Horse Encounters fellowship for Veterans
Horses Helping Veterans and Life Restoration on a Working Ranch
Therapeutic Equine-assisted Activities or to put it simply "Horses Helping Veterans" for military veterans, has proven effective in helping veterans who suffer from a multitude of mental disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and anger issues and more. To make it accessible to our veterans.
The peace and stillness of the ranch is the opposite of any military experiences, perfect for moving forward with your life. We’re close enough to the city of Redding to be accessible, but still far enough out to be a piece of isolated happiness.
Horses have the ability to facilitate communication and breakthroughs. They sense nervousness, uncertainty, anger, fear and their reactions are unfiltered and often surprising. They honestly reflect what they sense and feel.
The Facilitators are present to explore what is happening and identify patterns of behavior. The Equine Specialist monitors the horse’s actions and keeps things safe. The experience in the arena is discussed and applied to daily life.
Self Improvement
In order to facilitate trust, respect, and bond with their horses, participants are challenged to execute many tasks that require the demonstration of initiative, confidence, commitment, honesty, and empathy. Through the experiences gained in applying these attributes, a participant develops:
Purpose – Committing as the horse’s advocate
Teamwork – Performing as the horse’s partner
Leadership – Establishing one’s self as the horse’s leader
Communication – Communicating clearly and concisely
Commitment – Never letting down or giving up
Self-awareness – Control of physical movement and posture
Self-control – Controlling emotion
Self-esteem – Building confidence by overcoming fear
Self-efficacy – Experiencing accomplishment through success
Self-understanding – Learning about one’s self through horse’s behavior
Social skills – Using the relationship with the horse to enhance relationships with people
Our Hero's
We serve individual or group sessions outside under a canopy of oak trees, round pen or in our riding arena, just the group of supportive veterans and horses out with nature. Participants will be able to bond and connect with the horses and each other, the perfect opportunity to reflect and refresh themselves.
Sessions start off with a discussion, a check in with yourself and/or the group. Then off to meet the horses. Being able to bond with the horses in a silent, nonjudgmental way is a great place for people to start or continue their recovery.
Grooming and other groundwork such as haltering and leading are done to allow you to grow closer to the horses as therapy progresses. Activities with the horses can help you figure out life’s obstacles. Every activity done individually or in group with the horses is to accomplish your goals of processing events, emotions and behaviors.