EAAT for Veterans

Engaging veterans and military personnel as participants in EAAT has been very successful. EAAT has shown to be especially beneficial for those with the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and many other physical, social, cognitive and emotional conditions. 

Benefits

PHYSICAL

Veterans with mobility impairments, including spinal cord injuries and amputations, and physiological dysregualtion may benefit from the horse’s simulated gait, which improves balance, posture, core strength, flexibility and confidence.

SOCIAL

The equine environment provides a safe space for veterans to come together to share triumphs and challenges. Veterans often report feeling a loss of community after leaving the service so the opportunity to bond with fellow veterans, staff and volunteers, as well as the horses, breaks patterns of isolation and disconnection associated with trauma.

COGNITIVE

Order and direction required while learning proper horsemanship are familiar skills to veterans and military personnel. Focus, organization, reasoning and attention are applied during EAAT sessions.

EMOTIONAL

Bonding with a large animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting. EAAT provides veterans with opportunities to learn and practice emotional regulation, distress tolerance and resilience. These new skills can lead to increased self-confidence and self-worth resulting in hope and healing.

Our Goal

To promote the healing and improvement of the physical, mental and psychological well-being of wounded military personnel and veterans.