Horses Help Veterans

by: Tracy Gantz
May 17 2010, Article # 16354

Soldiers who have returned from Iraq and other war-torn areas are finding solace in horses at the Ivey Ranch Park Association in Oceanside, Calif., not far from the Camp Pendleton Marine base. Ivey Ranch for the past year has participated in the North American Riding for the Handicapped (NARHA) Horses for Heroes program, helping veterans of all ages recuperate.

Active-duty soldiers and able-bodied veterans volunteer to help their injured brethren at Ivey Ranch. That provides even more support.

“If the veteran wants a conversation, they are surrounded with like-minded people,” Tonya Danielly, Ivey Ranch’s executive director, told the San Diego Union. It’s a fabulous way for them to reconnect with a population that they understand.”

The free therapeutic course takes six weeks and includes horseback riding as Equine Assisted Growth & Learning (EAL). EAL offers life skills that support emotional well-being for soldiers.

Horses have long helped children and adults with all types of disabilities, both physical and mental. NARHA on a national level has expanded that therapy to include veterans.

Veterans who have participated in Ivey Ranch’s program have come from the Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Navy. This month, Ivey Ranch will welcome nine Marines from Camp Pendleton. All are being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We are excited about this program because we can give back to the people who have served our country in a meaningful way,” said Danielly. “It’s our way of saying thank you.”

For further information on Ivey Ranch’s Horses for Heroes program, visit www.iveryranch.com. For more information on NARHA’s national Horses for Heroes, visit www.narha.org.