Welcome back!

If you’re here, it means your Journey of Growth didn’t end when your Healing Intensive did—it continued. Being part of the alumni community is about showing up with intention, humility, and a willingness to keep growing.

For 2026, we are asking all alumni applicants to complete a Goals & Reflection Video as part of the application process. This video is not about perfection, performance, or having everything figured out. It’s about awareness, honesty, and alignment with where you are now—and where you’re intentionally headed.

The video and goals component also help us ensure the right fit for this season. As our programs continue to grow and evolve, not all applicants will be accepted, and this step allows us to thoughtfully and fairly review each application with care and clarity.

It’s also important to note that alumni expectations have shifted from previous years. For 2026, alumni will not be asked to lead group calls, facilitate sessions, or take on leadership-style responsibilities that were part of earlier alumni structures. Instead, the focus is on continued personal growth, clear boundaries, and supporting the community in ways that align with current program needs.

The criteria and step-by-step directions for the Goals & Reflection Video are outlined below.

Please read them carefully before recording and submitting your video.

Thank you for the time, reflection, and intention you bring to this process. We’re grateful for your continued commitment to growth and to the H.O.O.V.E.S. community.

Prerequisites for Alumni Applicants

1.  Successful Completion of a H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensive

• Applicants must have successfully completed a previous H.O.O.V.E.S. healing intensive program.

2.  6-12 Months Removed from Your Most Recent Healing Intensive

• A minimum of six (6) months must have passed since the applicant's most recent participation in a H.O.O.V.E.S. healing intensive.

3.  Reflect and Set Goals

• Submit a reflection video detailing how you’ve applied the lessons learned during your healing intensive.
• All details for the video are listed below.

 

Reflection Prompts (Your video must be 2-5 minutes long)

1.  What drew you to apply for this Healing Intensive at this point in your journey?

2.  What does healing mean to you right now?
3.  How would you describe your healing journey so far?

3A.  Is this a continuation of earlier work or a new chapter?
3B.  Have you participated in other healing experiences, retreats, or equine-assisted programs?
4.  What growth are you intentionally seeking through this Healing Intensive?

4A.  What do you hope to work on, strengthen, or shift during this experience?
5.  What potential obstacles might make integration or change challenging after the intensive?

5A.  This may include personal patterns, relationships, work demands, or other life circumstances.

Applicant Details 

Disclaimer: Financial assistance for flight travel is not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If your request is approved, you will be required to sign a flight cancellation agreement. This agreement states that if you cancel your H.O.O.V.E.S.-funded flight, you will be responsible for reimbursing H.O.O.V.E.S. the full cost of the flight. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to this process.

A spouse or caregiver of a veteran is someone who provides essential support, assistance, and companionship to a veteran, whether through marriage, partnership, or a close familial relationship. This role may include adult children, grandchildren, or other family members who take on responsibilities to support the veteran’s physical, emotional, or daily care needs.

As part of your application, we ask you to complete a reflection interview. This is an opportunity for us to better understand your intentions, your lived experience, and how we can best support your continued growth through this Healing Intensive.

Below are the reflection prompts so you can thoughtfully prepare your responses. There are no “right” answers—this is simply a space to share honestly where you are now and where you are intentionally heading.

Your responses must be submitted in video format. Instructions for uploading your video are included in the application. You may use your phone or any digital recording device.

Reflection Prompts
1.  What drew you to apply for this Healing Intensive at this point in your journey?
2.  What does healing mean to you right now?
3.  How would you describe your healing journey so far?

3A.  Is this a continuation of earlier work or a new chapter?
3B.  Have you participated in other healing experiences, retreats, or equine-assisted programs?
4.  What growth are you intentionally seeking through this Healing Intensive?

4A.  What do you hope to work on, strengthen, or shift during this experience?
5.  What potential obstacles might make integration or change challenging after the intensive?

5A.  This may include personal patterns, relationships, work demands, or other life circumstances.

 

When you are ready, please proceed to the application below. We cannot wait to recieve your submission and hopefully begin the process of welcoming you to the H.O.O.V.E.S. famiy.

Tips for a Smooth Upload
-Use Wi-Fi to avoid upload issues caused by slow mobile data.
-If your video file is too large, consider using a video compression tool before uploading.
-For any technical difficulties, please contact us at katy.h@hooves.us

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1.  Prepare Your Video

-Keep your video between 2-5 minutes long.

