ABOUT US
At Horses of Hope in Mackeyville, Pennsylavnia, a Partner Agency of the Clinton County United Way, Heroes & Horses was developed to serve our Veterans. We are here to help improve lives of our Heroes through connection with horses. Whether it’s through riding, which is optional, or just hanging out and grooming. We have developed this program to assist Veterans and show just what Horses have to offer in ways of healing the mind, body and soul.
Heroes & Horses is starting it’s 8th season in 2023. We started with 2 Veterans and our roster is up to 32 registered Veterans. We have seen first hand how horses can help someone get through many obstacles they are facing, be it physical or emotional. We have seen first hand the sacrifices of so many military members and we want to give back to those who have sacrificed so much, our Veterans.
Our Heroes & Horses program is an 8 to 10 week program and riding will begin in about 5 or 6 weeks, providing the Veteran is ready and willing to ride. Riding is optional in this program as it’s about much more then riding. This program is free to all Veterans and our lessons are conducted by PATH Intl. Instructors and community volunteers who are dedicated to helping each Veteran reach their full potential.
When riding, movement of the horses is similar to a human’s walking motion and this can strengthen specific muscle groups and increase balance that may not be provided with traditional physical therapy. It can help with motor skills, muscle strength and self-confidence.
Horses are the mirrors to our souls. Bonding with a 1,000 lb loving animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting. Veterans learn a variety of equestrian skills which can improve development of patience, emotional control, self discipline by way of repetition from start to finish of a visit with the horses and grooming. Interactions with horses also helps lower anxiety levels. This is a proven method of therapy.
Horses of Hope and Heroes & Horses would like to thank all of our American Veterans for their service. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please contact us at heroesnhorses@hotmail.com.
Journal of Military and Government Counseling
The below journal has a section outlining the benefits of Heroes & Horses. To read this section, scroll to page 42 of the PDF. (It is also page 192 of the actual journal.)
