Veterans Day is more than a day of recognition; it’s a moment to reflect on the enduring strength, resilience, and sacrifice of those who have served. For many veterans, returning home brings new battles—mental health challenges that can feel as formidable as any faced in service. By standing alongside veterans and supporting initiatives that foster healing, communities can profoundly impact their journey to well-being.
Horses for Mental Health (HMH) exists to address an urgent need for innovative mental health solutions, particularly for populations profoundly affected by these challenges. We are grateful to support our Charity Partners as they work to ensure Veterans have access to compassionate, transformative support.
Veterans’ Mental Health by the Numbers
- The suicide rate among veterans is about twice as high as that of the non-veteran adult population, with 33.9 suicides per 100,000 veterans compared to 16.7 per 100,000 among non-veterans.
- Service Era and PTSD Rates
PTSD prevalence varies by service era:- 29% of Iraq and Afghanistan (OIF/OEF) veterans experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
- 21% of Persian Gulf War veterans have PTSD.
- 10% of Vietnam veterans have faced PTSD.
- Increased PTSD Risk with Deployment
Veterans who have deployed are at a significantly higher risk, with some studies showing they are 3 times more likely to develop PTSD than those who have not deployed.
A Veteran’s Story of Hope and Healing
This story of transformation comes from our Charity Partner, Spring Reins of Life. A veteran was experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and joined the program to find healing and peace. Throughout one particular session, Syriana, a thoroughbred mare, kept approaching him, then trotting off toward the center of the arena, almost as if he was inviting him to follow. It didn’t make sense at first, but when the facilitators encouraged him to engage with the horse, something remarkable happened.
The next time Syriana trotted away, the Veteran ran with him. They stopped together, side by side, in the center of the arena, and Syriana touched his elbow with his nose. Then, he trotted off again, and this time, he followed without hesitation. Soon, they were running shoulder to shoulder, horse and man, in perfect sync. The rest of of the team stood in silent awe.
At the end of the session, the Veteran shared that when things became tense at home during his childhood, he would run—miles at a time—until he felt calm. Syriana, somehow, had reminded him of his passion and method to calm down which was something essential to his recovery. Later, the Veteran shared that he found a renewed sense of purpose and that he now runs ultramarathon races in “honor of Syriana” and the healing the mare helped him discover.
How Do Horses Help Veterans?
Psychotherapy incorporating horses offers unique therapeutic advantages for veterans, particularly those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Unlike many traditional therapies, this approach emphasizes trust-building and emotional connection without heavy reliance on verbal expression. This can be beneficial for veterans who struggle with discussing traumatic experiences directly.
The Man O’ War Project at Columbia University found that over 50% of veterans participating in an eight-week program saw a marked reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms, with benefits lasting at least three months post-treatment. Guided by mental health professionals and equine specialists, veterans learn to interact with horses in ways that foster self-regulation, improved emotional awareness, and the rebuilding of trust—a critical component often damaged by the experiences of combat.
Through this therapy, Veterans gain essential life skills, such as recognizing and managing emotions, which are pivotal for reestablishing personal relationships and improving social interactions. This therapy modality empowers veterans to regain control and confidence, creating a distinctive healing pathway that speaks to their unique experiences and needs.
Horses for Mental Health Awarded VA Adaptive Sports Grant for the Second Year: Expanding Access to Support
We are honored to announce that Horses for Mental Health has been awarded the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Grant for a second consecutive year. This grant will enable us to serve 130 Veterans through an innovative personal growth and well-being program incorporating horses to help address symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, depression, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
This grant was made possible through collaboration with 13 organizations specializing in Veteran support, with facilities spanning California, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. Their trained and certified facilitators, who integrate horses into psychotherapy and personal growth programs, will be delivering these impactful services.
If your program specializes in working with Veterans and you are interested in partnering on future collaborative grant opportunities, keep an eye out for upcoming email invitations.
Horses for Mental Health is committed to positively impacting the lives of Veterans by expanding access to mental health services involving horses. We extend our gratitude to the Department of Veterans Affairs for this grant, which empowers us to advance our mission and support more Veterans on their journey to healing and health.
Honoring Veterans with Compassionate Support
This Veterans Day, we remember not only the service of those who have defended our country but also the strength it takes to face the battles that come afterward. With the help of our Charity Partners and the HMH Veterans Grant, we’re working toward supporting more organizations that support veterans to have access to the mental health support they deserve—services that honor their experiences and foster true healing.
We are committed to expanding these opportunities and creating pathways for veterans to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive. Together, we can help veterans find hope, resilience, and a community that stands beside them. Thank you for joining us on this journey to make a difference.