-File Types Accepted: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, csv, txt, rtf, html, zip, mp3, wma, mpg, flv, avi, jpg, jpeg, png, gif, mov, mp4, avi, wmv, mkv, flv, mpeg, 3gp
-Maximum File Size: 500 MB

2.  Upload Your Video

-Scroll down to the Video Application Upload section.
-Click the Browse Files button.

3.  Select Your Video

-A pop-up window will appear.

---Navigate to the location on your device where your video is saved.
-Click on the file, then click Open (or Select on mobile).

4.  Wait for Upload Completion

-Depending on your internet speed, it may take a few minutes for the upload to finish.
-Once uploaded, you will see the file name displayed next to the upload button.

**Disclaimer:** While we strive to accommodate your preferred dates for the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensive, we cannot guarantee availability. Rest assured, we will do our best to meet your scheduling needs. Thank you for your understanding!

 

Choose all that you would like. When we contact you about attending, we will go over your first choice, etc.

 

*If you are a spouse or caregiver, you MUST choose July. July is for Spouses and Caregivers ONLY

Application Disclaimer:  Submitting this application does not guarantee acceptance into the H.O.O.V.E.S. Alumni Mentor Program. Each application will be carefully reviewed to ensure candidates meet the prerequisites and align with the roles and responsibilities of a mentor.

You will be contacted with the outcome of your application once the review process is complete. Thank you for your interest and commitment to supporting the H.O.O.V.E.S. mission.

Disclaimer: As we move forward in your application process for the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensive program, we'd like to share some important information to ensure clarity and understanding about our organization and its policies.

-Please be aware that H.O.O.V.E.S. is a privately funded organization. We operate independently and are not affiliated with any government entities in terms of funding or any other aspects. Our mission is to provide the best possible support and care, tailored specifically to the unique needs of our veteran community.

-At H.O.O.V.E.S., we take great pride in fostering a respectful, cooperative, and timely engagement with all our applicants. In keeping with this, we reserve the right to make determinations about program entry. Please understand that if there is a lack of timely response, non-cooperation, or any form of disrespect as perceived by our staff, it may result in the termination of your application and participation in programs.

-We communicate this with the utmost respect for all applicants and with the intention of maintaining a positive, supportive environment for everyone involved. Our goal is always to create the most effective and nurturing setting for the healing and growth of our participants.

-We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these guidelines. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.

-Thank you for considering H.O.O.V.E.S. for your journey towards healing and growth. We look forward to the possibility of working with you.

 

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read and understand the disclaimer above.

Weapons: I will not bring any weapons on the premises, including storing them in vehicles or luggage/bags (examples include: guns, knives of any kind, sticks, mace, etc.).

 

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read the statement above and will abide by this.

Personal Property / Theft:
I understand that H.O.O.V.E.S. is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings while on the premises, including items kept in vehicles or luggage/bags. I am responsible for securing my own personal property at all times.

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read the statement above and will abide by this.

Participation: In order to make sure that I receive the best results from my healing intensive experience, I understand that I must commit to being part of all training events, group sessions, and meals. I will not attend outside Zoom classes, meetings, leave the premises or miss any scheduled classes during the healing intensive.

 

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read the statement above and will abide by this.

Disclaimer on Aggressive Behavior:  By participating in the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensive, I understand that **aggressive behavior** toward staff, volunteers, other participants, or animals will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Examples of aggressive behavior include, but are not limited to:

- Physical assault
- Verbal harassment
- Abusive or foul language directed toward another person
- Threats of any kind
- Failure to respond to staff instructions

At H.O.O.V.E.S., all individuals—humans and animals alike—have a fundamental right to heal, process, and grow without fear for their safety. Our community is committed to creating a space of trust, compassion, and mutual respect, where each person’s healing journey can unfold freely.

This intensive is held in a sacred space that fosters true growth and transformation. Every member of this space, including our animal partners, deserves care, kindness, and consideration. Disruptive behavior that compromises the healing environment will result in immediate intervention and may lead to dismissal from the program.

By signing below and participating in the intensive, I acknowledge and agree to uphold these values and standards throughout my time with H.O.O.V.E.S.

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. By signing your full name, you are agreeing to the above policies and digitally signing this application.