Program Overview
Our veterans pilot program is our newest program lasting 4 - 6 weeks. Each week, classes will consist of a short briefing followed by interactions with our horses. Classes consist of each veteran being partnered with a horse. Classes will begin by focusing on equine care, groundwork, horsemanship skills, and bonding/trusting their horse and team members, leading up to the possibility of mounting the horses. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available.
We also currently do veterans field trips.
How can you get involved?
1. Nominate a veteran or service member to participate in our program
2. Volunteer for a program
We would love your help with our veteran or other programs at HRET! Please contact us at hretvolunteer@gmail.com to sign up. Volunteering is also very rewarding and therapeutic!
3. Financially sponsor
Help us keep this program at no cost to the veterans we serve!
4. Spread the word!
Like us on Facebook: Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy and tell all your friends
Benefits
Physical, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits occur during veteran’s equine programs. It can be beneficial for veterans with physical or mental ailments such as TBI, chronic pain, or PTSD. Experiences with horses help to enhance memory, physical strength and movement, problem solving, and emotional aspects of veteran’s lives. For example, one research study found that participants who completed 12 class sessions had increased scores in 6 of 8 health domains, those who completed 24 sessions had increased scores in 7 of 8 health domains, and that participants had fewer depression symptoms over time (Lanning & Krenek, 2013). These health domains included physical and emotional aspects and participants stated they felt increased sociability, decreased isolation, increased sense of hope, and increased need to serve others.
TESTIMONIAL
“Working with horses through the a PATH Intl. veterans program brought me back to life. The horses gave me a purpose and taught me how to be present in my life again. I didn’t even know I needed it until I was doing it. ”
-Rebecca Spring
