did you know that there are more than 12 million people in the united states who suffer from ptsd?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), upward of 1 in 5 Veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder each year — compared with just 1 in every 25 civilians. Because symptoms of this invisible illness can take months or years after the traumatic event to take notice, many assume Veterans are not struggling with their mental health because they don’t bear the visible wounds of war.

But PTSD can be one of the hardest battles these warriors will face — and oftentimes they are fighting alone.

When PTSD symptoms arise, statistics show that more than 20% of Veterans will turn to drugs and alcohol in order to cope. Others will seek support through traditional clinical therapies and pharmaceutical treatment, with varying degrees of success.

But some are finding solace and healing by working hands-on with a horse.

In a program tailored to those who’ve served, our HorseSense for Heroes therapeutic horseback riding program accommodates the special rehabilitative needs of Veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained in service to their nation. Lessons are designed to address the specific needs of wounded and traumatized Veterans — many of whom suffer from PTSD — while providing them and their loved ones with a supportive environment to heal.

HorseSense offers lessons to Veterans and their loved ones for free. Instead of charging tuition, we rely on charitable donations from people like you, who feel the honor and duty of supporting these heroes in healing from their service to us — the least we can do for all they have sacrificed for us.

our HorseSense for Heroes program is offered completely free to Veterans and their families. We cannot do this without the generous support of people just like you.

Therapeutic horseback riding is recognized as one of the most influential and progressive forms of therapy for individuals with disabilities. In fact, a recent clinical study in Military Medical Research found that therapeutic horseback riding programs—just like HorseSense for Heroes—are clinically effective at alleviating PTSD in service members populations.

PTSD can cause symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, moodiness, inappropriate anger, depression, substance abuse and psychosocial difficulties. Working with horses teaches Veterans to relax and adapt their behaviors and body language to meet the needs of the horse. As one trainer put it, "“A horse is 1,200 pound of lie detector. He responds positively to positive words and behaviors, and negatively to negative words and behaviors.”

HorseSense for Heroes offers Veterans and their loved ones the opportunity to grow, overcome fear and disbeliefs, find comfort and acceptance, and be welcomed into a community of like-minded people who understand firsthand the difficulties they face as a result of their combat experiences.

The wounds of combat can never fully be healed. Many Veterans will invariably carry the burdens of wartime service throughout their lives. But with your support, HorseSense will keep working hard to lighten their load—removing stones from the rucksack—so they can go on to live full, meaningful and rewarding lives…can they count on you?