Find answers to the most common questions about equine therapy for veterans.
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Therapeutic riding is an intervention that uses horses and equestrian activities to promote physical, emotional, and social benefits. For veterans, it helps reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting confidence, focus, and emotional connection through the care and interaction with the animal.
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Yes. Our online courses are structured to be accessible to all healthcare and support professionals, regardless of their prior experience. We cover everything from basic concepts of equine behavior to specific therapy techniques, enabling safe and informed implementation.
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Participants receive access to detailed manuals, demonstration videos, session plan templates, and an online community for sharing experiences. The focus is on providing practical tools so they can develop and implement their own recovery programs.
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We offer step-by-step guidance on creating partnerships with equestrian centers, selecting suitable horses, adapting facilities, and training the team. Our resources aim to make the program viable and safe, respecting the well-being of both veterans and horses.
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Yes. We emphasize the selection of horses with a calm and stable temperament, trained for this purpose. Our courses cover rigorous safety protocols, continuous assessment of animal welfare, and techniques to ensure a controlled and positive environment for everyone involved.
The story of HorsesForHeroes began in 2018, when our founder, an occupational therapist and passionate equestrian, witnessed the transformative impact that a simple horseback ride had on a veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress. It was a moment of clarity: the silent and powerful connection with the horse offered a unique path to healing, where traditional therapies sometimes encountered barriers. Moved by this experience, she dedicated herself to studying and structuring a program that could be shared with other professionals.
In 2020, we launched our first online course, aimed at a small group of Portuguese therapists. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, confirming the need for specialized and accessible resources. We grew organically, always focused on content quality and community support. Today, we are an educational reference in therapeutic riding for veterans, with partnerships in various support institutions and hundreds of professionals trained in Portugal and abroad. Each milestone in our journey reinforces our commitment: making horse-assisted therapy a tool within reach for all who serve our heroes.
HorsesForHeroes was born from the deep conviction that the connection between humans and horses can heal invisible wounds. We are an educational platform dedicated to empowering professionals and institutions with knowledge about equine therapy for veterans.
Provide accessible and scientifically grounded educational resources on therapeutic riding, focusing on the physical and emotional recovery of war veterans.
Empathy, respect for the animal, scientific integrity, and commitment to accessibility. We believe in the transformative power of mutual care.
Exclusive focus on veterans, combining knowledge of mental health, canine therapy, and animal welfare in a practical and engaging online format.
Founded by a team of therapists and horse lovers, we grew from a local volunteer project into a national educational reference.