YACOLT — Riders, classic car enthusiasts, veterans and local supporters will gather Saturday, Aug. 15, for the fifth annual Windhaven Ride for Veterans, a fully escorted motorcycle, hot rod and classic car ride supporting veteran mental health through equine-assisted therapy.
Organized by American Legion Riders, a program of The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, the event benefits the Windhaven Veterans Program, operated by Lifeline Connections, as well as veteran assistance programs operated through Post 168.
These programs support veterans facing mental health challenges as they reclaim their quality of life. Funds raised from this ride empower veterans to find the resources they need to truly get back to living in order to help them achieve the fulfilling, engaged lives that every service member fought for the right for Americans to enjoy.
The need remains urgent. An estimated 17.6 veterans die by suicide daily, and traditional PTSD treatment can see 40% dropout rates, with some programs reporting rates as high as 68%. Organizers point to equine-assisted therapy as a proven alternative, citing an 81% program completion rate.
Many veterans share that equine-assisted therapy doesn’t even feel like therapy, making it a welcome alternative for those who avoid traditional clinical settings. This alternative path to healing is crucial, especially since 61% of veterans at the highest risk for suicide are entirely disconnected from Veterans Affairs (VA) services.
Because the VA does not fund this vital modality, providing access to it relies entirely on community-driven events such as the Windhaven Ride for Veterans.
Now in its fifth year, the Windhaven Ride for Veterans has helped 34-plus veterans and raised more than $63,000 to date.
Organizers have set a $20,000 fundraising goal for 2026.
A defining feature of the event is its transparency and funding model. Sponsors cover 100% of event production costs, so 100% of rider registration fees and donations go directly to the assisting veterans — zero off the top.
For Joe and Andi Schwartz, the mission is personal. Joe Schwartz, a Navy veteran and this year’s event chair, and his wife, Andi, volunteer with the American Legion family while helping organize the ride.
“After visiting the facility and hearing more about how equine therapy is so unique and effective, it became clear why this works,” Andi Schwartz said. “The connection between the horses and the veterans creates a kind of trust and healing you don’t forget.”
The Windhaven Ride for Veterans runs 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Yacolt Community Church, 34502 NE Amboy Road, Yacolt.
Registration is open now for riders, vehicles and passengers, and organizers are also seeking sponsors, direct donations and vendors for event day. Sponsorships help cover the costs of putting the ride on, protecting the event’s promise that rider dollars go straight to veterans. Vendor participation helps build the community atmosphere that makes the day more than a route on a map.
Organizers encourage supporters not to wait to get involved, as sponsor placements and vendor spaces are limited by print timelines and event logistics.
For event details, registration, sponsorship, vendor information or to donate, visit WRFV.ORG or email info@amboytumtumpost168.org.
