“…I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security” Jeremiah 33:6
Our NARHA Horses for Heroes therapeutic riding program
started March 5, 2010, with our first military family.
Therapeutic horseback riding, driving and vaulting, also known as equine assisted activities, are for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social disabilities. Therapeutic riding has been proven to help improve balance and cognitive ability, increase strength and flexibility while building confidence and self esteem. There is something magical that happens as riders begin to bond with their horses and with the volunteers who care deeply about creating an environment where success is nurtured.
Mary Jo Beckman, CDR, United States Navy, Retired, and NARHA Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor, co-founded the Caisson Platoon therapeutic riding program for wounded servicemen/women from Walter Reed Hospital in 2006. Recognizing the need for therapeutic riding for veterans, CDR Beckman contacted Dr. Paul Spiers, then NARHA President, who worked with the NARHA Board to initiate the NARHA Horses for Heroes therapeutic riding program in April 2007, to include protocol and guidelines
One of the points that CDR Beckman makes is the importance of having volunteers with a military or a law enforcement background. By including members of the National Guard, other veterans, Police, Sheriff or Highway Patrol Officers as assistants for sessions, the wounded veterans are then surrounded by people that have a better understanding of their experiences, feelings, and about their special needs. It encourages teamwork, camaraderie, honor, and pride.
H.I.S. Ministries, Horses In Service has launched the NARHA Horses for Heroes therapeutic riding program. Veterans and their families will be offered an opportunity to participate in bible study and prayer designed to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing through interaction with horses and the word of God. This is our way of saying thank you to our wounded servicemen and women and their families for their dedication and their sacrifices in serving our country.
Lessons are taught by:
Leslie Clark, a United States Navy Veteran and Nationally Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
Students will learn horsemanship, riding skills and
NARHA Horses for Heroes
Navy, Retired, and NARHA Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor, co-founded the Caisson Platoon therapeutic riding program for wounded servicemen/women from Walter Reed Hospital in 2006. Recognizing the need for therapeutic riding for veterans, CDR Beckman contacted Dr. Paul Spiers, then NARHA President, who worked with the NARHA Board to initiate the NARHA Horses for Heroes therapeutic riding program in April 2007, to include protocol and guidelines
