Heavenly Gaits now offers a Veterans program. This an eight week unit, which will begin with the foundations of horsemanship instruction before taking to the saddle. This is open to all veterans, including: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. In the last few weeks of the program, a family member is welcome to join their veteran for riding instruction.
The mission of this program is to assist military personnel and veterans through services available at Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Equine-assisted activity and therapy programs are tailored to address specific issues faced by wounded and traumatized veterans; while also providing a supportive and therapeutic environment for their families and loved ones.
The mission of this program is to assist military personnel and veterans through services available at Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Equine-assisted activity and therapy programs are tailored to address specific issues faced by wounded and traumatized veterans; while also providing a supportive and therapeutic environment for their families and loved ones.
BENEFITS OF EAAT INCLUDE
Physical
The movement of the horse’s gait at a walk is similar to a human’s walking motion. The horse’s simulated gait can assist wounded military/veterans to strengthen specific muscle groups, which may ultimately aid the participant as he or she relearns how to walk or use prostheses.
Social
The farm provides a safe and peaceful environment for wounded military and veterans to share issues and fears. They bond in a
non-judgmental atmosphere with fellow veterans, the equines and volunteers.
Cognitive
Wounded military and veterans working with and around horses learn the proper sequence of completing tasks to ensure that the horses remain cooperative and responsive. Good judgment is needed in making decisions during activities around the horse and when riding or participating in other EAAT. The order and directions required to develop riding and driving skills are familiar strategies to veterans and wounded military personnel.
Emotional
Bonding with a large animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting. Wounded military and veterans have found a great deal of relief in the grooming of a horse. The repetitive motion proves soothing to individuals with anxiety issues.
Learning new skills such as riding or driving leads to increased self-confidence, which manifests into knowing more can be accomplished in their lives.
The movement of the horse’s gait at a walk is similar to a human’s walking motion. The horse’s simulated gait can assist wounded military/veterans to strengthen specific muscle groups, which may ultimately aid the participant as he or she relearns how to walk or use prostheses.
Social
The farm provides a safe and peaceful environment for wounded military and veterans to share issues and fears. They bond in a
non-judgmental atmosphere with fellow veterans, the equines and volunteers.
Cognitive
Wounded military and veterans working with and around horses learn the proper sequence of completing tasks to ensure that the horses remain cooperative and responsive. Good judgment is needed in making decisions during activities around the horse and when riding or participating in other EAAT. The order and directions required to develop riding and driving skills are familiar strategies to veterans and wounded military personnel.
Emotional
Bonding with a large animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting. Wounded military and veterans have found a great deal of relief in the grooming of a horse. The repetitive motion proves soothing to individuals with anxiety issues.
Learning new skills such as riding or driving leads to increased self-confidence, which manifests into knowing more can be accomplished in their lives.
Our Two Goals:
Sessions Offered:
**Scholarships will be provided for all veterans.
- Mounted Lessons
- Unmounted with a licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Instructor
Sessions Offered:
- Intro to Horsemanship
- Trail Riding
- Family Lessons
- Private Lessons
**Scholarships will be provided for all veterans.
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