Horses for Heroes
March 10 to April 14, then May 5 to June 9 2010
Horse Wisdom, in our ongoing partnership with Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, offers a program for veterans and active duty military personnel called Horses for Heroes. Horses for Heroes is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) nationwide program for America’s wounded service personnel and veterans. NARHA Certified Instructors and various professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers strive to physically improve, emotionally empower, and socially enhance the lives of veterans with disabilities. The volunteers used as horse leaders and side walkers in this program are active duty military personnel.
The next program will begin March 10, ending April 14, (Wednesdays, Fridays possible) from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. We have openings for either the 4:00 to 5:30, or, 4:30 to 6:00 time slots. The sessions take place at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside. Please note each veteran participates in a one and a half hour slot.
This program is the first of its kind that is a holistic approach offering two program components: Therapeutic Riding, which is being provided by Ivey Ranch and Equine Assisted Growth & Learning (EAL), which will offer life skills that support emotional well being for our service members.
Horses and humans use a similar motion and gait when walking. Horse movements cause riders to respond using natural body movements. Exercise equipment works specific muscle groups, where horseback riding promotes integrated “whole person” flow of movements. Participants with physical disabilities improve their muscle strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Ivey Ranch horses are also friendly, nonjudgmental companions. Their gentle natures improve mental and emotional states. The bond that develops between a horse and rider inspires a sense of teamwork, responsibility, communication, caring and joy.
Equine Assisted Growth & Learning (EAL) incorporates horses experientially to facilitate emotional growth and learning. The horses naturally help people to drop their barriers and are able to effectively mirror human behavior in a way that is powerful yet non-threatening emotionally. It is a unique and positive approach to support service members as they reintegrate into family and community life. EAL also promotes teamwork and develops leadership skills. Sessions will be designed specifically to empower clients to take responsibility and ownership of their futures by creating their own goals and being accountable for the results.
Participants will spend half an hour in therapeutic riding where lesson strategies are designed to keep the horses moving in order to work the riders’ bodies and teach horsemanship skills where achievement can be documented. The other hour will be doing group activities in ground exercises with the horses. These exercises will be based on the action plan that each individual will create. The plan will reflect measurable goals with steps included on how to reach each goal. The activities are fun and encourage creativity and problem solving for each individual and for the group as a whole.
Any veteran of any war or age, active duty, disabled or able-bodied can participate.
There is no cost to the veteran for this program.
Call (760) 722-4839 to register for a session.
Military Families (Children & Spouses)
For the session beginning March 8, we will be offering a 6 week program for military families to include children and/or spouses of active duty personnel. Please call or email for more information.
Common Ground Organic Farm & Veterans' Cooperative
Horse Wisdom will be providing a full schedule of Equine Assisted Growth & Learning in partnership with Common Ground as the project is funded and moves forward. We are looking for financial support for this program. If you, or someone you know, is interested in sponsoring this effective and innovative approach to PTSD for our soldiers, please contact us.
Help Support Our Military Families!
While we are fortunate to have full funding for our Horses For Heroes programs, help is still needed to provide services for military families children and spouses. You may specify which program you wish to contribute to when making a donation.