Compassion calls

SAUK CENTRE — Along Highway 71 North, less than a mile off Main Street, a 1917 farm’s history is being kept alive as seven horses call the barnyard and 34-acre pasture their home at Guardians 4 Heroes. Each horse has a story of their own, much like owner Sara Ellenson-Risdal and each visitor that comes to the farm.

“Like a lot of the clients I see, each of the horses here have had some sort of injury or event that prevents them from going back to the lives they once lived,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “The horses themselves have been through their share of challenges.”

Guardians 4 Heroes, established in 2025, shares the grounds with another veterans organization called Eagles Healing Nest, but operates as its own nonprofit, which helps people navigate trauma, anxiety, depression and sobriety. Ellenson-Risdal, a certified equine-facilitated psychotherapist, provides therapy to clients of all ages.

“Horses respond to what one feels, not what one says,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “At Guardians 4 Heroes, we focus on rebuilding confidence, exploring boundaries and enhancing self-esteem through equine-facilitated psychotherapy.”

The mission at Guardians 4 Heroes is one close to Ellenson-Risdal’s heart. Honoring, helping and supporting veterans and first responders comes naturally to her after spending 15 years as a firefighter with the Isanti Fire Department.

Years of dedication and commitment to providing services locally  have not gone unnoticed. At the recent United USA National Pageant in Las Vegas, Ellenson-Risdal was crowned Mrs. Elite United Universe 2026. The pageant recognized women who work hard to contribute to their communities. Ellenson-Risdal will wear the crown until next year’s pageant crowns another hardworking woman, but her road to royalty was one she earned.

Ten years ago, after living firsthand through the postwar symptoms and the lasting effects veterans are often left to face on their own, Ellenson-Risdal set out to be a veterans’ advocate through the pageant platform. She traveled the country speaking on behalf of Veterans Affairs, advocating for programs to help veterans who were suffering from PTSD, alcoholism and depression. Suicide awareness and prevention were also extremely important to her.

“From a young age, I always had my horses to help me get through the tough days,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “After my divorce, I was traveling a lot, and it was the first time in my life that I didn’t have horses around. Seven years ago, I decided it was time … I purchased a horse and arranged to board him at the Eagles Healing Nest barnyard.”

There, Ellenson-Risdal interacted with many veterans.

“While volunteering there, I witnessed so many people who were hurting inside, loving on the horses,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “I knew what I was meant to do.”

Today, Ellenson-Risdal offers a number of techniques at Guardians 4 Heroes to assist those in need. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is one option available to clients seeking support and healing. For some, sound immersion therapy is another. By using a blend of vibrations, frequencies and rhythms, known as Biotune Frequency Technology, sound immersion can help clients find a calm mindset that allows space for reconnection and healing. Yoga, wellness and movement classes are also options provided on a weekly basis at the barnyard by Ellenson-Risdal and her fellow instructors, Heather Zollman and Melissa Jensen. Classes are free to attend and while donations are appreciated, Ellenson-Risdal said that she believes financial limitations should not hinder those on their path to recovery.

Ellenson-Risdal originally grew up on a family farm near Warroad. With 1,500 acres to take care of, she and her family raised crops and beef cattle. Horses were a constant in her life, and she enjoyed barrel racing in her youth, she said.

As no stranger to farmwork, Ellenson-Risdal said she starts each day with morning chores. She manages the horses, barnyard and land with the help of her husband, Troy Risdal, and two couples who farm nearby.
Don and Denise Leisner help with the mowing and manure spreading, while Dennis and Nancy Winter supply hay for the horses.

“We are so grateful to both of these families,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “They are so supportive of our mission at Guardians 4 Heroes, and they enjoy their roles.Troy works construction, and things are busy for the both of us, which is good, but eventually, we’d like to get on some land of our own.”

Guardians 4 Heroes held their second annual fall open house event mid-October. The event offers free entertainment for visitors and families who want to come out and see what they have to offer. Ellenson-Risdal said that the event is one more way she can help promote and spread awareness of their mission throughout the community.

“We hope to continue to reach more and more veterans, first responders and those in need,” Ellenson-Risdal said. “Troy is a double Purple Heart recipient, so this mission is important to us both. We hope that we can continue to provide support and a place built for compassion, healing and hope.”