BondFire Ranch

06/15/2026

🔥 BondFire Ranch Weekly Update – 7–13 June 2026 🔥

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a reminder that healing often begins with connection, community, and knowing you are not alone. At BondFire Ranch, we remain committed to providing a welcoming place where military members, Veterans, first responders, and their families can find peace, purpose, and support.

🐴 Holding Down the Fort

Our Founder, Brian, was out of town through Thursday, leaving Anne to manage the day-to-day operations of the Ranch. From feeding and watering the herd to keeping an eye on everything around the property, Anne did an outstanding job ensuring the horses remained healthy, cared for, and ready for another week of serving others.

Thank you, Anne, for all you do for the herd and the BondFire Ranch mission!

🤝 Friday – Building Future Partnerships in North Alabama

On Friday, Brian traveled to North Alabama to meet with Jonathan of Berryhill Farm and Drew from Operation Iron Ruck Foundation.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue laying the groundwork for expanding partnerships and programming opportunities in North Alabama. Discussions focused on hosting a future Ruck & Ride event in February 2027 as well as exploring the possibility of bringing a Cowboy Boot Camp experience to the area.

One of the things we have learned over the past four years is that meaningful programs begin with strong relationships. We are excited about the possibilities these partnerships may create for Veterans and first responders in another part of our state.

🌟 Saturday – Fellowship at the Ranch

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of hosting a young adult group sponsored by Chris and Corrina, our Bible Study leaders.

The group spent time grooming horses, breaking bread together, and fishing at the pond. It was a wonderful day of fellowship, conversation, and connection as they experienced the peaceful atmosphere of the Ranch and spent time with members of the herd.

These simple moments, working with horses, sharing a meal, and enjoying the outdoors are often where some of the best relationships are built and memories are made.

🚜 A Little Pasture Therapy

We also want to extend a special thank you to our Board Chairman, Barry, for spending part of his Saturday getting in some much-needed pasture therapy. His efforts helped keep the Ranch looking its best while ensuring our pastures remain healthy and maintained for both the herd and our guests.

Thank you, Barry, for your continued leadership and willingness to jump in wherever needed.

❤️🔥 Thank you for continuing to support BondFire Ranch and our mission of Warming the Heart of Families.

06/10/2026

Veterans K9Equine Alliance is an amazing organization and partner!

Congratulations and thank you for all you do!

🎉 TWO YEARS AGO TODAY 🎉

On June 10, 2024, Veterans K9Equine Alliance began with a simple mission:

Support the dogs and horses helping veterans heal.

What started as an idea has grown into something far bigger than we could have imagined.

In just two years, we’ve partnered with more than 50 incredible equine and K9 organizations across 28 states, helping strengthen the programs that provide healing, connection, and hope to our nation’s veterans.

Every partnership formed.
Every mile traveled.
Every dog fed.
Every horse cared for.
Every veteran impacted.

None of it happens alone.

To our partner organizations, supporters, donors, volunteers, sponsors, and friends: thank you for believing in this mission and helping us build something meaningful.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

The mission continues.

Here’s to the next chapter.

06/07/2026

🔥 BondFire Ranch Weekly Update – 31 May–6 June 2026 🔥

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and reminding those struggling that they are not alone. At BondFire Ranch, we see firsthand how connection, community, horses, and the outdoors can help support healing journeys for military members, Veterans, first responders, and their families.

⭐ Monday – Stars & Strides Planning Continues

On Monday, Kim, Anne, and Brian started planning for our 3rd Annual Stars & Strides Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026.

While November may seem a long way off, successful events don’t happen by accident. The team is already working behind the scenes to coordinate vendors, sponsors, veteran service organizations, activities, logistics, and all the details that help make Stars & Strides a meaningful day for our community.

We are excited to continue building on the success of the past two years and look forward to bringing everyone together once again this fall in support of Veterans, military families, first responders, and BondFire Ranch.

🐴 Tuesday & Thursday – Family Time at the Ranch

On Tuesday, Katherine brought her husband, daughter, and two grandchildren out to the Ranch to spend time with the horses. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, and the weather cut the visit short.

