Today is Veteran's Day in the United States. With that, let's take some time to recognize the benefits of equine-centered activities for veterans. Equine-assisted activities provide therapeutic benefits, aiding mental and physical well-being. Whether you're interested in providing such resources or directing people to them, I want to help get you started.
The Benefits of Equine Programs for Veterans
Just a few of the benefits of veteran-centric equine activities:
Reduction of PTSD symptoms
Emotional regulation and awareness of feelings
Improved communication skills
Potential for improved strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility
Increased confidence
Boundary setting skills
Plus, who doesn't love spending time with horses? We all know that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man (thank you, Winston Churchill (a veteran!), for putting it so succinctly).
Top Equine Programs for Veterans
The goal of PATH International Equine Services for Heroes®, the gold-standard in certification for such programs, is to make mounted and unmounted equine-assisted services available to any veteran or military personnel within or near their home communities. PATH provides credentialing services, including on demand programs designed specifically for serving our veteran community.
Helping someone find a program? Use their Find a Program search feature and filter by "Veterans Program".
Project Odyssey focuses on adventure-based 12-week mental health programs for veterans, including equine-centric adventure opportunities. Have or building an equine activity program for veterans? Consider reaching out to partner with them through this program.
Insurance for Equine-Assisted Veteran Programs
As with all equine-related activities, I highly recommend having proper insurance before providing such services. The risk in not doing so is far too great, potentially carrying ramifications that will stretch into the future and impact all aspects of your life, not just the equine side of things. Markel Insurance, linked above in this section header, offers customizable equine assisted therapy insurance designed to accommodate the unique needs of your facility and program.
Funding & Grants for Equine Programs
Running a therapeutic riding program (which is what equine-centric veterans' programs are classified under) can be costly. Certain protocols, accessibility, structures, and specialized insurance is needed. Fortunately there are lots of resources to help support the cost of developing and maintaining such programs for you, your facility, and the veterans who take advantage of your program. Two great places to start are with PATH Grants & Scholarships and the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant Program.
Want to learn more about the benefits of equine programs for veterans or get some ideas on how to structure a program for yourself? Take a moment to read through some of the articles below:
To our veterans, thank you for your courage and for putting your country first. Thank you for protecting our country, for your bravery, and for all that you do to make this country safe. Wishing you a Happy Veteran's Day.
Hugs and Happy Riding!
Kristin
Read more from EQPR:
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Learn more about author Kristin Bowers.
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