In late 2023, the men at War Horses for Veterans received a call that Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker had a Relentless Remuda horse that might fit their program. The WHFV program, founded in 2014, aims to empower and equip veterans and first responders who have experienced life-disrupting trauma through exceptional horsemanship. The emphasis on exceptional horsemanship is crucial for a program that introduces individuals who may have never interacted with horses before.
The WHFV Board of Directors includes notable individuals like Wayne Hanson, president of R.E. Lewis Refrigeration and a prominent figure in the cow horse arena. Through connections like Hanson, WHFV was introduced to Ty Smith with Solo Select, who facilitated the donation of a horse to the program. This led to Jake Greenlief, the War Horses for Veterans Ranch Manager and Director of Equine Management, and U.S. Army veteran Jay Williams visiting the Relentless Remuda office in Decatur, Texas, to meet „Scotch.“
„Scotch,“ a certified Relentless Remuda graduate, possesses exceptional talent and horsepower, making him a valuable addition to the WHFV program. Roping off Scotch has been a highlight for participants like retired Police Sgt. Greg Ziel, who expressed admiration for the horse’s abilities. Ziel and Greenlief’s experiences at WHFV showcase the positive impact that well-trained horses can have on individuals seeking healing and empowerment.
Greenlief’s journey to WHFV began in 2021, where he started working after meeting Ziel during the acquisition of his horse, Midnight. Greenlief’s own path to recovery involved acquiring his first horse with the help of the Charlie Five organization, founded by U.S. Army veteran Jeremy Svejcar. The organization provided support to Greenlief, who credits programs like the Semper Fi and America’s Fund Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program for saving his life.
Greenlief’s military service, which included deployments to Afghanistan and responding to various crises, took a toll on him. A helicopter crash in 2015 left him with severe injuries and initiated a challenging period of recovery. Despite facing obstacles like a medical board’s decision to separate him from the Marine Corps, Greenlief persevered and eventually found solace in programs like the Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program.
After transitioning out of the military and experiencing difficulties in law enforcement, Greenlief found support through organizations like the SFAF and individuals like John Mayer, who helped him rediscover his passion for horsemanship. Greenlief’s participation in events like Charly Crawford’s Horns N‘ Heroes roping clinic and the American Hero Celebration provided him with opportunities to improve his roping skills and reconnect with his faith.
Looking ahead, Greenlief plans to continue his involvement in programs like WHFV, where he hopes to help others find healing and empowerment through horsemanship. His experiences highlight the transformative power of horses and the supportive community that surrounds programs dedicated to assisting veterans and first responders in their journey towards recovery.
