Written by: Ania Wells, Development Director at Medicine Horse
At Medicine Horse, we’ve witnessed something extraordinary: the unique healing power that horses bring to veterans. The transition from military life to civilian life can be challenging and filled with emotional obstacles—veterans often carry deep scars from PTSD, anxiety, and depression that don’t always respond to conventional therapy. Yet, through equine-facilitated therapy, they’re finding a way forward, a place to reconnect, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Why Horses for Veterans?
Horses have an innate ability to sense and respond to the most authentic emotions of those around them. Veterans who struggle to connect with others often find that horses “see” their emotional state without judgment, providing honest and immediate feedback. One veteran shared, “This is my first veterans group, and I appreciate the authenticity and openness of each of you and the horses who help me have the only calm moments I have during my week.”
Trust with a horse isn’t automatic; it’s a relationship that takes time and patience to build. For veterans who may struggle with trusting others, this bond becomes a journey of personal growth. They learn that patience, vulnerability, and consistent effort can rebuild trust—both with the horse and within their own lives. This trust and connection often ripple into other relationships, helping veterans reconnect with loved ones and rediscover a sense of control and self-worth. We heard from one of our veterans' "I think having opportunities to connect with animals at Medicine Horse allows veterans to be in a nonjudgmental environment, with horses that don't care about your past. They want to be with you just as you are. Being with the horses and with other veterans at Medicine Horse allows me to take a break from the chaos of daily life - even if it is only for a couple of hours."
More Than Traditional Therapy
For veterans, guiding a 1,200-pound animal is a reminder of their own strength. There’s something profoundly empowering about learning to work with a creature that could overpower you but instead responds to your guidance and intentions and seeks genuine connection. As one Iraq/Afghanistan veteran shared, “This is the first time I’ve really known that I made it back alive.” These moments of empowerment help veterans feel grounded in a way that traditional therapies don’t always provide.
One of our participants shared: "I would say that I was hesitant about equine therapy when I first heard about Medicine Horse. I felt like I wasn't the kind of vet that needed help. But, I was struggling with anger management, excessive drinking, sleeplessness, and depression, so I decided to give it a try. The therapists are welcoming and always make you feel like you're right where you need to be when you're at Medicine Horse. I started coming to Medicine Horse because I'm an animal person and wanted to hang out with horses. I keep coming back for the connections and friendships I've found in the veterans group. I no longer feel alone in my experiences and thoughts about my military service. I stopped drinking. I went from feeling isolated and alone to being active in the veteran community and seeking out ways to work alongside other veterans in my career. The veterans group at Medicine Horse has truly been life-changing for me."
Healing That Extends Beyond the Ranch
The calm and connection veterans feel with horses don’t vanish when the session ends. Many report feeling less anxious, less depressed, and more at peace after each session. A Vietnam veteran who regularly attended equine therapy once shared how these sessions helped him find moments of happiness and even diminished his thoughts of suicide.
Beyond individual healing, equine therapy builds a sense of community. Veterans bond with their group—both human and animal—creating a bridge across the isolation many feel when they return to civilian life. As Collette Archibald, LCSW, Director and Therapist at Boulder Vet Center, explained,
“The Medicine Horse team and horses are invested in these veterans and their healing. I’ve witnessed some truly life-changing moments of calm, connection, healing, and peace. Just being there with the horses and veterans has grounded and recharged me, too.”
Supporting Our Veterans
This Colorado Gives Day, we’re raising funds to keep these transformative therapy sessions available for veterans in 2025. Our goal is to fund three six-week programs tailored specifically to veterans, offering them a place to heal, reconnect, and find peace.
If you believe in the power of community, trust, and healing, join us. Together, we can ensure that our veterans receive the support they deserve through the calming, transformative presence of our horses.
Donate today to make a difference. Together, let’s give veterans the gift of healing through the powerful bond they find with horses. Equine-Facilitated Therapy & Learning: A Path to Healing for Veterans.