Thankfully, they returned on Thursday to enjoy more horse time and make the most of their visit.

Thursday was also lesson day as we welcomed Dawn and Floralise back to the Ranch. Both continue to grow in confidence and horsemanship through their time with the herd.

Walker and Lightning also received some extra attention this week, reminding us how important individual time is for maintaining the health and partnership of our horses.

🐎 Friday – Caring for Lightning

Friday morning started with a surprise when we discovered that Lightning had developed an allergic reaction to something, resulting in hives and swollen eyes.

After administering medication and monitoring her closely, we’re happy to report that the swelling has already begun to subside. As always, we are grateful for the care, experience, and teamwork of our BFR family when one of our herd members needs a little extra attention.

🐴 Potential New Opportunities for Two Horses

Friday morning also gave us the opportunity to visit two horses that a local couple is hoping to donate to an equine-assisted learning program.

While BondFire Ranch is at maximum herd capacity, we are working with one of our partner organizations to determine whether these horses might be a good fit for their program.

Stay tuned—there may be more to this story in the coming weeks!

🌲 Preparing for the Future

Friday evening, David joined us to discuss preparations for our planned Longleaf Pine Project. We continue to work toward being ready when funding becomes available so we can move forward with creating a longleaf pine forest that will support future walking trails, riding trails, wildlife habitat, and outdoor programming opportunities.

These projects may take time, but each step moves us closer to creating an even greater resource for those we serve.

💚 PTSD Awareness Month

As we enter PTSD Awareness Month, we are reminded why this mission matters. Every lesson, every conversation, every horse interaction, every trail, and every partnership helps create opportunities for connection, hope, and healing.

PTSD impacts millions of Americans, including Veterans, service members, first responders, trauma survivors, and family members. Recovery is possible, hope is real, and no one should have to walk that journey alone.

At BondFire Ranch, we remain committed to creating a welcoming place where people can find peace, purpose, connection, and community.

❤️🔥 Thank you for continuing to support BondFire Ranch and our mission of Warming the Heart of Families.



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06/06/2026

🇺🇸 82 Years Later 🇺🇸

Some days in history remind us that courage is not the absence of fear, it is choosing to move forward despite it.

On June 6, 1944, thousands of young Americans and Allied troops stepped into uncertainty on the beaches of Normandy. They carried the hopes of a free world on their shoulders and forever changed the course of history through their sacrifice and determination.

At BondFire Ranch, we often witness the strength it takes to face difficult challenges, whether on the battlefield, in everyday life, or on the journey toward healing. The example set by the Greatest Generation reminds us that resilience, service, and love of country can overcome even the darkest moments.

Today, we pause to remember those who gave everything on D-Day. May we live lives worthy of their sacrifice and ensure their stories are never forgotten.

🇺🇸 June 6, 1944
Lest We Forget.

06/04/2026

💚 June is PTSD Awareness Month 💚

At BondFire Ranch, we believe no one should walk their healing journey alone.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It impacts military members, veterans, first responders, families, and members of our community. While PTSD is real, so is hope. Effective treatments, supportive relationships, and healthy coping tools can make a difference.

Throughout June, we encourage everyone to learn more about PTSD, reduce stigma, and support those who may be struggling in silence.

🐴 At BondFire Ranch, we see every day how connection, community, and time spent with our herd can help create a safe space for reflection, trust, and healing.

Helpful Resources:
• PTSD Treatment Decision Aid – National Center for PTSD
• PTSD Coach App – Free VA mobile app for managing symptoms, tracking moods, and finding support

If you are in crisis:
📞 Call or Text 988
🇺🇸 Veterans: Call 988 and Press 1
🚨 Emergency: Call 911

You are not alone. Healing is possible. Hope is real.

06/01/2026

BFR family if you are a veteran, military or first responder and interested in attending pls reach out to Alabama Veteran.

You are not alone.

If you've been carrying the weight of what you've seen, what you've done, or what you've come back to, this retreat is for you.

Alabama Veteran is hosting the Men's Warrior Retreat at Soggy Bottom in Linden, Alabama, a 4-day immersive experience built for Veterans, Active Military, and First Responders who are ready to find their footing again.

