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Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas (ERCT)Transitions: Horses & Heroes Project
Our mission is to provide a healing place for Veterans and their families in rural areas of Central Texas to make transitions through
Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy
Our horses have stories too
Proposed Equine Assisted Services for 96 Veterans & Dependents Total
10 WEEK PROGRAM: EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY 6 WEEKSTHERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING 4 WEEKS
Rural veterans and families Transportation available for 2 locations OEF/IEF Veteran priority Reservists & Guard Members transitions Licensed, certified, experienced professionals Peer veteran assisted program Veterans and families paired with rescued horses
8 PROGRAMS PER YEAR TOTAL 4 PROGRAMS IN BASTROP CO. LOCATION 4 PROGRAMS IN WILLIAMSON CO. LOCATION
Rescued and rehabilitated horses now provide therapeutic horseback riding and mental health equine-assisted therapy
Our equine program is specific to issues faced by wounded and traumatized military personnel, while also providing a supportive and a therapeutic environment for their families and loved ones.
Why ride horses? It’s based on science!
Physiology Neurons are cells designed to communicate
information throughout the body producing dopamine, oxytocin, etc.
Traumatic experiences can alter neuron process Neurons change in response to repetitive,
rhythmic motion, i.e., riding a horse. Rhythm is predictable.
Helps us self-regulate emotions and get out of fight or flight mode.
In addition, studies show riding helps with: Improved body strength, balance, range of motion Improved body awareness and sensory
integration Self-esteem and confidence and decrease in
anxiety Problem solving abilities
Why Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for Veterans?
Active, hands-on and experiential approach Solution focused-participants explore solutions in
activities with team members Relational -both Veterans and horses are hypervigilant
and must earn mutual trust Non-verbal messages from horses are less emotionally
threatening than talk therapy Greater awareness of healthy communication Gives Veterans a Purpose in Life..a sense of
accomplishment, self-worth and belonging
“I don’t know why these horses understand what I am feeling, but they do – and they still accept me. It has made it possible for me to not just be a tool in the military, but to get reconnected with my family and myself.”
~Special Forces, 23 yrs active duty member
“Seeing how differently the horses reacted to each one of us has helped me get closer to my wife. It has brought our entire family closer than we have ever been.” ~Iraq War Veteran
Recent Research Findings
Beth A. Lanning, PhD, Baylor Univ.: 2013, JRRD, Vol. 50, Number 8 Overarching evidence that participating in equine assisted therapy was beneficial for veterans in increased sociability, reduction in isolation, and increase in trust
Univ. of Michigan, 2013, Science Daily, Study of Veterans finds links between outdoor activities, and improved mental health.
VA and PEACE Ranch (EAVS Program), 2013, PCL-M results: 72% statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms
Pilot program 2011Refuge Services, Tx:After 6 sessions, Veterans and spouses reported up to 60% improvement in severity of marital problems and 50% improvement in conflict resolution, emotional closeness, trust, sex, anger, and respect.