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Horses & Heroes is offered 100% fee-free to the participants.  It is the first program of it’s type in Tri-Cities, WA.  A PATH, Intl. certified instructor leads the program. Sessions are held Tuesday evenings.

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No horse experience required.

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EQUINE-FACILITATED HEALING

 

The Horses & Heroes program utilizes specially trained horses to facilitate physical and emotional healing for people that work in abnormally high-stress environments including, but not exclusive to, law enforcement, fire, EMS, military, dispatch, and the medical field.  Our horses and volunteers help the participants learn life-skills and healing through horsemanship in a safe, quiet and welcoming place.  These simple, yet profound, lessons over the course of two five-week sessions help guide broken souls back to a passion for life, trust and the relationships that will sustain them throughout the future. 

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Would this program benefit you?

• Do you struggle with PTSD, anxiety or panic disorder?

• Have you had thoughts of suicide?

• Do you have a history of depression?

• Do you feel yourself pulling away from your family and friends?

• Do you prefer to remove yourself from large crowds?

• Do you enjoy nature or horses?

 

If you answered YES to any of these questions, please call or email us to apply.

 

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Why the horse?

The bond between horse and human is undeniable and well documented.  Horses are very sensitive, highly alert animals who are exceptional at reading non-verbal communication.  They allow us the opportunity to work through how to change our lives in an experiential, in-the-moment and emotionally safe environment.

 

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Foster resilience —experiential activities recreate frustrations, stressors and relationship problems.  Participants learn to adapt, improvise and overcome perceived stressors as effectively at home as they do on the job.

 

Non-verbal communication — horses confront unhealthy non-verbal messages, providing awareness of how participants communicate and promoting change to healthy communication styles.

 

Adaptability — participants must respond to the unpredictability and inability to “control” the horses and discover ways to make the relationship work.

 

Emotional — bonding with a large animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting.  The repetitive motion of grooming proves soothing to those with anxiety.​

 

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Program Agenda

The program is comprised of two 8-week phases: ​

• Phase One consists of non-mounted work alongside our horses & instructors.

• Phase Two consists of mounted work for those who have completed Phase One.

 

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Graduates of Horses & Heroes

We welcome graduates of the Horses & Heroes program to volunteer in future classes as they provide moral & physical support to their comrades.  All graduates who would like to volunteer will receive training in program goals, horse handling, side walking and safety.

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How do I get signed up?

 

Fill out the H&H Forms for the current year.

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If you have any questions, please call our Client Coordinator at 509-492-8000 or email us at Hello@StridesTC.org to inquire about availability.