Dream Catchers of Williamsburg

06/18/2026

We are full of admiration and respect for this exceptional man.

Major Nicholas Dockery will be awarded the Medal of Honor.

A life defined by leadership, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to fellow soldiers is being formally recognized for actions taken during combat operations in Afghanistan.

As a second lieutenant leading a combined force of American and Afghan soldiers in Kapisa Province on October 2, 2012, Dockery's unit came under attack from a large Taliban force armed with machine guns, rocket-propelled gr***des, and small arms.

Throughout the battle, Dockery repeatedly crossed open ground under enemy fire to rally friendly forces, reinforce isolated positions, and strengthen the defense. As the fighting intensified, he used his body to shield a fellow soldier from a gr***de blast, led counterattacks against enemy fighters, and fought his way to an unconscious teammate who was being dragged away by enemy combatants. After rescuing the soldier and administering lifesaving aid, he continued exposing himself to enemy fire while directing the fight and helping friendly aircraft suppress the attack.

Dockery continued serving after his deployment, earning the Green Beret and leading Special Forces teams in some of the military's most demanding assignments.

As his story joins those preserved at the National Medal of Honor Museum, future generations will be able to connect with the courage, character, and commitment represented by the Medal of Honor.

06/11/2026

Thank you, QTS, for helping spread the word about our programs for children and adults, including seniors and veterans! Your sponsorship of events and horses has been invaluable, but we especially love having your help right here on-site. THANK YOU!

06/04/2026

BARN BIT - What are these crazy masks we wear? They keep the flies out of our eyes and ears. We wish we didn't have to wear them - this is what we think of flies!!

05/28/2026

It is always such a pleasure to visit with our friends at the Rotary Club of The Historic Triangle, and we are so grateful for their generous support of our mission!!

Our guest speaker yesterday was Nancy Williams, Executive Director of Dream Catchers of Williamsburg, a premier therapeutic riding center in Toano with this stated mission:
“Dream Catchers enriches the lives of children, adults, and families through equine assisted services offering education, empowerment, healing, and hope.”

Nancy’s presentation centered around a new video shown at their recent gala fundraiser, and featuring some of their clients. A military veteran with mental health challenges talked about the benefits he receives from the Operation Mount Up! program; the mother of a previously non-verbal adult son spoke about how he began speaking after interacting with the horses; after receiving equine therapy, a woman with physical limitations said “my attitude shifted because not everything in the world is dark” and “I feel like I can do anything;” an Alzheimer’s patient was shown enjoying horseback riding; and a cancer survivor said the experience helped with emotional healing.
Nancy informed that their newest project is developing a program for at-risk youth, and said there are a number of ways people can help Dream Catchers meet its mission: volunteer there, sponsor a horse, and donate funds. For more information, visit www.dreamcatchers.org
In the photo, Nancy is shown receiving a $3,000 donation from Clay McEldowney, President of our Rotary Club of The Historic Triangle Foundation Inc.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We also think of all veterans and active duty who struggle because of all that they have experienced. We are honored to offer Operation Mount Up! to all veterans and active duty service members as they seek to find peace and healing.

05/25/2026

What an amazing night we had at Bridles & Boots 2026! Thank you to everyone who made it such a success - the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff, the wonderful sponsors, and most especially, the incredibly generous donors. The evening was a huge win for our therapeutic programs, special needs participants, and our herd. THANK YOU ALL!!

05/10/2026

Many of you have been waiting for this one - here's the finished preview. Absentee bidding is possible (our auctioneer is very experienced with this), by the way - just call our office and we can help you if interested. Now, for this amazing special piece:
Four horses stand at the fence, ears forward, waiting—an image every rider knows by heart. It’s the quiet, timeless posture that says, I am here, and I have been waiting for you. Created by Operation Mount Up! alum Sean Burnett, this deeply moving relief honors Pete, Picket, Lark, and Norman—four beloved therapy horses lost to the program in 2025 after lifetimes of service. Together, they gave tens of thousands of hours to children, veterans, and families seeking healing. They
carried both grief and joy, offering steady strength, quiet understanding, and unconditional presence to all who came to them.

Hand-carved in solid ash—symbolizing their resilience and unwavering support—and framed in rich black walnut—reflecting the dignity they brought to every lesson and every life they touched—this piece is both powerful and enduring. Designed as a companion to last year’s “The Fabulous Four: Running Herd,” it reunites them once more, now standing side by side, waiting at the gate. More than a work of art, this is a tribute to the extraordinary bond between horse and human, and to the mission of Dream Catchers and Operation Mount Up! that gave these horses their purpose —and so many others their path to healing. A meaningful and lasting piece, this one-of-a-kind creation will resonate with anyone who understands the quiet magic of a horse.

05/10/2026

We are coming down the stretch for Bridles & Boots 2026! So many volunteers are putting in countless hours to help us prepare for the gala. Today's volunteers included another wonderful group from the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown - photo taken beside "The Fabulous Four" memorial to the horses we lost last year, by Operation Mount Up! alum Sean Burnett of Barking Blade Design Co.. And last night, Evan stayed until midnight making sure our barn aisle is suitably clean - what do you think? We are so fortunate to have such amazing support from our community!!