Warrior Herd™ Initiative
Serving veterans, military service members, first responders, and their families, the Warrior Herd™ Initiative offers Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning services, specifically designed to address the mental health and wellness challenges related to military service, work as a first responder, and the impact these jobs may have on families.
Equine-assisted services generally have great success supporting the healing processes related to the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depression, generalized anxiety, and other issues that are specific to the lived experience of these community members and their families. Our program is proud to continue those successes through activities that are focused on identifying and promoting an individual’s internal strengths. This therapeutic service increases coping skills reduces anxiety, promotes mindfulness, and enhances genuine connections with others. This occurs through a variety of guided and non-guided interactions with our horses and clinical team.
Project Horse employs a trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive approach in delivering all services.
The staff working on the Warrior Herd™ initiative has specific training to support their work with veterans, military service members, and first responders. They are culturally and clinically competent to address the specific needs related to the life experiences of this population.
Project Horse’s Warrior Herd™ offers a variety of services for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy:
Individual, Couples or Family Psychotherapy
Our Non-Riding Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy services are designed to support healing from symptoms related to PTS, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. Intervention is focused on rebuilding internal reserves, fostering positive growth, and identifying personal strengths that further heal and support wellbeing.
Equine therapy is a highly effective adjunct service for addressing mental health issues related to military service and life as a first responder. Working with our herd and clinical facilitation team is an opportunity for individuals to find the peace and healing needed as they move forward.
Our services are intended to support the work that is done with your primary therapist. Services are available for individuals, couples, or families.
EAP services ARE:
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An experiential form of therapy conducted by a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist, a horse, and the client(s) participating in the therapeutic process and activities that facilitate healing.
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A non-riding approach to equine-assisted mental health therapy.
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A collaborative approach with a primary therapist to amplify the treatment goals and objectives of an individual or a group.
EAP services are NOT:
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Lessons in riding, horsemanship, and how to take care of a horse.
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Hippotherapy, physical therapy, or recreational therapy.
For more information on scheduling an EAP session (Click here – takes you to EAP Section).
(SOME Other exclusions MAY APPLY based on THE clinical scope of practice and to ensure safety in session)
Due to the generosity of our supporters, sponsors, and grantors, needs-based funding may be available upon request.
Veterans/Military Service Members
Are you are interested in equine-assisted therapy services?
If so, please click the button and fill out the inquiry form.
First Responders
Are you are interested in equine-assisted therapy services?
If so, please click the button and fill out the inquiry form.
Group Therapy – Are you a clinician looking to create a group therapy cohort for veterans and/or the military?
Equine-assisted group therapy cohorts are created by private practice clinicians or by VA clinicians in partnership with Project Horse. Cohorts comprised of individuals with shared lived experience, whether veterans, active-duty military, first responders, or the family members of these groups.
Led by Project Horse’s clinical team, these cohorts include a licensed mental health professional, certified equine specialists, and a horse. Sessions are held over a designated period (typically once per week over a limited number of weeks).
IF YOU ARE A CLINICIAN INTERESTED IN CREATING A WARRIOR HERD™ EQUINE-ASSISTED GROUP THERAPY COHORT PLEASE CONTACT US.
Equine-Assisted Learning Experiences
Designed as one-time experiences, these non-riding, equine-assisted learning workshops are customized for each group based on specific goals and intended for the experience. Created to give a group time to connect with our horses in a relaxing pastoral setting, these visits offer opportunities for groups to engage in personal development. Through a variety of engaging and fun non-riding activities with the horses, each visit includes both individual experiences as well as shared group experiences.
Horses are very effective coaches and teachers, helping facilitate personal growth and change in a fun, engaging way.
Groups can be defined as couples, family units (chosen family or biological), affiliations such as veteran service organizations, fire or rescue squads, law enforcement groups, other groups, and more. To learn more about what may be right for your group and to register for an open community event or to schedule a PRIVATE group, CLICK HERE.
EAL services ARE:
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An experiential form of learning utilizing a horse, client, or group, trained facilitator, and/or certified equine specialists participating in activities.
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Non-riding approach to Equine-Assisted Learning and wellness experiences. EAL services are about developing life skills and utilizing those skills for personal growth and development to include individuals, schools, treatment centers/group homes, professional development, team building, and employee wellness outings.
EAL services are NOT:
- Intended to be a substitute for therapy.
- Lessons in riding, horsemanship, or learning how to care for a horse.
- Hippotherapy, physical therapy, or recreational therapy.
Family Wellness & Connection Workshops
Warrior Herd™ family-focused non-riding Equine-Assisted Learning workshops help veterans, military service members, first responders, and their families reconnect to strengthen relationships and foster mutual understanding and acceptance. Although therapeutic in nature, these sessions are not intended to be therapy or replace therapy if that service is required. With only one family participating at a time, workshops are built around your family’s specific goals and needs.
(typically 90-minute workshops with a maximum of six participants)
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A FAMILY WELLNESS & CONNECTION WORKSHOP, PLEASE CONTACT US.
Warrior Herd™ Group Wellness:
Intended to provide wellness, learning, and respite, non-riding Equine-Assisted Learning group experiences are customized for groups ranging from 4 -20 participants. Based on group size and goals, the duration may be as short as 1.5 hours, ½ days (three hours), or a full day (six hours). Although therapeutic in nature, these visits are NOT intended to be counseling or replace counseling if that service is needed.
Popular Topics for these Equine-Assisted Learning experiences include but are not limited to:
• Mindfulness
• Communication
• Relationship Building
• Employee Wellness
• Team Building and more…
• Connection
• Leadership
Generally independent and unique experiences, the visits are customized and created with the intent to offer opportunities for groups to engage in personal development through a variety of engaging and fun non-riding activities with the horses. Visits include a combination of both individual opportunities as well as group experiences with the therapy herd and facilitation team. Every group establishes its own goals before the visit and the facilitators reiterate and establish the expectations and goals of the day.
(typically 90-minute workshops with a maximum of six participants)
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A FAMILY WELLNESS & CONNECTION WORKSHOP PLEASE CONTACT US.
Veterans/Military Service Members
Are you are interested in equine-assisted therapy services?
If so, please click the button and fill out the inquiry form.
