Meet Lindsay Andon

We recently connected with Lindsay Andon and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

In my line of work, I often encounter people who doubt my ability to accomplish something or think my goals are too ambitious. Rather than discouraging me, those doubts fuel my determination. I’ve always believed that when you’re told something can’t be done, it’s an opportunity to find a way to do it—and to do it well.

A common comment I hear is, ‘You can’t rescue any more horses; you’ve got too many already.’ But for me, each rescue represents a life that wouldn’t otherwise have a chance. I’m not driven by a desire to prove anyone wrong but by the knowledge that if I don’t step up, animals with immediate needs might not make it. I’m deeply committed to making it work, whether that means seeking out grants, holding fundraisers, or even taking on extra work to support the mission.

This isn’t about collecting animals—it’s about taking calculated steps to save lives while ensuring every animal in my care receives the resources and attention it needs. Persistence, for me, is about balancing passion with practicality. I believe that a determined mindset, combined with resourcefulness, has allowed me to build a sustainable rescue operation that’s made a tangible difference in the lives of animals others might have given up on.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I founded Project ComeBack to address two issues that weighed heavily on my heart: the lack of safe places for “unwanted” or “broken” horses, and the need for a new approach to working with veterans who’ve experienced trauma.

In the horse world, animals that are elderly, injured, untrained, or labeled as dangerous often have nowhere to go. These horses, deemed useless or burdensome, are expensive to care for and are usually cast aside. At Project ComeBack, we believe these animals deserve a forever home—a sanctuary where their worth isn’t tied to their usefulness and where they can heal in peace. They owe us nothing, and yet, they give so much through their presence and resilience.

The second issue I set out to solve is in the equine therapy space, especially for veterans. Too often, I heard veterans in other programs say things like, “I don’t need this,” or “I’m only here because someone sent me.” These comments stemmed from a feeling of being judged or seen as broken. At Project ComeBack, we reject the notion that anyone who walks through our doors needs to be “fixed.”

Instead, our veterans and participants come to us as willing partners to help rehabilitate our horses—animals that have been through the worst of the worst. By giving their time and energy to these horses, they become part of something larger than themselves. The healing that happens is mutual and organic. It’s not about therapy, and it’s not about being broken—it’s about finding connection, purpose, and hope through service.

This is what makes Project ComeBack so special. It’s a place where no one—human or horse—is judged for their past. It’s a place where healing happens naturally, through compassion and partnership.

What’s New at Project ComeBack:

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is our partnership with Equine International. Their groundbreaking research into horse ethology, psychology, and behavior is helping us refine our programming to ensure it aligns with the latest scientific understanding of equine needs. This partnership allows us to provide even better care for our rescued horses and to deepen the connection between the horses and the veterans who work with them. By basing our practices on the most up-to-date research, we’re creating a space where both humans and horses can thrive in ways that are both compassionate and scientifically sound.

We’re also actively fundraising to secure a new farm that will allow us to expand our rescue efforts and create more space for both horses and participants. This is a huge leap forward for us, and while it’s ambitious, it’s also deeply needed.

At Project ComeBack, our mission is simple yet profound: to provide a safe haven for horses and a meaningful space for people. It’s not about fixing anyone—it’s about creating a community where healing and growth happen naturally, one connection at a time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been pivotal in my journey: resilience, hands-on experience, and staying true to my purpose.

First, resilience—or maybe a mix of resilience and stubbornness—has been essential. Every step of this journey has been met with challenges and doubt. From the start, people told me I shouldn’t dive right into starting a nonprofit fresh out of college, especially without significant funding or career experience. But I couldn’t shake the passion I felt or the need I saw for an organization like Project ComeBack. So, I went for it, despite the uphill battle. Resilience has kept me going through late nights, six part-time jobs in college, and even 12-hour workdays running two businesses to make ends meet. My advice? If you’re passionate about something, don’t let the doubts of others—or even your own fears—stop you. Resilience will carry you through the hardest days.

Second, hands-on experience has been invaluable. I’ve worked on farms my entire life, and through that work, I learned what I loved and what I didn’t. I saw what worked and what didn’t—whether it was in horse care, training, or running therapy programs. I learned just as much from observing failures as I did from successes, and those lessons helped shape my vision for Project ComeBack. For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: get in the field. Immerse yourself in your industry, learn from others, and observe what resonates with you. Those experiences will help you refine your goals and mission in ways no textbook or class ever could.

Lastly, staying true to my purpose has been the foundation of everything I’ve done. I believe that I was put here to rescue animals and help people heal through them. That sense of divine calling has been my anchor through every challenge and roadblock. When things feel overwhelming, I remind myself that this is the work I was meant to do, and that gives me the strength to keep going. When things get tough—and they will—having a clear sense of purpose can be the difference between giving up and pushing through. My advice? Take the time to discover your “why.” For me, it’s knowing I’m doing the work I was put on this earth to do. Your passion, purpose and faith will be your greatest motivators when the path forward feels impossible.

Running a nonprofit is not easy. At the end of the day, no one will care about your mission as much as you do, and it all falls on your shoulders. But resilience, experience, and a strong sense of purpose have made all the difference for me, and I hope they can for others, too.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, we’re always looking for people and businesses to partner with through our Mission Ready Horse Sponsorship Program. Many of the horses at Project ComeBack have found their forever sanctuary with us, meaning they will spend the rest of their lives in our care. As you can imagine, their ongoing expenses—specialized diets, medical care, farrier work, and more—add up quickly.

Through Mission Ready, individuals and businesses can become honorary sponsors of one of our rescue horses. It’s a wonderful way to support their ongoing care and connect with their unique stories. Sponsors can visit our website to learn about each horse, from their backgrounds to their incredible transformations, and choose one that resonates with them. Monthly sponsorships range from $5 to $500, so anyone can participate, no matter their budget.

For individuals, this is a thoughtful way to feel connected to a rescue horse. It’s a great gift for someone who’s always dreamed of having their own pony, or for a child who’s hoping to have a special connection with a horse. It’s also a beautiful way to honor the memory of a beloved pet or horse that’s passed. We have many supporters who sponsor a horse in memory of a past companion, ensuring that their legacy continues through the care of a new friend.

For businesses, Mission Ready is a meaningful way to show your support for the local community and stand out to your customers. Imagine introducing Moonshadow, your honorary rescue horse, to your clients and sharing how your support helps provide her with the care she needs. It’s a unique opportunity to say, “We care about giving back,” and to create a lasting connection with both the horses and your clients.

Sponsorships of $35 or more per month come with a custom crochet pony designed to look like your sponsored horse. Any level of sponsorship comes with seasonal email updates with photos and stories about what your horse has been up to. And, of course, every sponsorship indirectly supports the veterans we serve by helping us sustain the horses that make their healing possible.

We’d love to connect with anyone—whether individuals, families, or businesses—who feel called to support our mission. If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, you can reach us through our website or email us directly at Lindsay@projectcomeback.org. Together, we can create a lasting impact for both horses and the veterans whose lives they touch.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sarah Parker Photo
Allie & Jessie

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