Why We Exist:
Veterans die by suicide at a rate more than 1.5 times higher than the general population. Over 6,000 of our Heroes are lost each year. In 2024, more than 30,000 Veterans experienced homelessness. First Responders face similar challenges, with nearly 40% contemplating suicide and divorce rates for each group reaching as high as 75%. In both cases the COVID-19 pandemic only deepened these struggles, leaving increasing numbers isolated, anxious and emotionally exhausted.
THE NEED FOR HEALING, CONNECTION AND HOPE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER!
About Us:
Serving our Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans, First Responders and their families since 2010, HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE was born of a powerful belief: our HEROES—who have sacrificed so much for our national safety and freedom—deserve a safe place and proven method to RENEW TRUST, RESTORE HOPE and REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Founded by Jennifer O’Neill at her horse farm just fifteen minutes from Downtown Nashville, HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE is a Bible-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization built on the documented therapeutic bond between humans and horses. What began as a quiet place of recovery and new beginnings has grown into a full RENEWAL CENTER, serving not only individual Warriors and First Responders, but also groups from Ft. Campbell, Operation Stand Down, the VA and Vet Court—to name a few. After hosting thousands of Heroes FREE OF CHARGE and writing and testing our HHH Curriculum, we are now expanding our reach to private horse facilities across America.
At HHH, we know that true healing doesn’t come from treating surface wounds—it requires addressing the deep scars and negative “triggers” left by trauma, loss and hardship. Through our groundwork model (non-riding), participants engage with horses and donkeys alongside HHH Certified Handlers and Leaders. As they do, they rebuild trust, strengthen communication, find their voice, and rediscover confidence and compassion—as family members, community members, and leaders.
Our horses and donkeys (affectionately called “donkeyettes”) were all either rescued from neglect, donated, or brought out of retirement to become POWERFUL PARTNERS in the healing process. At Hillenglade, we are committed to their lifelong care, honoring each one as a vital member of our Mission.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we opened our HHH Programs to the public, offering paid sessions that directly fund the free services we provide to our Heroes and their families. This model ensures that every session—paid or sponsored—helps spread HOPE and HEALING to those in need.
After fourteen years of success and the development of our HHH CERTIFIED CURRICULUM, we proudly launched the HHH HARVEST PROGRAM in 2024: a sponsored, two-month onsite initiative designed specifically for Veterans and First Responders. Two participants at a time engage in HHH Equine Sessions and Barn Management training to reclaim their private and family lives while gaining practical skills that may lead to a new vocation in the equine industry.
Upon graduation, HARVEST PROGRAM Heroes—and private HHH Certified Leaders—are equipped to run their own HHH Certified Equine-Assisted Programs or train others in the proven HHH Method.
Our model is built for replication. Today, through our growing number of Certified Members, expansion is our primary method of increasing impact. HHH’s first Ambassador, “Nate”—a graduate of the HARVEST PROGRAM and Certified Leader—is currently qualifying one of many sister-horse facilities that will soon offer the HHH Curriculum of HOPE and HEALING at their home locations.
FYI: Equine-Assisted HHH Sessions work for ALL variations of trauma and associated medical needs including autism, depression, anger and relational issues (sponsored or for fees).
Looking ahead, we’re committed to multiplying our Mission’s reach by partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations, while continuing to build long-term relationships with sponsors and donors. Thanks to an ongoing partnership with the WILBUR C. & BETTY LEA HENDERSON FOUNDATION, every new dollar contributed to HHH over the next three years will be MATCHED up to $300,000.
IT’S TIME FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO STAND UP FOR OUR AMERICAN HEROES AND THOSE IN NEED!
Mission:
We will continue to empower the reach and impact of our HHH Equine-Assisted HOPE and HEALING victories by training and certifying individuals (as well as other private horse facilities) to deliver our safe, trauma-informed programs that restore lives, rebuild families and support healthy communities.
Values and Service:
At HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE, we exist to serve others. Our values guide everything we do -from how we care for our horses, to how we lift-up those in need... We are led by Biblical principles and truths while welcoming ALL individuals with respect and love.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Where We’ve Come From
Join the Mission
Inspired by our story? Whether you want to learn more, schedule a visit, or find out how you can help, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form or call us at 615-868-6309.