Taking the Reins is specifically dedicated to Veterans in our community and is facilitated by a licensed therapist. The purpose of this program setting is to provide a space for relaxation, respite, and tools to thrive in everyday life.
Research has shown that human heart rates lower when around horses and there are noticeable improvements in social functioning and overall reduction in stress following equine interactions. Through horse-human interaction, participants can improve communication skills and engage in mindful emotional awareness and regulation. These interactions facilitate bonding, address fear or anxiety, and promote confidence in a non-traditional way. Furthermore, these goals can be transferred to participants’ lives outside of the barn.
Because this program does not take place in a clinical setting, our intention is to encourage participants to feel empowered and impactful by utilizing the horses without feeling like they are receiving traditional therapy. Through testimonials of previous participants in this program the horses provided significant vehicles for change and growth across multiple realms in their lives.
Over the course of Taking the Reins, Veterans will be paired with a horse, with whom they can connect and build a relationship. Each week participants will spend time with them, grooming, and caring for their horse, which encourages autonomy, self-reliance, trust, companionship, and compassion. Participants will also have the opportunity to ride the horses and engage in trust building activities to better connect with their horse and others in the program.
Taking the Reins is an open and protected space for our participants to get to know each other in the presence of horses and under the guidance of a therapist. Significantly, the program itself belongs to the Veterans, and how they want to spend the time with the horses is factored into each weekly session.
Our goal is to be able raise funds to provide services to our Veterans at no cost.
The cost for one Veteran to be a part of the 8-week program is $1,000.00
Sponsors will be recognized at our events, on our website, social media pages, and newsletters.