Horses are healers too. Photo from Bernadette Kilcer.
Horses have always been called upon to help us in our time of need. Whether it was to carry an important mail message or safely pilot riders through a battlefield, horses have always had a purpose to serve as work and service animals. And today, horses can be found in countless therapeutic and rehabilitative programs throughout the world. Calmly and without judgement, these saints instill confidence and a new found sense of worth in people who otherwise struggle with these feelings.
Thanks to an initiative set forth by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, horses can help heal the gaping wounds so often left by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Since its inception, the Horses for Heroes program has grown in popularity across the country. Veterans are able to establish a connection with the horses, allowing them to work on social skills and confidence in a constructive environment.
A quick internet search for Horses for Heroes reveals many organizations that are helping veterans transition into everyday life with the help of an equine partner. We are all privy to the healing power of horses, and to put this power to such a noble use is just another reason why these animals continue to amaze us each and every day.
For more information on Horses for Heroes, click here. Go Veterans Day.
