We want to take time to acknowledge our incredible herd of horses.
Here is just a snapshot of what our horses have to offer our Veterans and their families.
WHAT DO HORSES HAVE TO OFFER
Horses offer a place of physical touch. security, healing
Sometimes when the Veteran experiences engagement with a horse, it’s the first time in a long time they have had pure and unbridled physical contact.
Horses offer our Veterans and opportunity to learn to be in the moment.
When they enter into phase one, the Veteran is placed on top of the horse in just a bareback pad. This allows the Veteran to feel each and every movement of the horse. In turn, slowing the Veterans brain down. This enables the Veteran to learn be in the moment. Most Veterans have not been on or around horses, so when they are riding, their focus is on what is happening with the horse, maintaining their balance, and learning to slow down their breathing.
Horses offer our Veterans an opportunity for reflection.
When the Veteran is in the space with the horse, the horse or horses have the ability to recognize human emotions and react to the emotional states of humans. This ability allows horses to serve as mirrors, reflecting the emotions and intentions of those around them.
Horses offer our Veterans the opportunity to learn to trust again.
Trust is a cornerstone of the horse-human relationship. Horses are highly perceptive animals, capable of reading human body language and emotions. Establishing trust involves consistent and respectful handling, clear communication and meeting the horse’s physical and emotional needs.
Horses offer Veterans a non judgmental space.
The horses being uses in and out of our therapy sessions, offer Veterans a place to share their darkest kept secrets. This allows the Veteran to physically and emotionally release what that have been keeping buried away. The horse becomes the Veteran’s “safe space”. The horse does not ask any questions or demand any answers, they just listen.
Horses become our Veteran’s battle buddies.
When you enter the military, you enter as an “I”. When you’re in the military you are taught and live a “WE” life, always doing things as a team. When you exit the military, you now become and “I” again. This is where it hits the hardest. Being alone. Our Veterans make a connection with one or more of our horses, that they claim as their own. The Veterans have 24 hour access to our ranch to come and see their battle buddies when they need to.
Direct Quotes:
“Peace, joy, makes me laugh”
“Takes me back to childhood with the horses I knew then, calmness”
“Happy, calm, peaceful, giddy”
“He smelt like cigars, which reminded me of my grandpa”
“Contentment”
“Fulfillment”
“When I hear them sigh, it offers me space to take a deep breath”
To our herd, thank you for all you offer and the many lives you impact and save!
Let’s give it up for our majestic herd!