Seen Through Horses: The Transformative Power of Horses for Veterans

A veteran engages with a therapy horse during a H.O.O.V.E.S. program. Photo credit: Sean McConnell

For many Veterans, returning to civilian life comes with invisible wounds. The weight of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and the challenges of reintegration can diminish well-being and quality of life. Yet across the country, Veterans are discovering a unique path to healing—through the profound connection between humans and horses.

Healing Through Horses

In 2024, Horses for Mental Health (HMH) and Arenas for Change (ARCH), with funding from the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant (VA ASG), partnered with 14 organizations across 11 states to provide equine-assisted learning services for 354 Veterans.

To assess the impact, 213 Veterans completed pre- and post-program assessments, and the results were remarkable:

✅ 93% reported improved mental health and well-being

✅ 99% said working with horses significantly enhanced their healing

The true impact is best understood through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand:

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

"I was barely a shell of a man when I came here. Now, I have confidence, clarity, and for the first time in decades, I see a future for myself."

"Horses don’t judge. They just meet you where you are. That made all the difference."

"For the first time, I feel like I’m not just surviving—I’m actually living again."

A Path to Transformation

At the heart of this work is transformation—what Arenas for Change calls an “ARCH Moment.” These life-changing turning points mark the shift from struggle to hope, allowing individuals to step through a metaphorical arch of new perspectives and personal growth.

For Veterans, healing unfolds in the presence of a horse, where the nervous system—often overstimulated and dysregulated by trauma—can begin to settle. Horses offer a calm, nonjudgmental space, allowing Veterans to experience safety, connection, and trust.

"Being in their presence is the greatest peace I have ever experienced!" – Veteran participant

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Amanda Held - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Amanda Held - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Horses’ intuitive responses provide honest, unfiltered feedback, reflecting emotions and behaviors in ways that help Veterans process their experiences from a new perspective.

“They showed me how I was showing up to others, and I did not realize that at first. It was eye-opening, for sure.” – Veteran participant

Through these interactions, many Veterans describe a profound reconnection—not just with the horses, but with their own authentic selves.

“I feel lighter and more free to be myself.” – Veteran participant

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Amanda Held, founder of H.O.O.V.E.S. in Ohio, has witnessed these transformations firsthand. “Many Veterans walk into our program feeling disconnected and hopeless. But after working with the horses alongside our personal growth curriculum, they rediscover trust, confidence, and purpose. The grant funding allowed us to serve Veterans who might not have had access otherwise.”

For Carol Young at Healing Strides of Virginia, the experience is just as profound. “The most powerful thing is watching a Veteran who was once withdrawn begin to reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with life. These programs aren’t just helping—they’re saving lives.”

A veteran participating in an equine-assisted services program at Healing Strides of VA.

Healing Strides of VA facility

Sustaining the Impact - Seen Through Horses Campaign

Providing these services takes dedication—not just to the Veterans, but also to the horses. Programs rely on financial support to ensure proper care for their equine partners, maintain facilities, and train skilled facilitators.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Beyond the VA Grant, programs like H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA expanded their reach through the Seen Through Horses Campaign, a national awareness and fundraising effort led by Horses for Mental Health, with support from title sponsor Zoetis. 

Through this initiative, these organizations gained visibility, attracted new supporters, and secured additional funding to continue serving Veterans and caring for their horses.

"Participating in the campaign allowed us to reach more people who believe in the power of horses to heal," said Young. "It helped us sustain our work, not just for the Veterans, but for the horses who make it possible.”

The Bigger Picture: Horses for Mental Health & ARCH

The Seen Through Horses Campaign, produced annually by Horses for Mental Health during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, brings together programs nationwide to increase awareness, raise funding, and advocate for the integration of horses in mental health care and personal growth services.

Additionally, many of these programs benefit from training and support through Arenas for Change (ARCH), which equips facilitators with an innovative, story-based approach in their equine-assisted work. This approach helps professionals create safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences, empowering clients to author their own transformative journeys.

The results are clear:

✅ Veterans are healing

✅ Programs are growing

✅ More people are recognizing the power of horses to change lives.

And for the men and women who have served our country, that means hope—not just for today, but for the future.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Megan Smits - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Support the Mission

To learn more about these programs or to get involved:

Horses for Mental Health: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/ 

Arenas for Change (ARCH): https://arenasforchange.com/

To access the full VA Grant outcome report, visit: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/veterans-2024grantreport/

Visit the website

Support the 2025 Campaign

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Tyler Brklacich Co-Founder & Executive Director of Horses for Mental Health and Lynn Thomas, CEO and Founder of Arenas for Change (ARCH). Please share the link to this article to help raise awareness about HMH’s Seen Through Horses Campaign, especially during May which is Mental Health Awareness month.

