groups has been on veterans, they have expanded to allow support to military, first responders and family-based activities.
As participation grows, considerations may be given to more specialized groups. In the meantime, Twin Rotors continues to work to implement other programs
Latino said that simplicity is part of what makes the program effective.
“ It’ s not about breakthroughs,” he said.“ It’ s about showing up and building habits that support healing. Sometimes that’ s enough.” Whitely echoed the same idea.“ People think therapy always has to be about talking,” she said.“ But sometimes regulation starts with just breathing the same air as a calm animal and noticing how that changes your own state. That’ s the starting point.”
Twin Rotors continues to look for ways to expand access to the program and its leaders hope to raise awareness about equine therapy’ s role in mental health care. More than anything, they want to normalize nontraditional approaches to healing.
“ It’ s not a replacement for other treatments,” Whitely said.“ But for a lot of veterans, it’ s the first thing that actually makes sense.”
who are wary of traditional mental health care.
“ Some veterans have had bad experiences with therapists or the VA,” she said.“ This gives them a fresh start in a place that doesn’ t feel clinical.”
While some sessions are individual, most involve small groups, which fosters camaraderie without being overwhelming.
“ It’ s not group therapy in the way most people imagine,” Latino added.“ There’ s very little pressure to speak. You’ re just working alongside people with similar experiences.”
He also said that equine therapy naturally fosters accountability.
“ If a horse won’ t approach, you have to stop and ask yourself why,” he said.“ It makes you more aware of your own attitude.”
Veterans travel from across North Texas to participate, according to Whitely, because programs like this one are rare.
“ There aren’ t a lot of trauma-informed equine therapy options for adults in this area,” she said.“ Most programs are either for children or recreation-focused.”
Twin Rotors Mission board members say the long-term goal is to ensure the program remains sustainable without sacrificing quality. While the focus for these
10 GREENVILLE LIFE