Operation Second Stride 501c3

08/12/2026

Lessons from the Herd
A 12 week series. 12 Horses. 12 individual stories. 1 Herd reminding us how much we still have to learn about ourselves and one another.

08/05/2026

Lessons From the Herd
A 12 week series. 12 horses. 12 individual stories. 1 herd reminding us how much we still have to learn about ourselves and one another.

07/14/2026

Calling all of our golfers 🗣️⛳️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️
Mark your calendars for our first annual golf tournament October 3rd!! Get your foursomes together!!

06/06/2026

Hi Everyone,

One of the most special items in our Operation Second Stride Silent Auction is "Ardie's Rocking Horse"—a beautiful handcrafted piece resembles Ardie and his incredible journey of recovery and hope.

After suffering a devastating elbow fracture, Ardie faced months of surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery. Today, thanks to exceptional veterinary care, community support, and his own determination, he continues to thrive and help inspire the first responders we serve.

This one-of-a-kind rocking horse includes a custom wooden sign bearing Ardie's name and represents the second chances that make healing possible.

❤️ Every bid supports Operation Second Stride and helps offset the costs of Ardie's recovery.

🎉 Bidding is now OPEN!

Place your bid here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/operation-second-stride-silent-auction-waredaca-fundraiser-june-6th

🍺 Join us tonight at Waredaca Brewing Company
📍 4017 Damascus Road, Laytonsville, MD
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets are still available at the door!

Thank you for your support, and please feel free to share with family and friends.

With gratitude,

Stacie Nichols
Operation Second Stride

06/02/2026

‼️Reminder, this weekend‼️

Visit our page and click on the event!!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 6th from 5:00–8:00 PM at Waredaca Brewery for an unforgettable evening. Family Friendly 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

This special fundraiser celebrates Ardie’s incredible journey and supports the mission of Operation Second Stride, helping create life changing connections through horses.

✨ Your $25 ticket includes:

* One drink (Ardie’s Brew)
* Live music
* Bid on silent auction items

Ardie faced challenges when he suffered a broken elbow that required emergency surgery. Despite the setback, his story continues to inspire resilience, determination, and hope.

Read more about Ardie’s journey here:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4SKpVwZU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Come raise a glass, enjoy a great evening, and help support a cause that changes lives.

📍 Waredaca Brewery
📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

05/31/2026

🎉 We’re in the Home Stretch! 🎉

Because of your incredible support, Operation Second Stride has raised $9,626 through the Horses for Mental Health Ambassador Campaign!

We are now just $374 away from our $10,000 goal. 💙

This campaign is about two groups that give so much of themselves every day, our first responders and our horses. First responders spend their careers showing up for others during some of life's most difficult moments. Our horses meet them with the same authenticity, patience, and honesty, creating opportunities to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Together, they remind us what resilience looks like.

Can we find just a few more people to help us cross the finish line? Whether it's $10, $20, $50, or simply sharing this post, every act of support helps make these programs possible.

To everyone who has donated, shared, encouraged, and believed in our mission, thank you. Your support is helping create a space where healing, connection, and hope can grow, one stride at a time.

🐴❤️🚒🚑🚓

Let's make these final strides together and reach $10,000!

Donate: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/campaigns/operation-second-stride-501c3/

05/26/2026

HALFWAY THERE!! 🎉🐴

Because of your amazing support, Operation Second Stride has officially raised $5,026 toward our $10,000 Horses for Mental Health campaign goal!

Now it’s time for one FINAL push through the last week of May! Every donation and every share helps us continue supporting first responders, veterans, and their families through the powerful connection between horses and humans.

Please help us reach our goal and donate here:
https://horsesformentalhealth.org/campaigns/operation-second-stride-501c3/

Let’s finish strong together. ❤️

05/23/2026

We are heading into Memorial Day weekend and would like to thank all of those who make the ultimate Sacrifice! May is Mental Health awareness month, please continue to help us support the cause 💙❤️🤍

https://youtu.be/Ynh06AnCxrA?si=f3N1O9A6n0Q83ztK

https://horsesformentalhealth.org/campaigns/operation-second-stride-501c3/

05/08/2026

A Night at the Brewery 🍻

✨ Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration, Community & Resilience ✨

Operation Second Stride invites you to Waredaca Brewery on Saturday, June 6th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a special evening featuring:

Ardie’s Story, the journey of a horse whose resilience and recovery has become an inspiration to so many.

Come enjoy:
🐴 Ardie’s powerful story through photos and video
🍺 Great beer and beautiful farm atmosphere at Waredaca Brewery
🎟 Silent auction items
❤️ A chance to support first responders and their families through Operation Second Stride

At Operation Second Stride, we partner retired Thoroughbreds with first responders in equine assisted learning experiences focused on regulation, connection, and resilience.

We would love for you to come out, bring friends, and help us continue making an impact for those who serve our communities every day.

📍 Waredaca Brewery
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/waredaca-brewery-fundraiser

05/08/2026

🌿 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🌿

As we wrap up our first full week of May, we’re reminded just how important it is to care for the mental health of those who spend their lives caring for others. Operation Second Stride is proud to partner with Horses for Mental Health to continue bringing awareness, healing, and support to our first responders, healthcare workers, veterans, and their families through the powerful connection with horses. 🐴

With Mother’s Day this weekend, we also want to take a moment to honor all of the incredible moms, especially the mothers serving on the frontlines this Mother's day. Whether you’re caring for patients, protecting communities, supporting your families, or carrying the emotional weight behind the scenes, please know:

✨ You are seen.
✨ You are valued.
✨ You are deeply appreciated.

Horses for Mental Health is sharing this video on behalf of Mother's Day!

Help us spread awareness by sharing this post and supporting the mission of Operation Second Stride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCLyZByGqoU

“Being a mom is not only one of the most beautiful things in the world, but it’s also one of the most difficult.” — Sheryl Barto, Founder of Smiling Goat Ran...