In St Augustine, FL I've recently found out about a program called Horses for Heroes. It is a wonderful program that rescues neglected and retired horses and connects them with veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PSD). 

 

Equine therapy has been growing in popularity and credibility with counselors and therapists across the US. The rate of growth increased in 2011 when US. Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala), a US-based organization, trained 1,500 therapists in Britain in 2011. "It has been clinically documented that just being around horses changes human brainwave patterns. We calm down and become more centred and focused when we are with horses," says Franklin Levinson, American horse trainer. "Horses are naturally empathetic. The members of the herd feel what is going on for the other members of the herd."

 

Diamonds in the Rough, a St Augustine not for profit organization provides an outlet for veterans to bond with one of these sensitive animals to create an understanding bond with them so they can break the patterns of stress and behavioral difficulties. This program is paid by generous donations and fund raising efforts. 

 

To learn more, or contribute to the Horses for Heroes program, visit Diamonds in the Rough. To learn more about Equine Therapy, or to find a program near you, visit Eagala. 

 

Thank you for reading...  Be a Hero, Save a Horse and Help a Veteran