John Rhimer was a general contractor through the mid 1980’s into the early part of 1990’s. John joined the Navy in 1992 to become a Navy SEAL graduating BUD/S class 191 in 1993. He served at Seal Team 3 from 1994-99 then served at NSWDG as a combat operator until he was wounded in combat in 2006.
Once medically retired from his injuries, command hired him as the lead instructor to maintain consistency. Retiring from a government position in 2019, John found EIP and participated in a program and ended up joining the team as an instructor to share experiences of war and horses. His passion for teaching and animals makes him a great addition to EIP in providing each service member comfort and safety with their experience.

Certified Instructor

Pam Falkins is a lifelong horsewoman riding since the age of 8 and is currently the owner of Renaissance Farm Center for the Equestrian Arts. Pam shares her passion and professional expertise with her students- teaching dressage and vaulting. Equestrian Vaulting is dance and gymnastics on the back of a moving horse (yup- gymnastics on a moving horse!) which helps with confidence, balance, and self-esteem. She is proud to have served in the Army for 6 years and has an incredible way to empower, motivate, and inspire.

Justin Grant served in the US Army’s Special Operations for 10 years as a Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM). Justin deployed eight times, once to Iraq and seven times to Afghanistan. On one deployment he and another person were injured, Justin ignored his wounds to tend to his comrade. Following his retirement Justin worked as a Paramedic, supervising an EMS system that encompassed 8.6% of the state of Maine (roughly the size of Delaware). “I did not transition well from the military, trying numerous traditional therapies, and eventually began Equine Assisted Services as an alternative therapy. I always wanted to help others, and I thought the only way I could do that was by putting people back together, physically. Now I know I can help in another way, by putting people back together emotionally and spiritually. I believe in it so much that I am pursuing a graduate level education in Clinical Psychology, focusing on Animal Assisted Therapies at University of Husson.”

Sam shares her time and talent (and massive 2,200-pound horse) with EIP ground driving. As a farrier throughout New England, she keeps horses’ hooves healthy. Sam competes at local fairs in pulling and obstacle courses with her draft horses. When Sam is not working with EIP, shoeing or competing, she provides wagon rides and wedding carriage rides as well as working her family farm logging, haying fields and plowing with her horses. Her energy and enthusiasm are remarkable!

Jenny’s natural leadership is apparent from the moment you meet her- whether watching her interact with horses or having a conversation with her while getting ready to ride her horse. Her knowledge, insight and humility bring so much to every session. She is respected throughout New Hampshire for her contributions to the equine community (NH Horse Council), land conservation/agricultural efforts (Candia Agricultural Commission) and Veteran Service Organizations. After a successful career in the telecommunications industry, she has now committed herself to facilitating Equine Assisted Services to Veterans and their supports struggling with Invisible Wounds of War. Be sure to ask her about her role as Superintendent and Creator of the Deerfield Fair Women’s Fry Pan Toss!

Cheryl grew up in an Air Force family. Her father served 20 years as a pilot until his retirement. As a military family, they moved often so Cheryl did not have the opportunity to own a horse. But she never gave up on her dream! She now shares her adored and talented Rocky Mountain horse named Bella with EIP. Cheryl has a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire and works for a company that makes fundraising software for non-profits.”EIP is an opportunity for me to give back to the nation and honor my father, while sharing my passion for horses and their amazing ability to heal.”

Liza is a recently retired licensed mental health counselor who has extensive experience working with trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and mood dysregulation. She was introduced to EIP through her volunteer work with New Hampshire-based Swim with a Mission, where she and her husband Mark have been actively raising funds for veteran service organizations.

Liza’s calming presence with others is often described as grounding though she appreciates a great sense of humor which she feels is essential to the healing process.

Steve grew up in South Dakota hunting and working on a cattle farm riding cutting horses and working cattle and horses. He enlisted in the Navy and became a Navy SEAL. He spent six years as an enlisted Navy SEAL and completed his degree and was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS). Upon graduating from OCS, Steve continued to serve his country as a Naval Special Warfare officer (NSW) for 19 more years. Steve was assigned to three operational SEAL teams and made seven operational deployments. Steve also served at two major staff commands before retiring with 25 years of service. Upon retiring, Steve served another 22 years as a federal employee and contractor supporting the NSW mission. Steve’s passion for horses goes back to the days of riding horses when he was growing up. Steve wants to share that passion with active duty personnel and veterans through the Equine Immersion Project. Steve believes there is “Healing Power” that takes place between the horse and the individual resulting in a positive outlook for both animal and human.