OVS is a Horse recreational and educational facility located minutes from the San Francisco Zoo with unobstructed views of the ocean and trails to the beach.
After returning from service in Afghanistan, Zachary Leyden faced his own internal battles on home soil. As he grappled with the realities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he rediscovered a source of healing – horses.
In the company of these noble animals, Zachary Leyden found solace, connection, and therapy. The quiet strength of the horses, their unwavering loyalty, and their intuitive response to human emotions helped him navigate his journey to recovery. The transformation was profound and life-affirming. It was a kind of therapy that transcended words – a healing bond formed in the tranquility of the stables and the freedom of the open trail.
Having experienced the therapeutic wonders of horsemanship first-hand, he made a decision. He wanted to extend this opportunity to his brothers and sisters who had also served. And so, the Veterans Ride Free program was born.
At Ocean View Stables, all veterans ride for free. It is our way of giving back to those who have given so much for our country.
Those who pay for their rides are keeping this experience free for our veterans, supporting this program one horseback ride at a time.
Hey there, Zachary Thomas Leyden here.
You might know me as the owner and Natural horsemanship trainer of Ocean View Stables, but I’m also a veteran who served in Afghanistan. Let me tell you, coming back home, it wasn’t easy. PTSD — it’s a storm that doesn’t let up. But amidst the tumult, I found a safe harbor — horses.
There’s an unspoken magic about these creatures. Their quiet strength, their unwavering loyalty, their intuitive understanding of our emotions. I discovered a therapy in their company, a therapy that didn’t need a clinical setup, just genuine connection. It gave me a lifeline back to myself, back to a place of peace.
Experiencing this bond, this healing power of horsemanship, it made me realize something. I wanted to extend this lifeline to my brothers and sisters in arms. So, I made a decision — at Ocean View Stables, all veterans ride for free. No strings attached, no red tape. All it takes is proof of service, and an open heart ready to experience the therapeutic bond with these amazing creatures.
So, to all my fellow veterans, here’s the deal. The stables are ready, the horses are waiting, and the trails are open for you. You’ve done your part, now it’s time for us to do ours. Come join us at Ocean View Stables, let’s navigate this journey to healing together. Remember, you’re never alone.
Booking your ride with Ocean View Stables is simple. Just head online and go through our straightforward booking process. As you do, you’ll see an option to choose either ‘rider’ or ‘veteran’. Now, if you’ve served in the military, select ‘veteran’. You’ll notice there’s a code “veterans” that will make it so theres no charge for you. That’s right, we pick up the tab.
It’s our little way of saying ‘thank you’ for the enormous service you’ve done for our country. You’ve got our backs, and now it’s our turn to have yours. So book online, come down to Ocean View Stables and let the healing journey begin. Looking forward to seeing you soon, my fellow veterans.
About Ocean View Stables
Ocean View Stables is a veteran owned horse recreational and educational facility located minutes from the San Francisco Zoo. OVS has unobstructed views of the ocean with trails to the beach. Come enjoy all that OVS has to offer!
Owned by Zachary Leyden and Tony Kasaris