The Big Red Barn Retreat

The Big Red Barn Retreat provides heroes with transformative programs and training so they can thrive and live the life they desire.  One of these programs is our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Each session is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist professional, and a herd of horses, working together as a treatment team. Through experiential work with horses, participants rebuild trust, strengthen emotional regulation, and restore agency in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Activities support individualized treatment goals and reduce isolation while increasing confidence and connection. Success is measured through pre/post assessments of PTSD, depression, emotional regulation, and life satisfaction.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy helps veterans and first responders by building trust, reducing hyper-vigilance, and improving emotional regulation through interactions with horses. Horses’ sensitivity to human emotions provides immediate, nonjudgmental feedback that supports trauma processing. Working with them fosters confidence, connection, and stress reduction, aiding recovery from PTSD and reintegration challenges.

Participants experience improved mental health that enhances personal, relational, and community functioning. Grant funds support the therapeutic equine activities and clinical services that reduce PTSD and depression, increase life satisfaction, and foster posttraumatic growth (PTG). Because PTG is foundational to all BRBR programs, funding directly enables veterans and first responders to build healthier, more meaningful lives in work, play, and community involvement.