Three years ago, I started putting out feelers, looking for a way to include all those things in retirement that I feel passionate about…helping Veterans, using my coaching skills, being around horses and being outdoors.  In early 2023, a friend who knew “my mission” mentioned she had met two married US Army Colonels who retired here in Reno and were starting a non-profit program called Horsemanship for Heroes.  They were using their horses as therapy animals to help US Veterans, First Responders and their families who were suffering from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress.  Since their project checked several of my boxes, I went out of my way to meet Karolyn (K) and Scott Hooper at a Veteran’s event last spring.

Not only were K and Scott two of the kindest, most well-intended people one could hope for, but there were other wonderful surprises in their generous, community service efforts.   Their horses were not just horses; they were Gypsy Vanners, a smaller, magnificent variety of the draft horse bred for intelligence, beauty of conformation and gentle nature.  After going through the New Volunteer Orientation, it was impressive to learn that this very extensive program offered highly credentialed trainers with well-organized lessons, sensitively planned to educate and help participants heal.  It was a perfect fit for me on numerous levels… including being a seven-minute drive from my home!

In the last 8 Week Summer Session, a new “Horse Handler” was born in me!  “Horse Handlers” are paired with participants for support and safety.  Trainers first offer a groundwork that incorporates exercises that build trust, confidence and self-esteem as the partnership grows between the horse and participant.  As the relationship builds, these exercises (and games) teach the skills that will be needed to saddle, mount and ride in the 8th week.  It is astonishing to watch someone arrive with a very high level of anxiety, find their way to success with each 90-minute session and debrief feeling peaceful and accomplished.  Horses have a magical way of including those who need healing into “their herd.”  It is simply beautiful to watch and to help the healing take place.  The second, non-obligatory, 8-week session is all about actually riding.   

Post-Traumatic Stress was previously called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  The word “Disorder” implied a more permanent condition than PTS really is and so it was dropped from the diagnosis.  There is no doubt the pain of PTS is VERY real, but it is now known that those who suffer actually can heal with time and proper attention.  PTS is the invisible wound that is often misunderstood by the sufferer and friends and family who surround the one who suffers.  Unfortunately, there are a lot more sufferers than there are volunteers and gratefully, many of the participants become volunteers.  If you know of someone who has or may have PTS or you would like to offer your time to help, you may contact K Hooper at (775)462-8445, heroes@horsemanship4heroes.org.