Veterans
Horses & Heroes
Horses & Heroes is a hands-on educational horsemanship program that uses the interactions and relationships between horses and Veterans in an environment of learning and self-discovery.
The Program is designed to teach unmounted horsemanship skills using a ground-based approach that promotes a partnership between the Veteran and their horse. The horsemanship skills are taught in a fun and supportive environment, through a curriculum of activities designed to promote positive skills with their chosen horse. The lessons are designed to help Veterans learn and grow through the application of natural horsemanship principles. The barn/farm environment naturally lends itself to a unique multisensory classroom.
Veterans are taught basic guidelines on how to safely and effectively work around horses in various situations, which helps develop safe and respectful relationships between Veterans and their equine partners.
What can we learn from an equine?
Horses are prey animals, and although they are domesticated, they retain their natural flight instincts. They are HIGHLY sensitive animals with keen eyesight and hearing and are always on alert. Horses are exceptional at reading non-verbal communication. They do not judge. They allow for the establishment of trust, safety, boundary setting, and tenderness.
Skills learned in our 6-week program for veterans:
Classes are 90 minutes long and veterans will come once a week. The program will continue for 6 weeks. There is no charge to Veterans for this program.
- Become comfortable around horses
- Understand and respect the body language of horses
- Understand traits of individual horses as they relate to human personalities
- Learn how to become a good leader for a horse
- Learn how to establish a relationship with a horse
- Learn how to spend undemanding time with a horse
- Learn how to groom a horse
- Learn how to lead a horse through an obstacle course
