Golden Manes of Valor is a new nonprofit in Henderson County focused on helping people heal through equine, non-equine and nature-based therapy.
The organization was founded by Army veterans Tammy Coon and Linda Steinholtz, with a mission to serve veterans, first responders, and others in need.
Coon says the idea for the program came from personal loss and a desire to honor her family.
“Unfortunately, I lost my Irish twin sister. We were 11 months apart, best friends. I’m the youngest of eight. She was next in line. Lost her. It just broke my heart. Then I lost, two weeks later, my stepdad of 46 years, and then my mother six months later. So it was all very devastating. And it was like, what can I do in their honor?
So I inherited their farm in Oquawka, Linda and I discussed it, and we decided we’re going to start up this nonprofit called Golden Manes of Valor. Golden stands for my sister’s hair, which she had blonde hair, but it’s also for the elderly and the special needs. And then manes is for my parents, love of horses. They trail rode every weekend. And then the valor is for first responders and military. That’s our mission statement.”
Coon says the program is open to anyone who may need a break.
“It’s incredible what mini horses can do for you, the therapeutic value of it, nature, the non-equine aspect of it, there is so much. So we have put together, really in big part, Linda and the rest of the team of volunteers have put together an incredible program of equine and non-equine activities.”
Steinholtz says the community will get a chance to check it out for themselves at their open house this weekend.
“It’s open to everybody, and it’s on Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Everybody is welcome, all ages. You don’t have to be in the military, a first responder, elderly, or a child. All ages are welcome, everybody is welcome. We’re going to do equine activities. We have non-equine activities. We have Tammy’s sister coming from Florida, who is going to do yoga for those who want to do chair yoga. Joyce is super excited about that, and she’s really into the music. We have a Nature Walk with the minis. We also have a silent auction, as it is a fundraiser to help us gain a little bit of extra funds to keep it as free as possible for those who want to attend.”
Golden Manes of Valor is located at 2520 County Highway 3 in Oquawka.
For more information on the open house, you can find them on Facebook or visit goldenmanesofvalor.com.
