About us:


A Message from Jennifer O'Neill

Animals, especially horses, have been my passion since I was a child. They inspired my imagination in books and movies, and when I finally met a horse in real life, we tore like the wind across open fields together, then snuggled in the barn while I shared all my hopes and dreams. It was during those magical times that I discovered what deep healing powers and unconditional love all animals offer us… It’s their nature.

I started working for Cover Girl at fifteen to buy a horse of my own, and I’ve had the pleasure of their company ever since. From my Equine Breeding Program to showing the “A” Circuit, caring for my fanciful array of dogs, cats and other fury-four-legged friends has been a life-long commitment. I even got to ride in my first movi, "Rio Lobo", starring John Wayne - WOW! 

And now, what a pleasure it is to share our HILLENGLADE Farm, as well as all of the animals here, with Veterans, Service Military and their families who have given so much to protect our freedoms!

Having been born into a Military family, I personally know about some of the sacrifices our Veterans have made on our behalf. NOW IT’S OUR TURN TO GIVE BACK! The invisible enemy that all too often haunts our Warriors after they return home from combat include:

~ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: We are loosing more Service men and women to suicide daily than were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq combined…And that does not include our Vietnam Veterans!



~ Alienation from friends and family.


~ Difficulty integrating back into society and the workforce.


~ Strain within their marriages and families.

Scars need to MEND.
That’s what HILLENGLADE™ is all about!

IMAGINE being able to offer our Veterans, and those actively serving in all Branches of our Armed Forces, as well as First Responders, time away in the country to enjoy the therapeutic wonder of horses... for the kids... imagine Disneyland with fur!



  Jen xo RaHHH!!!

Jennifer O’Neill & Team HILLENGLADE



What we do

mission

HHH Mission Statement

Hope and Healing at Hillenglade™ is an Equine-Assisted Program that offers time away in the Country for our Active Armed Forces, Veterans, First Responders and their Families to enjoy the Therapeutic Wonder of Horses.

Relax - Reconnect - Restore Relationships

 

focus

HHH Focus

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
is the unseen enemy follows all too many of our Soldiers home from war.


We are losing well over 25 Veterans A DAY to suicide, plus families torn apart by rising divorce rates. .

THE LOSS IS TRAGIC
MILITARY FAMILIES ARE AT RISK
HHH CAN HELP

 

programs

HHH Offers

Family Celebration Events

Down-Home Hospitality

Outdoor Sports

Equine-Assisted Sessions & Programs


All Services, Programs & Events are completely FREE for Military, First Responders and their families.

 

 

Testimonials

I would like to begin by stating that Hope & Healing at Hillenglade is a God-breathed organization. Jennifer has created a haven for veterans, who are in various stages of grief and pain. HHH’s goal is to restore the troubled veteran to a state of peaceful existence through Equine-assisted therapy. My personal experience with this process has enriched me above my expectations. There are no time limits at HHH. Veterans must have a place to go where barriers to healing are minimized…HHH in Nashville is such a place. Since my involvement with Jennifer and the HHH Staff, I have felt transformations of my heart and mind, which has restored my trust in humanity, and in my Creator. God’s footprint is visible all over Hillenglade. Jennifer has provided me strength and guidance continuously without regard for time constraints. Her sincere availability for veterans is unselfish, and her life is driven by service.
It is with unwavering devotion that I endorse the mission and staff of Hope and Healing at Hillenglade.


~ RAY VALENTINE, 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION/INFANTRYMAN
~


After reading a testimonial on the positive effects of Equine Therapy, I reached out to Jennifer O’Neill at Hope & Healing at Hillenglade to see about bringing my boys out to help them process the loss of my brother-in-law, and to understand the impact grief was having on their mother. The time the boys and I spent with Jennifer, Morgan, Billy, and the horses created an opportunity for the boys and I to have a really meaningful discussion about our family and our feelings. What was unexpected was how much I needed to be there to help me deal with my own emotions. Thank you, Jennifer. I loved that you were so passionate about wanting to help our family.
I can’t wait for us to come back again.


~ BLAINE HARVEY, RETIRED COMMAND SERGENT MAJOR, US ARMY ~



A few years ago, I decided to come off of all of my Psychotropic drugs – I have taken some type of substance from the Military or VA since 1986. When I came to HHH, I just decided to let whatever happens happen and avoid trying to control anything. The horses helped me receive something that I didn’t expect. They gave something to me that I haven’t been able to get in my counselor’s office.
Thank you, HHH, for taking the time to allow God to work with me through the horses.


~ DARREN MELCHING, RETIRED US MARINE ~



In 2020, I came to Hope and Healing at Hillenglade from the VA after an attempted suicide. Working with the staff and horses was great. The sessions seemed to put my mind at ease. It helped me relax and I could take some of the lessons with the horses and use them for coping skills and focus. Plus, when the animal gives you all its trust, it really makes you whole again. I now work at HHH as the Farm Manager. I want to help others heal by spending time with our rescue horses and donkeys.


~ WILLIAM BENTREM, SPECIALIST, US ARMY ~



We had a fantastic time with the Hillenglade family. It was just a blessing to see Jen work with my family and the horses. My husband, Charles, really had a good time; he had not been smiling like that in a loooooong time.


~ DEE WATERS, US ARMY ~



Gianna loved working with horses JB and Bunny at her first visit to the farm. It was a great escape from the difficulties in our life right now after losing my husband and Gianna’s dad in service.
We are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to visit HHH and the generosity of Jennifer’s organization and staff.


