In Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, horses are doing their part to help the men and women who have served our country. Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are able to utilize nonprofit Equines for Freedom at no cost to them. The horses are used as part of a therapy designed to help veterans cope with PTSD.
One such veteran, Eric Davis, who served in the Navy, told WNEP of the equine therapy, “I stopped having the bursts of anger and the yelling and stomping away. I was notorious for running away.”
His wife, Johanna, added that after the therapy, “He’s more himself again, the light was back in his eyes, he was more calm. He slept more peacefully.”
Equines for Freedom has partnered with Marley’s Mission, an equine therapy nonprofit for children. The two organizations are sharing a space until a new arena is built for the veterans, which will be in January 2016, WNEP reports. The Davis’ are looking forward to helping other veterans in need, telling WNEP, “You’re not alone and people understand it and they’re here to help and support and guide and comfort.”
For more information on Equines for Freedom, visit their website.
Cari Jorgensen is a web content specialist who is also an adjunct professor of English at Santa Ana College.
Thank you for your support of our organization! We are proud to be serving veterans in Northeast PA!
great info
great article
good article
I away knew horses were great therapy for people.
Stamford, Conn. — Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, on November 18…
Austin, Texas – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today issued an…
Thermal, Calif. — Ben Ebeling (USA) and Bellena stole the show in the inaugural US…
Tens of thousands of horse enthusiasts lined up at the gates of the Eastern States…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 38, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
Stamford, Conn. — Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, on November 18 highlighted its nearly two-decade partnership…
Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin…
It’s holiday shopping season and I’ve spent the last few months searching for unique or useful equestrian gifts. I’m so…
Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay to choose in your particular…
As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush - and even…