Two sessions available:
📅 July 16–19, 2026
📅 August 13–16, 2026

There is no cost to attend. Space is limited and an application is required.

👇 Apply at the link below and take the first step.

https://app.alabamaveteran.org/widget/form/hkSar4JzWFJZPagrMHg6?notrack=true

for more info contact us at [email protected]

05/31/2026

While today is the last day of the Horses for Mental Health Campaign, its not too late to support Samson's Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc a 501-c3.

Please take some time to listen to this podcast and understand the goodness of their program and the difference it makes!

What if the thing you need to begin healing is to spend time with a...

05/30/2026

🔥 BondFire Ranch Weekly Update – 24–30 May 2026 🔥

This week at BondFire Ranch was filled with service, stewardship of the herd, new friendships, and meaningful conversations about how we can better serve Veterans, first responders, and their families across Alabama.

🇺🇸 Monday – Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

On Memorial Day, Brian had the privilege of assisting with the setup and ex*****on of the Chilton County Memorial Day Ceremony at the new courthouse. It was an honor to help recognize and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our County and nation.

🐴 Tuesday – New Friends and Annual Herd Health Day

Tuesday brought the opportunity to welcome Rick and Sarah White to BondFire Ranch. As a couple who share our passion for horses and supporting Veterans, they toured the Ranch, met the herd, and discussed volunteer opportunities.

We are excited to welcome them to the BFR family and look forward to having them become part of the mission.

Also on Tuesday, we welcomed Dr. Jud Easterwood from the Easterwood Equine Hospital for the herd’s annual wellness visit. The horses received their annual examinations, vaccinations, and Coggins testing.

We’re happy to report that all seven members of the herd received a clean bill of health! We are grateful for Dr. Easterwood and his team’s continued care and support of our horses.

🐎 Friday – Lessons, Family Time, and New Connections

Friday was a busy and rewarding day across the Ranch.

Anne welcomed Jaz back for her second Heroes in the Saddle lesson. Jaz was also able to bring her sister, Somaya, who was visiting. It was wonderful to introduce Somaya to the Ranch and give her the opportunity to spend time around the horses, and experience the peaceful atmosphere that makes BondFire Ranch so special.

Later, Anne welcomed Amanda and her children, who spent time with Beautiful, grooming, bonding, and enjoying the unique connection that horses can provide.

🎓 Friday – Learning and Networking at the University of Alabama

While activities were taking place at the Ranch, Brian spent the day at the University of Alabama alongside Luke, David, Dessie, Shawn, Hailey, and Brian, learning more about BRAVO-Vets (Brain Injury Resource Facilitation And Veteran Outreach for Criminal-Justice-Involved Veterans) and COMPASS (Comprehensive Post-Acute Specialty Services).

The discussions focused on Veteran support programs, potential partnerships, collaboration opportunities within Alabama’s Veteran nonprofit community, and future grant opportunities that can help organizations expand their impact.

🤝 Building a Stronger Veteran Support Network

One theme that consistently emerges whenever BondFire has the opportunity to network with other organizations is the tremendous value of collaboration.

Whether we’re meeting with nonprofits, Veteran service organizations, community leaders, or state partners, we continually see opportunities to work together rather than independently. Every organization brings unique strengths, experiences, and resources to the table, and those collective efforts can have a much greater impact than any one organization working alone.

Brian has long believed there is a need for a grassroots forum where military, Veteran, first responder, and family-focused nonprofits from across Alabama can come together to share their missions, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and identify opportunities for partnership.

The challenges facing our communities are often complex and interconnected. By building stronger relationships and encouraging collaboration, we can better support those we serve while reducing duplication of effort and increasing overall impact throughout Alabama.

As BondFire Ranch continues to grow, we remain committed not only to our own programs but also to helping strengthen the broader network of organizations dedicated to serving military members, Veterans, first responders, and their families.

❤️🔥 Thank you for continuing to support BondFire Ranch as we care for our horses, serve those who have served, and remain committed to Warming the Heart of Families.

05/28/2026

Chilton County Veterans, pls be aware of the change of address!