To stream 6 News on your phone, you need the 6 News app.
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
MOODY, Texas — After six years in the U.S. Navy, Caitlyn Haynes found herself searching for something many veterans struggle to find after service: purpose and a new perspective on life.
Haynes found both at Unbridled Equine Programs, a local organization using horses to help veterans, first responders and other vulnerable populations heal from trauma and rediscover their sense of direction.
“Especially being in the Navy for six years, you get told a lot what you’re doing wrong instead of looking at your strengths and what you’re doing right,” Haynes said. “I feel like the program helps shift that perspective.”
The four-week program combines equine therapy with personal development exercises, helping participants identify their strengths, values and passions as they work alongside horses.
On the final day of the program, participants walk horses through a course where barrels represent their purpose and obstacles symbolize their strengths. It’s a physical manifestation of the internal work they’ve completed over the past month.
“It’s an opportunity for them to really reflect and put the last four weeks of work together,” said Ty Delley, executive director of Unbridled Equine Programs.
The program’s unique approach centers on the natural ability of horses to mirror human emotions.
“They are so reflective of people’s emotions and they’re very honest,” Delley explained. “People come into this space and they just know that they’re going to get the true authentic version of the horse, which reflects maybe authentically who they are as well.”
For Haynes, working with the horses provided a calming environment to connect with others and explore her strengths in simple tasks, from putting a harness on a horse to leading it through exercises.
In the past year and a half, nearly 70 people have completed the program. While it primarily serves veterans and first responders, Unbridled also works with youth, people in addiction recovery and survivors of sex trafficking.
“We’re the ‘now what,'” Delley said. “So we’ve been in life, I’ve been through these things—so what’s the now what?”
The organization also offers programs for anyone feeling they need that next step in their personal journey.
Haynes encourages other veterans considering the program to take the leap.
“I was kind of nervous to sign up, you know. I talked to my mom about it and she was like, ‘just do it. What’s the worst that could happen?'” Haynes recalled. “So I took that step. I signed up and I absolutely love this program. Ty and everyone, Debbie, they’re all amazing and super welcoming.”
Haynes’ ultimate passion now centers on community, animals and nature—finding ways to help others the way the program helped her.
“It’s about how you can impact your life and other people’s lives in a positive way just with what you’re already good at,” Haynes said.
This Veterans Day weekend, Unbridled Equine Programs will host a Community Day on Nov. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the ranch, located at 1372 Wall Ridge Rd.
The event will honor veterans and first responders with activities including a mechanical bull, food and drink vendors, shopping, a cornhole tournament and a kids zone with a bounce house.
For Delley, helping others find their purpose isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
“This is like the best job in the world in the sense that all of the things I’ve ever done in the past have really culminated to this opportunity to help people discover their purpose,” Delley said. “It’s super exciting and humbling to be a part of their journeys.”
Those interested in the program can register at unbridledTX.org.