Veterans Equine-Assisted Therapy Program

Horse Feathers is proud to support our veterans. As a part of that commitment, we are assisting a group of veterans, active duty and families using the horses for therapy and easing the transition back into society and family.

Occupational therapy is intended to help people develop the skills and obtain the support necessary for independent, interdependent, productive living. Particular emphasis is given to interventions that result in improved quality of life and decrease hospitalization.

Sam the dog is always happy to play.

Interactions with horses can help veterans in a number of ways:

• Promoting one’s self-satisfaction through exploration and learning with rules as well as trial and error experiences.
• Providing opportunities to develop human and horse relationships with trust, learn limitations and have possibilities for second chances.
• Developing the ability to trusting one’s instincts and common sense during challenging situations.
• Offering potential opportunities to face adversity, disappointment, regret as well as the development of optimism and desire to move forward in a positive upbeat manner.
• Permitting recognition when personal expectations, in one’s self, the horse or others, are too high and/or the display of pride is inappropriate. With this recognition, one can learn to adapt as needed to maintain and succeed in relationships with horses and with people.