physical and mental disabilities have found mobility , muscular and cognitive improvements working with their equine partner . Veterans have found a safe and grounding place at the barn to rebuild their confidence and work through their integration into civilian life . The horse-human connection is universal and remarkable in how it helps people from all walks of life . Dave Lincoln , one our LTR ’ s photo : Ashley brody
Rosie looks forward to her time with her equine partner Teddy every week . The feeling is mutual ! veteran students , tells it like this .
“ I am a relatively new student at LTR , but it has already had an incredibly positive impact on my life . I retired from the US Navy , having served in the nuclear power program and then in the JAG Corps , which brought me to this area in 2015 . Like many veterans , I prefer to focus on the positive aspects of my service and don ’ t like to discuss what led to my disability ratings , but I was looking for resources that might reduce some of the time I spent in a sterile VA health care facility . That is when I came across LTR program for veterans .
“ I ride Lola , who is calm and lovable , but also a big 11-year-old girl at 17 hands . She loves to be groomed and go for walks in the pasture . My instructor , Debbie , has expertly taught me to walk and trot through a basic dressage course , but she goes at my pace and is always happy to talk about whatever is on my mind . Debbie understands if either I or Lola aren ’ t in the mood for a more aggressive class , she is able to compensate for that and still alleviate injuries from which I suffer .
“ Unlike most endeavors , riding at LTR is not attached to any specific goal . Maybe I ’ ll stop at some point , or move to Montana and be ready to ride alongside John Dutton . Or maybe try out a traditional fox hunt . Or I will just be able to help my daughter tack up and ride alongside her until she is too embarrassed to be seen with me . But for now , the one goal is that Lola and I enjoy the various blessings of life for an hour each week .”
Then there is Ellen Alers who shares her story of how LTR has helped her battle multiple sclerosis .
“ My name is Ellen , and I ’ ve had MS going on 12 years . I ’ m a newcomer to Loudoun Therapeutic Riding , and I ’ m grateful to have found this wonderful organization . Although I ’ ve never hidden my MS from others , it never bothered me too much because my symptoms were manageable , and I remained very fit and mobile . In fact , this
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