Saturday, December 17, 2011
Hearts Never Break
Monday, December 12, 2011
Fine Words
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Meeting the Horses for Our Wounded Warriors...
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Horses4Heros
Horses have a long history of being used in programs aimed at rehabilitating individuals suffering from emotional, physical and mental health wounds. One particular therapeutic riding program known as Horses for Heroes, is gaining popularity as an alternative therapy for service members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other physical wounds sustained in combat.
In 2007, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) developed the Horses for Heroes program after taking a close look at similar pilot programs conducted at Ft. Hood and Ft. Meyer. With the support of the VA and numerous NARHA approved riding centers, the Horses for Heroes program is available to combat Veterans, free of charge, at several facilities throughout the U.S.
About the Program
Many service members battling PTSD avoid social settings that require interaction with others; and by doing so they often become isolated, depressed and detached from the world around them.
One of the many goals of the program is to reintegrate the service member into a calm, peaceful social environment. This goal is accomplished by enabling the service member to work on an individual basis with a horse and therapist. Over time, the service member's confidence and ability to trust increases, but those aren’t the only benefits.
A Good Match
Before beginning the riding portion of the program all participants are carefully matched with a horse that's suited for their particular needs. For example, a service member who is struggling with anxiety issues is paired with a low-key, calm horse.
After being matched with a horse, the service member then takes time to get acquainted with the animal, which begins the bonding process between horse and rider.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Amends to My Warrior
I have in some many moments failed you…I failed to understand how connected we truly are in spirit…I failed you when I turned from you and I failed you when I said I could live with out you…I failed you when I did not answer your calls…I failed you when I did not come to you the moment you asked me to…I failed you when you were simply loving me…How do I make amends?
My greatest failure was in trying to live without you….you have proven I can not…so there it is big guy…you have my heart and soul…
Morning Well Spent
There is a lot to be said in those “Now” moments with you..yet every moment we are together in an embrace so much is left unsaid…I take great comfort in the knowledge that you are the reason for a morning well spent…you are my Hero is so many ways…
Horses for Heroes
"Working with horses helps Veterans to get back in touch with humanity again, Touching another life form that is an American Icon, representing Power, Strength and Nobility - to make friends with that develops self-esteem where the Veteran can go to touching a horse to shaking hands with another Veteran in that combat trust bond and from there then they an move into other areas of life - Reintegration." ~ Sgt.Brandi, USMC
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
~ Winston Churchill
Every moment spent with my wounded warrior after he has come from the stables is a calming moment...His demeanor, his words, his gentle touch, his very essence is calming...my experience of loving someone with P.T.S.D. has taught me to be open to love even in the face of uncertainty.. ...and with the healing powers of a special horse my warrior assures me that every thing will be alright..
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Using Horses to Treat PTSD
The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder afflicts as many as one-quarter of the troops returning from the Middle East, or about 300,000 men and women. The growing field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is showing great promise in treating veterans.
For thousands of years horses have been mystical, magical creatures playing the role of companion, transportation, gladiator, entertainer and more. Now they are also playing the role of psychotherapy assistant through a discipline known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) which is increasingly being used to treat war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Equine Therapy for Emotional Healing
In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, horses are used as tools for military veterans to gain self-understanding and emotional growth. It recognizes the bond between animals and humans and the potential for emotional healing that can occur when a relationship is formed between the two species.





