- a new year -

new management

Ruth with Stacy & Erik at the year-end celebration

A note from Erik Kober (USA Ret.)

our new President

It is a true honor to step into the role of President & CEO of Project Horses for Forces and to carry forward the incredible legacy that Ruth and Andre have built over the past eight years. Their clear vision, steadfast faith and unwavering dedication created a program that has touched the lives of hundreds of veterans, their spouses and their families. As a multi-tour (Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq) Army combat veteran who has been deeply touched in my own time with the Project, I am grateful for the tremendous opportunity to help lead this organization into its next chapter.

     I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our donors and supporters who have faithfully stood behind this organization since the beginning. Because of your generosity, we have never been in want of what we needed to serve our veterans well. Your commitment has made this work possible and continues to sustain and strengthen everything we do.

     With 2025 marking our biggest and most successful year to date, we step into 2026 with great hope and enthusiasm. I am excited to work alongside our remarkable all-volunteer team as we continue to grow and deepen the relationships that make this program so special — serving veterans and their families through community, horsemanship and the steady partnership of our incredible Clydesdale, Percheron and Belgian equine “battle buddies."

Thank you for your continued belief in our mission.

The best is yet to come. Giddy’up!

Above: a lot of love, accolades & acknowledgements at our 2025 year-end celebration - watercolors by Erik's kids, a stunning ceramic logo lamp, hand made by supporter & artist Cecilia Blas, 3 books filled with incredible photo memories & written notes from volunteers & participants, & many more sweet gifts to remember my 8 years of service.

A note from Ruth Nortje, Founder & Director (2017-2025)

with Ion (Off the Track Thoroughbred), a personal favorite for 8 years

On 6 December 2025, I officially retired as volunteer President, CEO & Program Director. On 18 February, my husband Andre and I officially retired as Trustees after serving on the Board together for eight years. We will remain active on the Advisory Board to assist the new Board, Administrative and Program Teams through the transition period to ensure a smooth handoff and seamless continuation of all program services.

After two years of searching and recruiting, we could not be more pleased to announce the succession leadership to administer Project Horses for Forces: volunteer Erik Kober (USA Ret.) as President and CEO, a capable leader who will move the organization into the future with the skills of organizational leadership, operational planning and strategic thinking; together with Stacy Bajza as Lead Program Instructor; volunteer Tracy Mann as Treasurer; and volunteer Carol Kain (USN Ret.) as Secretary and Vice President. 

I feel like I have lived two lifetimes: 

one in pursuit of Olympic excellence in sport (1992-2004), with all the lessons learnt through endurance, discipline and repetition, failure and success; followed by a mission to serve our nation’s true MVPs – the most fulfilling years of my life. The desire of my heart, to give back to my adopted country, came to fulfillment through Project Horses for Forces! 

What a joy it has been to see this program grow from our humble beginnings at Drakestown Equestrian in Long Valley (2017 - 2023), through the 2 years at cozy Centerline in Califon, and finally coming to full fruition at our new home of luxurious peace in 2025

– Peacefield Farm in Pittstown. 

It has been the honor of my life to serve. 

However, I could not have achieved anything without our dedicated team of volunteer Veterans, volunteer civilians, or our generous donors - all of whom care deeply about our mission and future! I am also grateful for the multitude of fabulous horses, ponies and drafts we have had the privilege to partner with, as without them we could not have served hundreds of Veterans and their family members.  

Never in my wildest dreams did I envision such success and growth, topped by such a positive succession outcome. I thank God for always providing all we have needed, and I thank you all for your support, love and kindness shown to me and to

Project Horses for Forces.

You may have noticed that I have never directly asked for donations in any of our newsletters. This was done in order to remain compliant with US Charitable Solicitation Regulations (national registration would simply not be cost effective).



However, at this moment in time, it seems totally appropriate,

as I take my final bow, to ask specifically our New Jersey supporters

to consider making a donation in tribute to my service, by sending a check, no matter how small, to our new address below.

(We are fully registered as charitable organization in NJ where the majority of our support comes from. We are also fully registered in TN, OK & CT, & we are exempt from registration in the states of AR, IA, ID, KY, MT, NE, SD, VT, WA & WY - so all these states allow us to freely solicit donations) If you live in any state other than these and wish to contribute, please contact us first by replying to this email, so that we can ensure we are in compliance with your state laws.

Thank you all for the many years of incredible support Project Horses for Forces has enjoyed - please continue to sponsor this worthy cause as the new team boldly steps up into 2026!

As Andre and I move out of state, we will remember with great satisfaction: my mission has been accomplished.



Over & out;

Ruth Nortje

SOLICITATION DISCLOSURE: “INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

BY CALLING NJ: (973) 504-6215; OR AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. 

REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Mail to: Project Horses for Forces

PO Box 162

Pittstown, NJ 08867