From the Battlefield to the Saddle: Zachary Leyden’s Journey with Horses

Finding Solace in the Saddle

Transitioning from active military service to civilian life brought challenges I hadn't anticipated. The echoing sounds of war had left their marks, and PTSD was an unseen enemy I battled daily. In the midst of this demobilizing phase, horses galloped back into my life, offering clarity to my wounded soul.

Like us, horses have a world rich with emotions, desires, and motivations. They taught me that to truly connect, I needed to dive deep into their psyche, much as Dale Carnegie advocates for human interactions. Their whinnies and snorts, combined with their expressive body language, became a language I grew to understand and cherish.

A Mission Born from Passion

As I started healing, a vision took root - to extend the same healing touch of horses to my fellow veterans. The trauma of war needed a salve, and horses, with their unconditional love and patience, seemed the perfect therapists. With this mission burning bright, I set up several horse recreational businesses. And a promise, etched in stone, became the foundation: veterans would always ride for free.

Ocean View Stables: A Dream Realized

My journey took another unexpected turn when I stumbled upon a dilapidated horse facility. Where others saw despair, I saw an opportunity. With passion and perseverance, I transformed it into 'Ocean View Stables'. A quick drive away from the San Francisco zoo, it stands as a sanctuary offering beach trail rides, leadership workshops with horses, team-building clinics, immersive horsemanship lessons, and soon, an authentic cowboy cuisine and ocean-view rooms.

Conclusion

Today, as I gaze over the trails leading to the ocean from Ocean View Stables, I'm reminded of my journey - from the dissonance of battles to the calming whispers of horses. It's a testament to the transformative power of understanding, compassion, and connection. Horses didn't just guide me back to peace; they led me to a purpose greater than myself.