Equine Assisted Services for Veterans/Active-Duty Military

THE VALOR DETACHMENT

Started in 2025, the Valor Detachment is a USU Extension program for veterans and active-duty military. Our mounted drill team does grand entries at rodeos, horse shows, and parades, focusing on veteran mental health and suicide awareness. Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse (or use a friend's horse), but if that is inaccessible, then USU Equine Experience can lease a horse to you. Each practice is $20.

The team meets once a week for practice; Wednesdays from 6pm-7:30pm. Horses are expected to be saddled and ready to go by 6:15pm, with rider warm-up's completed by 6:30pm. All riders must have their cool down completed by 7:15pm. Practices are led by our elected captain and co-captain, and follow the listed structure:
- Week 1: Riding skills
- Week 2: Drill pattern
- Week 3: Riding skills
- Week 4: Drill pattern
- Week 5: Mounted games, trail rides, etc. 

The team participants in 3-5 rodeos in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho and 3-5 parades in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho from May-September. Each year, the events change slightly, so it's best to follow our social media to keep apprised of current events. 
Valor Detachment Facebook  


MEMBER EXPECTATIONS

• “Earn your shirt,” 10 practices before the uniform shirt is given.
• 4 practices up to the event are mandatory if you want to participate in that event.
• 2-week notice, if possible, of missing practice.
• If attendance becomes an issue, the co-captain and captain will discuss how to move forward.
• Pay USU lease fees in a timely manner. Lease fees invoices will be sent out at the end of every month. 

Team Positions

Coach

• Manages horse/tack assignments, arena reservations, and the USU representative.
• Works with USU for funding, horse approval, off-site events, etc.
• Find funds for travel, truck, and trailer. Supplies practice equipment, flags, uniforms, etc.

Captain (elected)

• Manages practice organization and plans practice schedule. Presents drill pattern options for team approval for event patterns.
• Completes paperwork for events for the team and assists the coach with logistics for events.

Co-Captain (elected)

• Steps in for the Captain if absent.
• Assists with event searching and approval. Assists the coach with fundraising and outreach (raising awareness for veteran suicide and finding new team members).

Color Guard (elected)

• Manages maintenance of equipment (flags, banners, etc.) and ensures we’re following Flag Code and etiquette.
• Prepares equipment for events/practice, makes sure it is put up properly after events and practices.

Sergeant at Arms (elected)

• Maintains order at practice and events. Time calls, mounts, dismounts, warm-ups, etc.
• Attendance keeping.