Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas (ERCT)Transitions: Horses & Heroes Project

Our mission is to provide a healing place for Veterans and their families in rural areas of Central Texas to make transitions through

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy

Our horses have stories too

Proposed Equine Assisted Services for 96 Veterans & Dependents Total

10 WEEK PROGRAM: EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY 6 WEEKSTHERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING 4 WEEKS

Rural veterans and families Transportation available for 2 locations OEF/IEF Veteran priority Reservists & Guard Members transitions Licensed, certified, experienced professionals Peer veteran assisted program Veterans and families paired with rescued horses

8 PROGRAMS PER YEAR TOTAL 4 PROGRAMS IN BASTROP CO. LOCATION 4 PROGRAMS IN WILLIAMSON CO. LOCATION

Rescued and rehabilitated horses now provide therapeutic horseback riding and mental health equine-assisted therapy

Our equine program is specific to issues faced by wounded and traumatized military personnel, while also providing a supportive and a therapeutic environment for their families and loved ones.

Why ride horses? It’s based on science!

Physiology Neurons are cells designed to communicate

information throughout the body producing dopamine, oxytocin, etc.

Traumatic experiences can alter neuron process Neurons change in response to repetitive,

rhythmic motion, i.e., riding a horse. Rhythm is predictable.

Helps us self-regulate emotions and get out of fight or flight mode.

In addition, studies show riding helps with: Improved body strength, balance, range of motion Improved body awareness and sensory

integration Self-esteem and confidence and decrease in

anxiety Problem solving abilities

Why Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for Veterans?

Active, hands-on and experiential approach Solution focused-participants explore solutions in

activities with team members Relational -both Veterans and horses are hypervigilant

and must earn mutual trust Non-verbal messages from horses are less emotionally

threatening than talk therapy Greater awareness of healthy communication Gives Veterans a Purpose in Life..a sense of

accomplishment, self-worth and belonging

“I don’t know why these horses understand what I am feeling, but they do – and they still accept me. It has made it possible for me to not just be a tool in the military, but to get reconnected with my family and myself.”

~Special Forces, 23 yrs active duty member

“Seeing how differently the horses reacted to each one of us has helped me get closer to my wife. It has brought our entire family closer than we have ever been.” ~Iraq War Veteran

Recent Research Findings

Beth A. Lanning, PhD, Baylor Univ.: 2013, JRRD, Vol. 50, Number 8 Overarching evidence that participating in equine assisted therapy was beneficial for veterans in increased sociability, reduction in isolation, and increase in trust

Univ. of Michigan, 2013, Science Daily, Study of Veterans finds links between outdoor activities, and improved mental health.

VA and PEACE Ranch (EAVS Program), 2013, PCL-M results: 72% statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms

Pilot program 2011Refuge Services, Tx:After 6 sessions, Veterans and spouses reported up to 60% improvement in severity of marital problems and 50% improvement in conflict resolution, emotional closeness, trust, sex, anger, and respect.