EmpoweRanch
VORTEX
Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Equine Xperience
Program for Veterans
SPRING 2026 SEASON REGISTRATION IS CLOSED,
but please join our interest list! We are actively seeking additional sponsorships to offer more opportunities to participate in another VORTEX cohort as this one is full. Please also plan to attend our next Veterans’ Morning at the Ranch, and we’ll keep you posted for additional veteran-specific programs and events like our annual Veterans Camp Out in northern AZ this summer/fall!
Dates: Friday, Feb 13th - friday, april 10th (excludes March 13th)
2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, (NO SESSION 3/13), 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10
time: 1000-1200
Location: EmpoweRanch, 308 West siesta way, Phoenix, AZ 85041
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The spring season of VORTEX is OPEN. Please register below!
IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE but we’re at capacity or the dates/times don’t work, you may sign up on our interest list.
What is VORTEX?
Our VORTEX (Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Equine Xperience) program invites veterans who enjoy the outdoors and want to heal through the ranch lifestyle with horses, farm-fresh air, and campfires.
This is an 8-week group recreational therapy program using horsemanship, equine assisted learning, outdoor recreation, service, and more to improve quality of life for veterans seeking to improve their mental health, especially those who may be experiencing depression, isolation, anxiety, PTSD, TBI, and similar. Delivered by a certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS), this program supports skills such as emotional regulation, communication, trust, boundary-setting, and healthy recreation and leisure participation.
No riding involved and no horse experience required. VORTEX is intentionally unmounted (no riding) to prioritize psychological safety, accessibility, and therapeutic outcomes. Working with horses from the ground keeps the focus on presence, awareness, and connection, and it makes this program accessible, low-risk, and effective for veterans with a wide range of experiences and physical abilities.
This is not a horseback riding program. For trail rides at South Mountain, please contact TF Ranch or Ponderosa Stables.
Our focus is on supporting you in getting more out of life through outdoor therapeutic recreation based on your strengths, interests, and abilities, not on limitations.
What Veterans Can Expect
Over eight weeks, participants will:
Work directly with horses in a supportive outdoor environment
Practice real-world skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork
Build confidence through guided challenges at their own pace
Strengthen coping strategies for stress and overwhelm
Reconnect with healthy recreation and leisure
Develop stronger peer connections with other veterans
You will never be forced to do anything. Participation follows our Challenge by Choice philosophy. You choose your level of engagement, and staff support you to stretch safely when you are ready.
Who is VORTEX for?
VORTEX is for veterans who:
Want something active, outdoors, and hands-on
Prefer practical skill-building over clinical settings
Are open to trying something new
Value camaraderie and mutual respect
Want to grow, not be “treated”
No prior horse experience is needed.
Commitment and Expectations
VORTEX is an eight-week cohort where each session builds on the last. Consistency is key for safety, trust, and progress.
Attendance expectation: Participants are expected to attend all eight sessions.
If something unavoidable happens: One or two absences due to illness or unavoidable conflict can be worked with, as long as you communicate promptly when possible.
If more than two sessions are missed, the participant may be disenrolled from the current cohort.
Re-enrollment in future programs may then require a 12-month waiting period, unless absences were due to documented medical issues or unavoidable circumstances.
Exceptions are handled respectfully on a case-by-case basis.
Known conflicts: If timing doesn’t work or you already know you will miss Session 1, email us before registering.
How to Get Started
Step 1 (Optional, recommended) Attend Morning at the Ranch, if you can, to meet us and learn more.
Step 2 Complete the VORTEX registration form online when you are ready.
Step 3 Jessi will schedule a brief 10-minute check-in call before your first session.
EmpoweRanch VORTEX Registration Closed for This Cohort:
Fill out the interest form below.
For more info and Questions, please contact:
Jessica Voss with EmpoweRanch
If you’re interested but timing doesn’t work, please let us know!
You Can Meet Us Before You Decide
If you are curious about VORTEX, you are warmly invited to attend:
Morning at the Ranch
📍 EmpoweRanch
📅 March 28th, 2026
🕙 0930 to 1130
✅ RSVP on our homepage at https://empoweranch.org
This is a low-pressure opportunity to:
Meet the EmpoweRanch team
Spend time with the animals
Get a feel for the ranch environment
Learn more about VORTEX in person
Ask questions before registering
Attendance is optional but often helpful for veterans who want to see the ranch and meet us before committing.
