Equest's Veterans Program

Hooves for Heroes

This program is devoted to improving the lives of our military service men and women. Any veteran or family member who is experiencing a diagnosed physical or mental health condition may participate. Hooves for Heroes offers three specific components: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Horsemanship and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy.

Our Hippotherapy program is conducted with a certified physical or occupational therapist partnered with a certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor and is prescribed in conjunction with traditional physical therapy.

Our Therapeutic Horsemanship program focuses on riding skills and relationships with the horse. Riding sessions will be taught by a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor. Therapeutic Horsemanship helps improve balance, motor skills, muscle tone, core strength, and endurance.

Our Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program is a unique form of emotional health therapy utilizing the horse as a therapeutic tool. Participants will work with a licensed mental health professional, a professional equine specialist, and a horse to accomplish personal goals such as trust, socialization, and communication through equine assisted activities.

Click on the photo above to watch our Hooves for Heroes program in action!

Equest's equine assisted activities are individually tailored to focus on the issues that affect each client, providing life tools that will extend beyond the arena and into their daily lives. Goals include:

Opening a better line of communication in your home
Developing a strong bond and/or resolving trust issues with your family
Gaining Confidence
Anger management
Reducing anxiety
Teamwork
Re-integration into community

**Equest has teamed up with Gentle Touch Services, Inc. to provide rides to veterans wanting to join our program, but who have no means of transportation. To learn how to benefit from this program, please visit the Gentle Touch Services website at www.gts3.net.**

Our horse power and your will power are essential in creating a positive and challenging learning environment.