On May 16, 2009, Armed Forces Day, more than 80 people turned out for a public demonstration of Operation Silver Spurs at Squair Deal Riding Center in Conifer, Colorado.

The free event, sponsored by the Conifer Rotary Club and Intermountain Rural Electric Association, was hosted by Squair Deal Riding Center. The three-hour program emphasized unique ways that horses are helping veterans succeed in the civilian world.

"The horses bring me back to a place that’s calm and peaceful," says Rocco Biernot, a Vietnam veteran. "They relieve a lot of stress," he says.

Operation Silver Spurs, a unique, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization focuses on sharing the spirit and healing power of horses with veterans and their families. Brad Myers, a third-generation horseman and veteran (USMC), launched this innovative leadership program because he believes horses can teach powerful life lessons about respect, trust and excellence.

"The horse’s greatest attribute comes from his unconditional desire to try and horses show us that in the process of trying we realize all that is possible. By understanding our relationship with these magnificent animals, we can begin to explore our perception of the world and ourselves and fulfill our life potential," Myers says.

Operation Silver Spurs provides a series of classes that use demonstrations, hands-on interaction with horses and the teachings of The Wisdom of the Horse™ to help veterans uncover new insights about communication, decision-making, relationships, self-esteem, life goals and leadership skills. Veterans also learn new ways to apply military leadership experience to civilian life and, at the same time, build trust and lasting friendships with fellow veterans of all ages and walks of life. The Wisdom of the Horse is a life code; it combines Myers’s grassroots horsemanship style and military leadership experience with the spiritual teachings of the Toltec and Native American cultures.

The Operation Silver Spurs volunteer staff is dedicated to providing all veterans with the opportunity to experience the power of partnering with horses. The volunteer staff includes a registered nurse, psychiatrist and certified therapeutic riding instructor. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Operation Silver Spurs is funded solely by private and corporate donations.

To see first hand how Operation Silver Spurs works, go to Denver’s CBS 4’s story on May 16, 2009.