Beyond the Slide: Two Ravens Foundation Is Building a Brotherhood That Lasts a Lifetime

From the healing power of horses to an unforgettable Veterans Day celebration at the AQHA World Championship Show, Two Ravens Foundation is proving that the greatest impact often happens long after the competition ends.

Article written by Chelsea Schneider  |  Photos provided by Chelsea Schneider Media Inc.

 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — On Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, the OG&E Coliseum at the AQHA World Championship Show came alive with an extraordinary display of horsemanship, patriotism, and camaraderie as eight veterans took center stage for the first-ever AQHA World Show Two Ravens Slide Contest for Veterans.

The atmosphere was electric. Cheers echoed throughout the coliseum as veterans representing different backgrounds and experiences rode into the arena, demonstrating their skills aboard talented reining horses. The smiles, excitement, and memories created that evening will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

But behind the sliding stops, spinning horses, and enthusiastic applause was a mission far greater than any competition.

For Two Ravens Foundation, the Veterans Slide was not the destination. It was another chapter in a much larger story of healing, connection, and lifelong support.

A Foundation Born From Personal Experience

At the heart of Two Ravens Foundation is its founder, Reed Knutson, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran whose passion for helping fellow service members comes from a deeply personal place.

Like many veterans transitioning through difficult chapters of life, Knutson experienced a time when he felt lost. It was through horses that he began finding his way forward.

What began as a personal journey of rediscovering purpose and connection ultimately became a mission to help others discover those same possibilities.

In 2023, Knutson founded Two Ravens Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering combat veterans and first responders through horsemanship, coaching, community support, and the Western way of life.

Those who know Knutson understand that he is rarely interested in talking about himself. He would much rather tell the story of another veteran, celebrate someone else’s accomplishments, or find a way to help the next person who needs support.

Yet his own experience is fundamental to understanding the foundation he created.

He knows firsthand that sometimes the greatest breakthroughs do not happen in a traditional setting. Sometimes they happen in a barn aisle, sitting quietly beside a horse, or sharing a conversation with someone who understands what you have been through.

And sometimes, that first connection can change the direction of someone’s life.

More Than a Program. A Lifelong Connection.

While many equine-assisted programs introduce veterans to horses through individual experiences, what makes Two Ravens Foundation particularly meaningful is its emphasis on what happens afterward.

The foundation’s commitment does not end when a clinic concludes, a horse is returned to its stall, or a participant heads home.

The relationships are intended to continue long after the initial experience.

Through horsemanship, veterans and first responders from across the military branches and emergency services find themselves connecting with individuals who understand the challenges, sacrifices, and experiences that can be difficult to explain to others.

The horse becomes the common ground.

Horsemanship encourages patience, trust, communication, confidence, and leadership. Horses do not care about military rank, deployment history, or the struggles someone carries. They respond to the person standing in front of them.

That connection can open doors that words alone sometimes cannot.

Equally important is the community that grows around those experiences.

Knutson makes a personal effort to remain connected with the individuals who become part of the Two Ravens family. Whether through conversations, encouragement, introductions, or opportunities to become more involved in the horse industry, his goal extends far beyond a single event.

It is about creating a network of people who continue showing up for one another.

For veterans who may feel disconnected from the camaraderie and sense of purpose they experienced during military service, those relationships can be especially meaningful.

Two Ravens Foundation is not simply introducing people to horses. It is helping them find a community where they belong.

An Unforgettable Veterans Day at the AQHA World Show

That mission was on full display during the inaugural AQHA World Show Two Ravens Slide Contest for Veterans.

Held on Veterans Day in Oklahoma City, the event brought together eight riders divided into four teams, each representing the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition that makes the Western performance horse industry so special.

The competition delivered excitement from beginning to end, with riders showcasing their horsemanship before an enthusiastic crowd.

The final team placings were:

• Champion – Team Black: Anna Tinnin and Nathan Tinnin
• Reserve Champion – Team Blue: Jason Sedotal and Jeremiah Keller
• Third Place – Team Red: Dave Kientzy and Lane Davis
• Fourth Place – Team White: Phil K Boyes and Kyle Vineyard

While Team Black claimed the top honors, the evening’s true victory extended well beyond the final placings.

It was visible in the smiles of the riders, the encouragement exchanged between teammates, and the overwhelming support from spectators both inside the coliseum and watching the livestream from home.

For many, the opportunity to ride on a world championship stage was an experience they will never forget. For others, the greatest reward was the friendships strengthened and the opportunity to share something meaningful with fellow veterans.

Two Ravens Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the American Quarter Horse Association for welcoming the organization and providing a remarkable platform to celebrate veterans and showcase the impact of the horse-human connection.

The foundation also recognizes the Battison Foundation, whose generous sponsorship helped make the Veterans Slide possible.

Support from organizations such as the Battison Foundation plays an essential role in providing these experiences and expanding the opportunities available to veterans. Their generosity represents far more than financial assistance; it is an investment in people, relationships, and the continued growth of a mission that reaches well beyond the show arena.

Opening Barn Doors and Building a Stronger Community

As Two Ravens Foundation looks toward the future, its vision reaches beyond the veterans and first responders who participate in its programs.

It also includes the horse owners, trainers, ranchers, businesses, volunteers, and families who open their barns, share their knowledge, and welcome these individuals into their lives.

The Western horse industry has a remarkable ability to bring people together. A single introduction can lead to a friendship, a mentorship, or an entirely new sense of purpose.

For those who offer their time, horses, facilities, and resources, the experience can be equally meaningful.

Watching someone gain confidence, develop a connection with a horse, or rediscover a passion for life can leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

As the foundation continues growing, so does the opportunity to connect more veterans with horsemen and women across the country, creating relationships that strengthen both the veteran community and the Western industry.

None of this happens without the generosity of those who believe in the mission. Every sponsorship, donation, volunteer hour, and open barn door contributes to creating opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. The foundation welcomes individuals and organizations who share that vision and want to become part of its continued growth.

The Greatest Impact Is Yet to Come

The success of the 2026 AQHA World Show Veterans Slide represents an exciting milestone for Two Ravens Foundation, but the organization is looking toward a future filled with even greater opportunities.

More connections. More partnerships. More barns opening their doors. More veterans discovering what horses and a supportive community can offer.

And most importantly, more lifelong relationships built on trust, understanding, and shared experiences.

For Reed Knutson, the mission began with the realization that a horse could help him find his way when he needed it most.

Today, that experience has grown into a foundation dedicated to helping others find their own path forward.

The sliding stops will eventually fade from the arena dirt. The cheers of the crowd will become memories. The awards will find their places on shelves.

But the friendships, the renewed sense of purpose, and the bonds created between horses and people have the potential to last a lifetime.

And that is what Two Ravens Foundation is truly about.

About Two Ravens Foundation

Two Ravens Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2023 by U.S. Army veteran Reed Knutson. The foundation is dedicated to empowering combat veterans and first responders through horsemanship, coaching, personal growth, and community support. By leveraging the transformative connection between horses and humans, the organization strives to foster healing, build confidence, and create meaningful, lasting relationships.

To learn more about the foundation, upcoming initiatives, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or donations, visit www.tworavensfoundation.org