The Benevolent Warrior Ranch serves veterans of all branches of the United States armed forces who live within the Pacific Northwest Region, and wish to experience the therapeutic benefits of horse interactions. Veterans of sound physical health are the primary participants of this program, but the Benevolent Warrior Ranch can also cater programs to veterans with physical disabilities or limitations.

We primarily target veterans located in Central and Eastern Washington, Northwestern Idaho, and Northeastern Oregon. Serving veterans who live within the Pacific Northwest region allows veterans the ability to return to the ranch for repeated horse therapy sessions and continued mental health support. This will also reduce costs that veterans will incur in traveling to the ranch.

We believe that veterans in the Pacific Northwest are underserved, and should have access to diverse kinds of emotional support tools in the region they live in. The Benevolent Warrior Ranch offers a unique equine therapy program that will serve many veterans in a region where equine therapy centers are few and far between.

Veterans have already acquired skills through their military service such as leadership, confidence, and dedication that can be applied when learning horsemanship techniques. Experiences with horses at the BWR will support the veteran’s connections with horses, animals of proven therapeutic value, and be able to connect their experiences with equine therapy as coping skills in everyday situations. The ranch venue itself is designed to serve as a location which veterans can feel comfortable in sharing their emotions. Our horses provide a judgement-free environment which tears down the barriers that we vets often build for self-preservation.

Yes! The Benevolent Warrior Ranch is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating out of Asotin, Washington and exclusively serves United States Military Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel of all branches. Donations to the Benevolent Warrior Ranch can be accepted from individuals and businesses and are tax-deductible.

BWR finances its operations solely through donations and offers equine assisted therapy services at no cost to the veteran. We are empowered by our local community and sponsors, other military veterans, and people watching from afar who want to support US Military veterans. The Benevolent Warrior Ranch provides a location, program, and cause to do so.

Our #1 goal at the Benevolent Warrior Ranch is to serve US Military Veterans and believe that mental health services should be accessible to all veterans with as few barriers as possible. Veterans are invited to participate in as many equine-assisted therapy sessions as they desire at no cost to them, and the BWR may also be able to assist with costs of transportation for a veteran getting to the ranch. For communal areas on the ranch, veterans may be asked to participate in volunteer activities which will benefit future veterans that participate in the Benevolent Warrior Ranch Program. Building communal spaces with and for other veterans will facilitate camaraderie and give veterans a place to support one another and work together to improve their lives.

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There are no paid employees at the Benevolent Warrior Ranch, so volunteers are a key part of our mission. We have access to local mental health professionals who may serve as volunteer contractors if a veteran needs additional mental health support. All equine assisted therapy sessions and veteran family support services are provided by Benevolent Warrior Ranch founders Matthew Lacy Ditto. The Benevolent Warrior Ranch is guided by a diverse Board of Supervisors who serve as passionate volunteers to assist local veterans by supporting and advising this program.

Matthew Ditto (Founder)
Lacy Ditto (Founder)
Jeff Bronaugh (Retired US Marine Corps Veteran)
Emily Smith (Equine Expert)
Caren Cox (Mental Health Professional)