This low-pressure horsemanship program is open, free of charge, to all veterans. The men and women in our military work hard to assure us that this country remains a safe place to live. Some soldiers returning home from overseas have physical wounds and psychological issues that require ongoing therapy. Shining Stars wants to offer some amazing opportunities to our vets! At Stars and Stripes, we strive to ensure a veteran never feels alone. The sentiment of leave no soldier behind is brought into this program. We meet each veteran where they are in their healing process. This is a chance for participants to have comradery with fellow veterans, build a bond with their equine partner while healing in a low stress environment.

Therapeutic horsemanship is a great means to promote physical and psychological healing. An average of 17 veterans ends their lives every day, and many who suffer from PTSD are not finding standard treatments effective. Shining Stars is committed to supporting our local veterans in efforts to ensure their wellbeing. Not all wounds are visible, but they all deserve healing.

Columbia University Department of Psychiatry did a study on the effects of horse therapy assisting veterans overcoming trauma. Their research shows equine therapy, as a treatment method that uses the connection between people and horses to enhance emotional healing can jump-start the healing process for veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry was conducted by Drs. Yuval Neria and Prudence Fisher.

As part of the equine therapy veteran participants learn horsemanship skills including grooming, handling, interacting, basic riding and cart driving. The program’s goals work on building core muscles, increasing self-confidence, practicing relaxation, strengthening faith & trust, and enjoying recreation. But Stars & Stripes is not just for wounded or recovering military. Anyone who has served or is serving is welcome to join us!

If you are a veteran who is interested in checking out this program, please give us a call. Or just come—no pre-registration is necessary! This program takes place every other Saturday. For further information on the Stars & Stripes program contact Katie Stephens at 717-451-9509 or katie@sstrmail.org.

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