Last October, I was invited to serve as the yoga lead for a weeklong residential program with Trauma and Resiliency Resources, supporting combat veterans from Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life.
The men and women who arrived on Sunday were not the same people who left on Saturday. The transformation was undeniable. And at the heart of it was the work with the horses.
Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, something profound happened. The herd met these veterans without judgment or expectation. In ways that are hard to fully explain, they helped them access parts of themselves that had been shut down—restoring connection, trust, and a sense of peace. I watched walls come down, hearts open, and healing begin in real time.
What struck me most is this: these programs work—but they are incredibly limited by funding.
When I asked the Executive Director why they don’t run this program more often, her answer was immediate: funding is the only barrier. She told me they could easily fill 10–12 programs a year if the resources were available.
These veterans have given so much. Many are still searching for real, lasting healing—and too often, they’re not finding it through traditional channels alone. Programs like this offer something different. Something deeper. Something that can truly change—and even save—lives.
I went into this experience thinking it would be interesting. What I witnessed was life-changing.
Please consider supporting this work through Horses for Mental Health. Your donation directly helps fund these programs—giving more veterans the opportunity to heal, reconnect, and reclaim their lives.
