Operation Boot Camp - Making Smiles for a Better Future

Welcome Home! Duke, Jake, & Sammy have made it safely to the Farm here at Operation Therapy's headquarters. Since they have arrived we've been working with them to assess their demeanor and behavioral structure. Each Mini has skillsets that makes them highly beneficial for most environments. With that said we would like to introduce our new program called Operation Boot Camp. 2025 is going to be a busy year attending schools, hospitals, and playing a big part in local public events so the Mini's have to be on their best behavior and up for the task of bringing smiles to peoples lives they interreact with. We have a lot to prepare for in a short amount of time and need all hands on deck. Please reach out and ask how you can help, may it be volunteering, donating, and/or sponsoring this amazing program. We are excited to have them here in East Tennessee at the Farm. and to be a positive influence for Military Veterans and the local community. Scroll below to get the full story of Sammy, Duke, and Jake. We appreciate you taking the time be part of their amazing journey.

We would like to introduce Duke aka The Boss, he was born in 2018. Duke is the biggest and the strongest of the three lil'Amigos. Jake is his half-brother; both have the same father. He is trained to pull a cart; we look forward to joining local gatherings and parades with him. He is excellent with kids and loves to be out socializing in public at local venues, fairs, schools, libraries and VA facilities making people smile. 

We would also, like to introduce Jake aka Mr. Smarty Pants, he was born in 2018 as well. Jake's training is more specialized and makes him a great companion for Veterans with PTSD and hyperactive children. He stays calm around loud noises and distractions. Jake has the most experience in elder care homes, public facilities, and even living inside a house. He is affectionate, knows how to give kisses and even take a bow. Jake is gentle, careful and does well in tight spaces, such as hospital rooms. 

Last but not least, meet Sammy aka Mr. Affection, born in 2019. He is the kindest of the three horses with a heart of gold. Sammy had a difficult first few years with two serious medical conditions, but that didn't stop him from being soft hearted and amazing. He tends to be extra gentle with kids and seeks them out in groups. Sammy works extra hard to please his human friends. 

Clearing/Excavating areas for two Stables, location in the main field and secondary field. Sitework and materials for power and water. Add retainage along hillsides and proper water drainage. Backfill areas after sitework is complete. Apply grass seed and straw to new excavated dirt areas. 

3 weeks

Cost: $20,000 

Once site areas are complete, install stables. Add rain catchment systems. 

2 weeks

Cost: $10,500

Install proper fencing and gates for animal security and safety.

3 weeks

Cost: $15,000

Final stable/site preparation for the arrival of Jake, Duke, and Sammy. Work with the caretaker in Franklin Tennessee for transport. Bring the lil'Amigos to OT's Headquarters here in Heritage Holler. Arrival Date: Fall 2024

1 week

Cost: $2500

We were donated 2 vintage barns that need to be dismantled, inventoried and moved to OT's headquarters at Heritage Holler. Where the material will be measured/cut and stored for repurposing. The goal is to minimize the cost in building materials, while keeping the barn and other out buildings here at Heritage Holler original and vintage as if it were built late 1800's/early 1900's.  With this material we hope to build a full size barn.