Maryland is home to an estimated 356,000 military veterans. Veterans experience a unique set of challenges, stressors, and traumas, from deployment and combat to the often-difficult process of reintegrating into civilian life. For the thousands of veterans living on Eastern Shore, access to critical quality mental health and wellness service is limited by geographic and economic conditions.
Poor mental health is associated with substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, multiple chronic conditions, and reduced quality of life. Given the higher rates of disorders in the veteran population and perceived stigma with mental health services, an approach is needed tailored to the concerns and injuries of veterans.
The complexities associated with multiple traumatic injuries require interventions that are similarly complex. The use of equine-assisted services as adjunct therapy is beneficial in management of mental health symptoms for veterans:
- Physical Rehabilitation: Working with horses improves balance, coordination, and strength. For veterans with physical disabilities, the gentle, rhythmic motion of riding can be incredibly therapeutic, helping to relax and release stressed muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
- Emotional Support: Horses are highly intuitive animals that respond to the emotions of the people around them. Veterans often find solace in this connection, feeling understood and supported in a way that is non-judgmental and unconditional. This bond can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.
- Mental Wellness: The focus required in caring for and working with a horse helps veterans shift their attention away from negative thoughts and traumatic memories. It promotes mindfulness, stress reduction, and a sense of accomplishment.
The current and future need for these types of therapeutic activities for veterans is essential for promoting well-being and reducing the rate of veteran suicide in Maryland. The Talisman Heroes on Horses (HOH) Program is dedicated to increasing our veterans’ wellness and well-being by providing equine-assisted therapeutic services with professionally trained staff, promoting awareness of the challenges faced by veterans, improving the understanding of military culture, and growing community awareness of veteran suicide prevention.
Sessions are held in a group format in a retreat-based structure, or individually through weekly lessons. Exercises can include unmounted and mounted exercises focusing on basic horsemanship fundamentals. Retreats are arranged through established partnerships and recognized veteran entities, which ensure participants are eligible for the HOH Program. Individual therapeutic lesson applications are reviewed and scheduled per the Talisman in-take and assessment process. Visit our website at www.TalismanTherapeuticRiding.org to learn more about our wonderful farm and other amazing programs!
2024 Heroes on Horses Program Statistics
Veterans Served – 41
Heroes on Horses Retreats – 3
Therapeutic/Adaptive Horsemanship Lessons Given to Veterans – 51
Outreach Events to Support Veterans – 13
Staff & Volunteers – Veteran and Military Cultural Competencies Training – 15
Sessions are held in a group format in a retreat-based structure, or individually through weekly lessons. Exercises can include unmounted and mounted exercises focusing on basic horsemanship fundamentals. Retreats are arranged through established partnerships and recognized veteran entities, which ensure participants are eligible for the HOH Program. Individual therapeutic lesson applications are reviewed and scheduled per the Talisman in-take and assessment process. Visit our website at www.TalismanTherapeuticRiding.org to learn more about our wonderful farm and other amazing programs!
Funding for Heroes on Horses
The funding to support Talisman HOH is derived largely from personal donations and awarded grants. The past two years, Talisman has been fortunate to receive grant money to support the development and growth of its HOH Program through Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Service Animal Program Grant. Talisman cannot continue to provide this valuable program to our veterans without contributions and support from the community. For further information about the Talisman HOH Program or to donate, please contact Executive Director Noelle Douglas at 443-239-9400, or director@talismantherapeuticriding.org.
Click here to read the original article from Shore Update.
