Horses for Mental Health is dedicated to amplifying the transformative power of incorporating horses in mental health and personal growth services. With the generous support of the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant, we expanded life-changing services to U.S. veterans across the country in 2024.
About the Grant
The VA Adaptive Sports Grant’s equine-assisted funding supports programs designed to improve the quality of life and well-being of veterans with challenges such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and moral injury.
In 2024, HMH partnered with a network of trained, certified practitioners across 11 states to deliver the equine-assisted learning for personal growth program, serving 354 veterans. These dedicated organizations, experienced in working with military populations, included:
- A Stable Life (New Jersey)
- Acres for Life Therapy & Wellness Center (Minnesota)
- Forever Amber Acres (Ohio)
- Healing Strides of VA (Virginia)
- Hope-thru-Horses, Inc (North Carolina)
- Horses & Heroes, Inc (Kansas)
- H.O.O.V.E.S. (Ohio)
- Lowcountry Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (South Carolina)
- Reboot Hope (Texas)
- The Big Red Barn Retreat (South Carolina)
- True Grit at JPF Memorial Foundation (Delaware)
- Veterans and Equines Together (California)
- Warhorse Ranch (Colorado)
The program offered 16 hours of personal growth sessions, based on the evidence-supported curriculum “Surviving 2 Thriving: A Horse-Human Intervention Promoting Flourishing, Meaning, and Hope” by Sharon Boyce.
Arenas for Change (ARCH) provided additional training and support to ensure program success.
Why This Report Matters
This outcome report showcases the remarkable impact of personal growth services incorporating horses through both qualitative and quantitative data.
Highlights include:
- 93% of participants reported improved mental health and overall well-being.
- 99% of veterans stated that their interactions with horses significantly enhanced their experience.
- Key themes emerged, including emotional growth, personal resilience, and community connection.
Data was collected through feedback surveys and pre- and post-program assessments using the Ryff Scale of Psychological Well-Being, offering compelling evidence of the program’s significant positive impact on veterans.
Explore the Full Report
We are thrilled to share the 2024 VA Adaptive Sports Grant Report with you. This report highlights the incredible impact of horses in mental health and wellbeing services for veterans and serves as a powerful tool for advocating for expanded access to these transformative programs.
Let’s Grow This Impact Together
If you’re inspired by the results of this initiative, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through supporting future programs or sharing the report with others, your involvement helps pave the way for a brighter future.
