In the military, you don’t go to battle alone, yet so many of us battle our mental health on our own. Help is available, and finding a network or program that works for you can make a difference in your healing journey. Most of the time, that is easier said than done, so which program should you choose?
Over the past decade, equine-assisted programs have become more available to Veterans from coast to coast. There is a range of programs available, from basic riding instruction to planned equine learning getaways.
When you connect with a horse, you must be aware of the animal and yourself. What is your body language telling them? Horses are intuitive and can feel your heart rate increase amongst a herd of horses and humans. As flight animals, their survival instinct, like many of us, is to go into a protective state and remove themselves from situations that do not serve them. Naturally, horses are very calming and healing. However, we must keep our anxiety and body language in check to ensure we are communicating to them that they are safe. Are you feeling tense and anxious? That can signal to your horse that there is a situation to monitor which could be life-threatening. Tight grip on the lead line when walking your horse? This could signify that your lack of confidence cannot lead your horse to safety. Before building trust with your 1000lb~ animal, you must prove to them that you are both a leader and a safe place.
Learning how to communicate with your horse can help you regain control of your life, as you can regain control of your body awareness and emotions and learn how to influence a large animal to trust your survival instincts. You will experience secondary effects of energetic connections, empathy, and compassion. You will notice a significant improvement in your ability to manage your personal relationships and maintain a more consistent state of calm. Surrounding yourself with equines will not only show you the ability to have a deeper connection with them but also a deeper connection with yourself and awareness of your situational needs. They will teach you to be aware of the emotional and physical needs of those around you.
Naturally, your body will experience reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while your oxytocin levels increase (the happy hormone). When you are working with the horse, nothing else matters. Your mind is quiet, focused, and in the moment. There is no room for external interruptions, and this feeling becomes an addicting sense of relief from your day-to-day stressors and triggers.
The Man o’War project conducted a study that showed that over three months, over 50% of their class attendees were able to make improvements with their PTSD symptoms.
Programs can be fine-tuned to meet your physical injuries. Some equine-assisted learning programs are done in an open field with no lead line or saddle—simply being in the presence of an animal that understands physical connection more than most humans. Although your program’s coaches or therapists may not be Veterans, they know the power of communication beyond words, which is a part of us that everyone should tap into for the ultimate healing experience.
When choosing an equine program, ensure credentialed coaches are available to ensure your safety is of utmost priority.
Equine therapy and programs are not intended to be a substitute for talk therapy and pharmaceutical medications. However, it has proven to be an extremely beneficial complimentary offering to anyone suffering from PTSD or associated symptoms. Reach out to info@canadahouse.cato to learn more about Veteran equine programs near you.
Brittney Jones
Home – Man O’ War Project (mowproject.org)
Veterans with PTSD can benefit from equine-assisted therapy. What about the horses? | CBC News