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Horses for Heroes
What Is Horses for Heroes?
R.O.C.K., Ride On Center for Kids offers Path International Horses for Heroes, a program for active duty service members and veterans partnering with horses and veterans. The goal of this program is to improve the lives of servicemen and women who have suffered injury in the line of duty, helping them adjust physically and emotionally to their post-war lives.
Services
Active duty service members and veterans are referred to R.O.C.K. by a physician and screened by one of R.O.C.K.'s therapists or therapeutic riding instructors, to determine the suitability of this treatment. Active duty service members and veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, amputations, burns, and neurological impairment may benefit from this service.
Benefits Seen
The dynamic movement of the horse simulates normal human walking. This works as a biofeedback mechanism retraining the motor and cognitive systems for improved function. Results may include...
- Improved balance
- Improved motor skills
- Improved speech
- Improved morale and well being
Video: Sgt. Curtis Davis at R.O.C.K.
How to Get Involved
Active Duty Service Members and Veterans
If you have sustained an injury in military service and believe you would benefit from this service, you may complete the Client/Participant application (PDF) and have it signed by a physician. The Director of Therapy will complete a screening to determine if the participant can benefit from the program.
Requirements for active duty service members and veterans receiving services:
- DD214 or military ID
- Evaluation by R.O.C.K. staff
- Physician release
Volunteers
Horses for Heroes is built on the foundation of "soldiers helping soldiers" and utilizes the camaraderie between servicemen and women to provide a healing environment.
Veteran volunteers serve as side walkers and horse handlers and provide moral support to the participants.
For more information about volunteering, please visit our Volunteers page.
For More Information
If you are an active duty service member or and veteran who has been injured in the line of duty, or if you are a physician, therapist, or medical professional who would like more information about our program, please contact us.
Heidi Derning - Heidi@rockride.org
Cindy Shedeck - Cindy@rockride.org
R.O.C.K. Horses for Heroes is made possible by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance. The Fund for Veterans' Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families.