~ DANIELLE AND GIANNA MARKETTA ~


“The horses are mirrors to our behavior, and I found out very quickly how wound up I am from 23 years of emergency calls. Although I wouldn’t characterize it as full blown PTSD, I would say it’s a big dose of hypervigilance that I have. The horses helped with that. It was pretty magical! Jen teaches how to be a horse handlers as well. I was truly humbled and amazed at the opportunity I was given”


~ SEAN GARRISON, THIRD WATCH BAND ~



What you’ve created for the Nashville and Veteran community at Hillenglade is the epitome of charity and serving God. I support this cause 100% and I look forward to seeing it grow, the chapel build is exciting and I’d enjoy attending service.

When my mother comes into town this summer you can count on us coming by, I’d like to rent a suite for her there, so she can spend the night. She will love that, she served the navy too.”
God bless you and talk again soon.


~ N. WARREN STEURY ~



My name is Mark DeLuzio, and I am a Gold Star Father, having lost my son, Steven, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. I have started an outreach program to provide business and career advice to Veterans. This free service is called B.R.A.V.E. (Business Reviews and Advisors to Veteran Entrepreneurs) (www.4thebrave.org). B.R.A.V.E. also provides business advice to organizations designed to assist Veterans with various issues that they face. One of the most serious today is PTSD and suicide.
Early this year, I was fortunate to meet actress and author, Jennifer O’Neill.
I learned that Ms. O’Neill runs a horse farm in Nashville called Hope and Healing at Hillenglade (HHH).

Since 2010, Ms. O’Neill has hosted over 4,000 Veterans and their families, including Gold Star Families suffering from their own PTSD. These guests at HHH experienced equine therapy’s magic, and the stories that I have heard have been nothing but remarkable. However, I had to see for myself, so I recently visited Ms. O’Neill’s farm and saw her in action. Ms. O’Neill ran an equine session with one of her rescue horses and a Veteran named Billy, who is suffering from severe PTSD. As Billy developed a relationship with the horse, it was clear that he alleviated his stress and became self-aware of the signals he was transmitting to the horse. Billy later responded that this one session would go a long way in helping him improve his interpersonal skills with family and friends. Right before my very eyes, I saw Billy’s transformation. I am personally devoting my time and B.R.A.V.E. resources to advance Ms. O’Neill’s outstanding and much-needed work to our nation’s heroes. We lose well over 22 Veterans daily to suicide. If we can save one life, my time with HHH will be more than worth the investment.


~ MARK DELUZIO ~


Jen, thank you for your support of Veterans and their families through your programs, especially those suffering the effects of PTSD. We look forward to recognizing your great work at our Region III Banquet
with a special award for your HHH efforts!


~ BARRY RICE, PRESIDENT / TN. STATE COUNCIL / VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA ~


Thank you for arranging such a superb program … I look forward to helping you with your future events.


~ LT. GENERAL HUGH SMITH, RETIRED ~



Jen, your latest HHH event, as always, was a warm, relaxing, joyful gathering of Heroes who had the privilege of being honored by you and the HHH Team with food, music, games and a healing ambiance…
And of course magical horses!


~ TIA ACOSTA, MD SPECIALIST IN PTSD ~




The therapeutic effects of the horses on victims of PTSD is remarkable, according to O’Neill. “Horses are such gentle giants – Warriors relate to them because they are so powerful, and yet they have a keen sense of communication. They are magical animals with a calming effect…
” Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News contributor said, “Horses are absolutely therapeutic. I believe this.


~ CRISTINA CORBIN, NEW YORK-BASED REPORTER FOR FOXNEWS.COM ~

Everyone at Hillenglade thanked us over and over for our military service, and loved on our kids
like they were their own. It was so amazing.


~ RACHEL J., MILITARY WIFE ~


 
~ VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS AT HHH ~



Volunteering at HHH has been a very rewarding experience. I have been volunteering for about a year and a half. I am so happy to have the opportunity to not only help veterans, first responders and their families but volunteering here has also helped me become more assertive, a better listener, and has calmed my own anxieties. It is also very rewarding to watch as the horses help everyone that comes to HHH. You get hands-on learning experience with all different types of horses and donkeys! The bond you make with the horses here at HHH is unmatched. Please help out and volunteer!

~ KAYLA DUNBAR, VOLUNTEER ~


Volunteering anywhere brings you an extra sense of purpose, worthiness and connection but volunteering at HHH goes beyond those aspects. For me, there is something about being in nature that provides a calming effect for the mind and the body. The extra bonus is being surrounded by others who all have different stories of resilience and you feel you are making a small difference in their world too. You learn so much about people you never thought you would have the chance to be with and this can have all kinds of impact on the way you view your own life. It’s so rewarding to leave HHH with a humble connection to everything. You are always welcomed and appreciated beyond measure. It is a place where everyone can come together to find purpose and friendship.”

~ ALI RUDNICK, VOLUNTEER ~


It has been an honor and a joy to support the ministry at HHH by serving as a volunteer at the farm for the last year, but it has also been a gift to me. Every single person at the farm needs to be there, for one reason or another, and I am no exception. I started volunteering after my family survived the 2020 Nashville Tornado, and it was an immense relief to have a place of such grounding and peace – a true respite from the trauma we survived. Since then, I have continued to benefit from working with and caring for the animals, and have found healing from other traumas in my life. I always look forward to my time at HHH, and have brought many friends along with me to experience the joy of working with our hands and the relief of taking a break from the stressors of life.
It is a truly beautiful and healing place, and I’m so grateful to be here!

~ HADI BIRD, VOLUNTEER ~

 


Just wanted to say a big thank you for the blessing of being able to come out to your place and learn even more and meet more people with your ministry. I had a blast again tonight and truly believe it was a God thing…a divine appointment. Amy is such an amazing woman and it wasn’t long before we realized we are sojourners on a painful path that was chosen for us… A path neither of us wanted but are determined to move through with growth and strength... Thank you for being the catalyst to this new place for me to love people AND horses

~ LISA WAMSLEY ~