Veterans Program

Our Vision

To inspire positive change and empower those we serve.

What is Horses fo Heroes?

SoléAna Stables offers Horses for Heroes, a free program for active duty military service members and veterans. The goal of the program is to improve the lives of military service men and women who may have experienced injury or trauma serving in the line of duty by helping them to realize their full potential and transition to civilian life through the power of horses.

The program consists of two, 6-week phases that build upon each other. The first phase focuses on groundwork and the second on mounted riding. Throughout the program, participants will work on horsemanship skills, riding skills, and life skills.

Benefits

Cognitive

Order and direction required while learning proper horsemanship are familiar skills to veterans and military personnel. Focus, organization, reasoning and attention are applied during equine assisted activities.

Physical

Veterans with mobility impairments, including spinal cord injuries and amputations, and physiological dysregualtion may benefit from the horse’s simulated gait, which

improves balance, posture, core strength, flexibility and confidence.

Emotional

Bonding with a large animal can be emotionally satisfying and comforting. Equine assisted activities provide veterans with opportunities to learn and practice emotional regulation, distress tolerance and resilience. These new skills can lead to increased self-confidence and self-worth resulting in hope and healing.

Research indicates that Equine Assisted Activities provide a unique opportunity for veterans to improve their holistic health & wellness and gain a sense of purpose through meaningful activity.

Social

The equine environment provides a safe space for veterans to come together to share triumphs and challenges. Veterans often report feeling a loss of community after leaving the service so the opportunity to bond with fellow veterans, staff and volunteers, as well as the horses, breaks patterns of isolation and disconnection associated with trauma.

Evidence

Research indicates that Equine Assisted Activities provide a unique opportunity for veterans to improve their holistic health & wellness and gain a sense of purpose through meaningful activity.

Participants may see improvements in the following areas...

Balance and postural stability
Motor function
Positive coping skills
Quality of life
Emotional self-regulation
Social Functioning
Exercise and leisure participation
Improved relationships
Reduced PTSD symptoms
Reduced depression, anxiety, and hyper arousal
The list goes on!...

Services Provided

Unmounted Program

The Unmounted Program consists of 6 weekly 2-hour lessons. Participants will learn the essentials of equine handling and groundwork combined with basic horse care, basic understanding of equine psychology, and fun exercises between the horse and handler.
The focus of the program is connection between the horse and handler. Participants will not be required to mount their horses.

Click here for more information on evidence and benefits.

Mounted Program

The Mounted Program consists of 6 weekly 2-hour lessons. After completing the Unmounted Program, participants may progress to mounted lessons if they wish to expand their understanding of horses. Mounted riding is a powerful progression from the standard dismounted approaches. Participants build on their knowledge of the horse from their groundwork, and combine that knowledge with basic horsemanship, essential riding skills, fun games, and special exercises to challenge their skills.

How to Get Involved

Requirements for active duty service members and veterans receiving services:

DD214, military ID, Veteran ID Card, or Driver’s license
Evaluation by SoléAna Stables staff
Completion of participant package and application
Physician release

Volunteering

Volunteers are the backbone of SoléAna Stables!
Make friends with in a positive and motivating community
Give back to those who have served
No previous experience with horses needed

Volunteers Needed For...

Barn activities
Farm maintenance
Office duties
Fundraising
Planning social activities and events
Much more!..

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or participating in the Horses for Heroes program, please contact Executive Director, Sasha Camacho at
veterans@soleanastables.org or 713-436-6625.