JAY EM – Operation Remount Corp. is headquartered just south of Jay Em at the Mirrored K Legacy ranch and offers a program that will match up a wild mustang to a veteran or first responder in need of a structured environment that will help with depression and anxiety. This specific program was put into action a year ago with the aid of a small grant and the acquisition of the perfect place to do it.\

The current class was three veterans paired with a wild mustang and six short weeks later, the veteran and the horse are a bonded pair. The human part of the pair has “class” in the mornings learning horse safety, grooming and a plethora of other topics related to the horse and then the afternoons are spent in one on one bonding with the horse. Some of the horses have PTSD from the roundup and most have high anxiety.\

On Sept. 17, 2022 three people graduated from the program and the pride was evident on all faces.

Operation Remount is committed not just to veterans and first responders, but to the mustangs that are such an integral part of the program. Feed, veterinary, farrier and other expenses continue to rise as the program grows and fulfills its mission. The open house was held not just as a fundraiser but to try and raise the other necessary component for non-profit success, awareness. Awareness of both the program and the significant need for a program like it in the often underserved rural area of eastern Wyoming.

In a state that is known for its lack of mental and behavioral health services, programs like Operation Remount are a key component of helping those with service-related mental and physical health issues to learn how to trust themselves and bond with another living being. These services are not limited to those in only Wyoming. 

During the open house visitors were able to watch a “graduation” ceremony and tour the facility. They met with founders and owner/operators Kelly and Karen Alexander. Kelly works full time at Operation Remount as the primary trainer, groom, and any other role needed while Karen helps when she can in between her shifts at the Rawhide Rural Health Clinic as a nurse practitioner. 

There were kids games and a free lunch served. A silent auction with a variety of items including a quilt made specifically for Operation Remount was held as part of the effort to continue to finance this non-profit organization. Raffles were held as well.

It’s a win-win situation, but it doesn’t come cheap. So far with donations of time, expertise and money the participating veterans have not paid anything for room and board for the entire six weeks. Kelly and Karen Alexander, founders and operators, are in the process of trying to fill out paperwork for grants that will enable them to build an indoor arena which will make the program a year-round event.

The BLM, where the horses come from, will inspect the graduates’ property and boarding facilities and if it meets the BLM guidelines, at graduation the handler will be able to keep the horse initially paired with at no cost and will get free transportation for that horse to their home.\

Right now all cost incurred are financed by the Alexanders but if the program is to grow they will need to continue to source additional funding streams. Overseen by a board, the non-profit is a 501(c)3 that qualifies for tax-exempt status and all donations can be claimed on taxes. This includes volunteer time. 

While stressful to begin and operation, the Alexander’s consider that in this world of day to day stress and high anxiety just going to the grocery store this is a program well worth it.