about horses and the upkeep of horses and assist in their care as opportunities allow. They are trained in safe handling techniques, natural horsemanship and groundwork. True partnership develops with the horse they work with as the veterans learns how to be a leader to their horse. Round penning a free horse is a very intense experience and provokes strong emotions without exception. The highlight for each participant is the day their horse remains with them and voluntarily follows them around without any lead rope, only through non-verbal communication and trust. Once they reach this point, they are ready to saddle up and start riding. Already knowing their horse well when they first get on truly intensifies the enjoyment of being carried by this trusting partner. All sessions are facilitated by a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Riding Instructor with extensive training and experience with horses and military culture.
Group farm upkeep missions provide veterans the opportunity to spend time working together. These activities stimulate fitness, improved physical agility and strength. Many of these veterans actively seek and appreciate the opportunity to give back, feel ownership,
pride and responsibility for the animals and barn. Physical disabilities are accommodated, and veterans are able to do as much as they can. All sessions are concluded with a relaxing picnic lunch.
Groups of veterans battling PTSD, couples, and veterans healing from military sexual trauma, come for half- to full-day clinics with their Mental Health Professionals.
Kathy Hart, our Professional Association of
Therapeutic Horsemanship International
(PATH Intl.) Advanced Riding Instructor and
PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) works with the clinicians to help them process the emotions and metaphors that are drawn from the teamwork, body language, trust, confidence and other exercises done with the equine team. We have seen lives changed, as the power of experiencing a specific reality through the help of a horse has a profound effect on a person.
Finally, we provide Summer Horse Camp and riding lessons for the children of participants or active service personnel who are deployed with the Drakestown Equestrian Riding School. Imagine the joy for the parents to see their children thrive and enjoy an activity that is frequently out of reach.
While little more than a year old, Project Horses for Forces has already seen many positive impacts
on the lives of veterans and family
participants and we look forward
to expanding and serving our
MVP’s for many years to come.
https://horsesforforces.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Horses4Forces/?fref=ts
PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) works with the clinicians to help them process the emotions and metaphors that are drawn from the teamwork, body language, trust, confidence and other exercises done with the equine team. We have seen lives changed, as the power of experiencing a specific reality through the help of a horse has a profound effect on a person.
Finally, we provide Summer Horse Camp and riding lessons for the children of participants or active service personnel who are deployed with the Drakestown Equestrian Riding School. Imagine the joy for the parents to see their children thrive and enjoy an activity that is frequently out of reach.
While little more than a year old, Project Horses for Forces has already seen many positive impacts on the lives of veterans and family participants and we look forward to expanding and serving our MVP’s for many
years to come.
Learn more at the Horses
4 Forces Website >>
https://horsesforforces.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Horses4Forces/?fref=ts