Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Wright, 29, strokes the head of Max, an Arabian. Veterans such as Wright are being helped with equine-assisted therapy to heal their emotional wounds.
benjie sanders / arizona daily star
Horses are some of the sanest people I know.
ping
I’m sure you know vets who might benefit.
I just picked my husband up at the end of Biking Across Kansas. He’s a Viet Nam vet. I remember the lack of options for those guys. There were three combat injured Iragi vets on the ride - two quads and one paraplegic. All three powered their recumbent bicycles with their arms and hands. The ride was 560 miles - as much as 80 miles in one day. Mr. Mercat has always called it road therapy. That’s what it was for them I’m sure.
Following the Gadsden Purchase, prospectors and ranchers began moving to the new southern portion of the Arizona Territory in increased numbers. The Chiricahua Apache, who had battled fiercely against the Spanish and Mexicans in the area, posed a threat to Americans in the area. The United States Army decided a new installation was needed to counter the Chiricahua threat and to help secure the border with Mexico.
On March 3, 1877, Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside, accompanied by two Troops (Companies) of the 6th Cavalry, chose a site at the base of the Huachuca Mountains that offered sheltering hills and a perennial stream. After the surrender of Geronimo in 1886, the Apache threat was essentially extinguished, but Fort Huachuca was kept open because of its strategic border position. The base was home to the “Buffalo Soldiers” of the 10th Cavalry Regiment for twenty years. It was used as a forward logistics and supply base during the Mexican Punitive Expedition of 1916-1917.
In 1884 the 4th Cavalry was ordered to Arizona to combat the Apache. By May 1884 the Regimental headquarters was located at Fort Huachuca along with Troops B, D and I. The rest of the Regiment was stationed at army posts throughout the eastern half of Arizona.
I have worked with therapy horses as a volunteer. Amazing things happen to people on/around horses (other than being bitten). My current homestead - Belly Acres - is too small to hold horses, but my sister is nice enuf to allow us visiting privileges with her herd-ette.
Horses are also being used with double amputees to approximate the hip action in the normal gait.
Most astounding to me is the use of dogs with autistics.
PING
Horses can fix most anything. I have seen them do great healing in the lives of their people. I know some young women who would not be alive except for the effect of their horses.
We have one locally in Northern CA. Does great things for kids with behavioral problems. I understand they are also going to expand to veterans.
http://www.healtherapyinc.com/
“The Horse Program encourages children and families to move through challenges and regain life’s natural balance. We serve children who have experienced difficulty in their home, community, or school life. The kinship between horse, rider, and support staff opens doors for life-long transformations.
“In each session, the horse program blends natural principles and the desire for exuberance. The powerful presence and generous heart of the horse allows for a natural opportunity to overcome fear, develop confidence, and gain mutual respect.
“In our program, riders discover that they can develop strength and character. This shift in self-image gives them the skills necessary to meet life’s challenges and begin to develop self-responsibility.”