About Warhorse Legacy Foundation Inc. Nonprofit Help for Veterans

The Warhorse Legacy

Warhorse Legacy Foundation was founded in Northwest Arkansas in 2018 by three women whose passion for serving veterans and their families collided with their passion for horses. Betty Jones founded the Arkansas Equine Foundation in 2001. She was then recruited to develop a program for veterans by another local NWA nonprofit. Valorie Jones was raised around horses, and came out of management in both cruise ships and the nonprofit sector. Valorie and Betty came together with an anonymous Angel Donor who had worked with Betty for 15 years on horse welfare projects. In early spring of 2018, these three women developed an idea to found a therapeutic recreation organization for veterans in the hills of the Ozarks. Warhorse Legacy Foundation was incorporated in July of 2018, and WLF purchased Warhorse Ranch in late 2018. From there, WLF has been developing the Ranch to meet the needs of veterans’ and their families.

Our Programs

STAFF

Valorie Jones | President and CEO

Formerly the Associate Director of Production at Walton Arts Center, Valorie has more than fifteen years in public assembly operations and management, as well as eight years in nonprofit management with one of the state’s largest and fastest growing nonprofits. In addition, Valorie brings previous experience running a large-scale equine operation that included over twenty horses on more than 1,000 acres. Valorie served as a volunteer for the Arkansas Equine Foundation and the Arkansas Horse Council for more than 15 years. She studied equestrian sports at home and abroad under instructors certified by the British Horse Society.

Karen Davis | Director of Equine Programs

Karen Davis has more than 25 years of experience as a therapeutic riding and horsemanship instructor. She is skilled in managing equine facilities and an advocate for her equine partners. Karen is certified through PATH, Intl. in Therapeutic Riding and Services for Heroes, is one of the only Special Olympic Equestrian Coaches in our area and is certified to facilitate Equine Assisted Learning. A child of two Air Force Veterans, and a mother of an Army serviceman, Karen has long wanted to offer horsemanship services to veterans. “Horses have a way of bringing out the best in all of us,” Karen says. A longtime resident of NWA, Karen is excited to give back to this community of veterans.

Brandi Ivy | Executive Assistant

Brandi Ivy is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Alongside her role at WLF, she also volunteers for Heroes on the Water (NWA Chapter) as the Secretary/Treasurer. A daughter of a former serviceman, Brandi has lived at Fort Bragg and the White Sands Missile Range. She has spent the majority of her life in West Fork, Arkansas. When asked about her role at Warhorse, Brandi said: “I have several veterans in my family that mean the world to me so I have a soft spot for those who have served or are currently serving our country. We need to do what we can for those that put their lives on the line for our freedom.”

Danny Belcher | Consultant in Farm Management

Danny is retired from the University of Arkansas where he served as the Supervisor of the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center for 16 years. He holds a master’s degree in animal sciences from Oklahoma State University and had an accomplished career managing some of the largest and most esteemed ranches in the country.

Dr. Nancy Jack | Consultant and Equine Specialist

Nancy is an emeritus professor from the University of Arkansas where she developed the curriculum for the University’s current equine sciences program. Dr. Jack was a founding member of the Arkansas Equine Foundation and the Second Careers for Horses program.

Jacob Christiansen | Communications Manager

Jacob Christiansen is a theatre director and web content developer. After living for more than five years in NW Arkansas, he and his wife Brianne moved to Montana where Jacob is currently a graduate student and teaching instructor at the University of Montana.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Valorie Jones,

President

Jennifer May,

Secretary

Maggie Lusk,

Director

Pete Croken,

Director

OUR SPONSORS

Our Sponors Make A Difference

Business and individuals who choose to become a sponsor of Warhorse Legacy Foundation are making what we do possible. By investing in us, these incredible supporters are really investing in heroes who live in Northwest Arkansas. We turn their support into programming, community building, and advocating for the veterans and active duty military personnel in our area.