More than a dozen veterans are preparing for a 20-mile horseback ride through Manhattan this Saturday, drawing attention to the urgent issue of veteran suicides.
The seventh annual Trail to Zero ride, organized by equine therapy nonprofit BraveHearts, will see participants journey from Ground Zero to Times Square and Central Park, before returning south to One World Trade Center. For many, including U.S. Army veteran Brandon Spandet, the ride is a way to highlight the fact that roughly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, while also showcasing the healing power of equine-assisted therapy.
“I was very close to becoming one of the 20. It was my last resort; I had tried everything else,” said 33-year-old Spandet of Illinois. “I showed up for my first lesson, and I’m lucky enough to be riding Beau, this huge draft stallion. He’s a monster, but also a gentle giant. He definitely saved my life.”
Spandet, who also works as a first responder, described his difficult transition back to civilian life after leaving the Army. He was referred to BraveHearts by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2022.
“Beau is the best listener,” Spandet said. “He’s been there through bad 911 calls and military-related struggles. He doesn’t judge—he just listens and rides it out. He mirrors my mood, and our instructors can tell when something’s off because of him.”
BraveHearts President and CEO Meggan Hill-McQueeney emphasized the therapeutic impact of horses. “They reach people in moments when words fall short. Trail to Zero brings veterans and the community together, sparking important conversations about mental health and reminding everyone that we all play a role in supporting those in need.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day, down from 20 per day when Trail to Zero began in 2017.
For participants like Spandet, the camaraderie of the ride is transformative. “It’s about helping your fellow human. By the end, you’re tired and sore, but you feel it in a meaningful way.”
Navy veteran Amanda Bethards, 40, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, has participated in around a dozen Trail to Zero rides, including two in New York City. “Each ride carries its own weight,” she said. “It’s heavy emotionally, but for those vets suffering alone, it’s worth every mile.”
This year’s 14 riders hail from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, representing states including Texas, Indiana, and Illinois. One rider is a Gold Star father who lost his child during military service. All have participated in BraveHearts’ equine therapy programs and received specialized training prior to the ride, Hill-McQueeney said.
The NYPD mounted unit, along with similar units from nearby states, will escort riders through busy intersections.
For Spandet, who is taking part in his first New York ride, trust and preparation with his horse Beau are key. “I’ve ridden Beau every week for the last three years, so I trust he’ll see me through the chaos of trains, buses, and cabs. It’s a partnership—taking care of the horse helps me take care of myself.”