Horses for Heroes - Veterans Program WI


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Horses for Heroes is a 501.C3 non-profit organization open to Gulf War Veterans with PTSD or TBI.

Horses for Heroes is a developing program in Jackson, Wi striving to assist veterans in their journey to reintegrate themselves back into civilian life. This equine based program offers veterans the opportunity to work through issues they may have from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and /or Traumatic Brain Injuries using the horse as a tool to aid in recovery.

The Horses For Heroes program is individualized to accommodate each veteran and meet his or her goals. Interested Gulf War veterans are encouraged to contact us to make arrangements to meet at the farm.

We are not a therapeutic riding facility. Our Horses for Heroes program is based on the well known premise that being around horses either in ground work or riding is therapeutic in and of itself. Each veteran will have an individualized program designed to meet his/her needs.

Criteria

• No horse skills necessary
• Participants male or female
• Must not exceed 200#, no exceptions
• Must have transportation
• Must be alcohol and drug free

Equipment Needed:

• Participants will need to wear jeans (boot cut), cowboy boots or other footwear designed for riding.
• In summer, please bring sun block, insect repellent and a hat. Also, it is a good idea to bring water along.

Download Application Form here.

"As a wife of a veteran participating in the Horses for Heroes Program, I get to see the effects the program has firsthand. I begin to see changes in his mood the day prior to him going to the farm. It's as if a weight has been lifted off of his shoulders. The effects are even more noticeable he when returns. He is relaxed, smiling and ready to share stories from his day. The fact that Horses for Heroes allows him to emotionally and mentally release some of his worries and connect with others is a God sent gift. Sure, I am always there to listen to his troubles, but it's not the same. This program gives him a sense of belonging again and working with the horses has a deep therapeutic effect. I believe the horses are good to tell stories of overseas to - sometimes it's not about the conversation, it's about having a listener to release all your worries to without fear of judgement. The lasting effects of Horses for Heroes is not only great for the veteran but also for their families."

"For me, Horses for Heroes is a break from the day to day grind. It's an emotional and physical release. As my fellow veterans can relate, living with PTSD has a dramatic effect
on my daily life. The constant playback of traumatic events and the longing for that brotherhood feeling is just some of the things that I deal with. This program allows me to renew self confidence and responsibility and gain a sense of a new belonging. As I work with the horses all my troubles are gone. I don't think about problems - I only focus on the horse, my new friend. Just working with him seems like the black cloud has lifted and I have a sense of joy and
relaxation - the void I feel is gone. Those that knew me before I was a part of the Army say I have changed in many ways since my return and I'm sure I have. The old me is gone but the new me is here and friends and family are starting to see that. When I come home from spending
time at the farm, I walk in the door with a smile on my face. Horses for Heroes has done that for me and it can do the same for other veterans as well."

- Ryan D.

We are a small, private facility and are able to serve a limited amount of veterans annually. Our program is meant for the veteran only. Please, no family or friends during sessions. No pets allowed. We will have specified times that family members can come and watch.

Horses for Heroes - PTSD For Veterans WI