses- she wanted to give them a new, meaningful purpose.
Tammy saw a change in Mike once he began working with the rescued horses, who, over time, taught him how to control his anger and anxiety. Horses are great therapists- they don’t judge and give their rider instant feedback.
Tammy knew she had to help other veterans and first responders by partnering them with horses.
Driven by their dedication to veterans and their families, Mike and Tammy established Saddles In Service: a sanctuary where heroes of all backgrounds can begin a healing journey alongside rescue horses.
Kyle served as a police officer for eight years, not knowing how much his career would affect him psychologically until hitting rock bottom after being involved in a shootout. Simple tasks like reading or grocery shopping became impossible for Kyle.
When he joined Saddles in Service, Kyle discovered how sensitive horses can be to human emotion and energy, helping him become more aware of his own anxieties when in public.
Tom retired from the Army in 2006 after serving for 23 years. In 2013, he moved to Wyoming to work full time with horses. After suffering from PTSD in silence for years, Tom credits horses and his family for saving his life.
For Tom, finding Saddles in Service was a miracle. Today, Tom believes its his calling to help those with similar experiences.
Saddles In Service was founded in San Diego County, CA in 2017 with one hero: Mike Oluvic. Today, Mike and Tammy serve countless active duty military members, veterans, and first responders, offering a unique opportunity to explore recovery alongside a rescue horse.
Through horsemanship, these heroes have found joy, hope, and purpose again.