All images Copyright Horses for Mental Health, H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Horses for Mental Health , H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA.

#horsesformentalhealth #seenthroughhorsescampaign #seenthroughhorses #arenasforchange #equinetherapy #mentalhealthawrenessmonth #horseshelpingpeople #veterans#veterans equine-assisted mental health programs #H.O.O.V.E.S. #HealingStridesofVA #zoetisequine #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine

2,000 Pounds of Hope. 3 Broken Hearts. One Place Called Hope Reins.

Annie a Percheron equine-therapy horse at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC.

When Aaron Guin texted his wife Amanda that he was ‘done,’ she didn’t know what he meant until she heard the police sirens. He’d been at home with another deep bout of depression, so she and her two young kids were staying nearby at her parent’s house until Daddy felt better.

But this time it was different. The beloved husband, doting father, 82nd Airborne Ranger, and neighborhood Mr. Fixit, lost his battle with the demons that haunted him since serving in the Gulf War. Aaron Guin, who could tinker with anything and make it work, sadly couldn’t repair his own life. He killed himself at his home on a Saturday evening. This is how life ended for Aaron Guin. But for Amanda, Garrett and Ashlyn, this is where their journey of hope and healing began.

Aaron’s suicide devastated the close-knit Guin family, especially Garrett, who spent every free moment glued to his father’s side, playing football, gardening and serving as his young handyman apprentice. Amanda tried desperately to reach her son, but his thoughts and feelings remained hidden behind a veil of detachment.

When a friend suggested the equine therapy program at Hope Reins, Amanda was skeptical. “I thought, really? Garrett’s going to open up to a horse?” But after their first session at Hope Reins, the 7-year-old seemed instinctively aware of his new 2,000 pound friend’s gentle strength and moved easily around the huge Percheron, a breed known for its mighty stature.

Garrett with Abby in 2015

It was a natural connection. The massive horse became Garrett’s confidant – one who could shoulder the weight of his darkest pain without ever divulging a word. He would talk and Abby listened.

Session after session, Amanda watched in wonder as Garrett would brush, walk and then ride Abby bareback through the green pastures at Hope Reins – beaming with pride and accomplishment.

His caring session leader, Karen, who remained a comfortable distance away, would watch in amazement, too, as God’s handiwork helped create a bond of love, trust and openness just when it was needed most for a lost little boy deeply missing his best friend. “I can’t even put into words how good it makes a mom feel that a horse can do a job that I can’t,” says Amanda.

The Guin Family, Ashlyn, Amanda and Garrett

It’s been almost eight years since the Guin family first contacted Hope Reins. And a lot has happened since then. Garrett’s sweet equine mentor, Abby, passed away in 2018 from severe colic. He’s now a strapping 5 foot 10 inch high school junior who loves basketball.

His sister, Ashlyn, forged her own path over the years as an accomplished equestrian at the ranch finding great solace in Shiloh, a beautiful white pony. She and Garrett both volunteered in Hope Reins’ Kids Give Back, where they provided leadership to young program participants and learned how to apply these skills in their own lives as well.

Amanda took her pain and started volunteering at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to help other military widows struggling with the death of a loved one. Her passion for the cause formed a conduit between TAPS and Hope Reins by aligning both nonprofits so other families like hers could be helped through equine therapy. TAPS has been a cherished partner of Hope Reins.

“I could have never made it through Aaron’s suicide without Hope Reins.”

“Pain is the ultimate equalizer,” says Amanda. “No one is immune from experiencing a crisis in their lives like we did. But I thank God for Hope Reins.”

For more information about Hope Reins or to make a donation: www.hopereins.org.

A rescue horse at Hope Reins

Bree with Spirit

Avolina and Twinkle

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This beautifully animated short video gives an overview of how Hope Reins helps children and horses with wounded hearts find healing.

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Joey the book

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Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others to see

Editors Note: Several years ago I discovered the life-changing work of Hope Reins after reading the book Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see .

This heartwarming true story about an Appaloosa named Joey who was rescued by Kim Tschirret and brought to Hope Reins deeply touched my heart. Author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley's book is beautifully written and shares the love, dedication, and deep commitment of everyone who supports Hope Reins vital ministry to provide faith-based mentorship programs for kids in crisis with the aid of rescued horses. Even a blind rescue horse named Joey has awakened hearts, offering hope and healing.

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine is greatly honored to feature the remarkable work of Hope Reins.

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Christy Burkey, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hope Reins in North Carolina, for sharing a beautiful story with her excellent wordsmithing, photographs and video. Our sincere thanks to Founder and CEO Kim Tschirret, the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to provide "true hope and real healing" for kids in crisis. A special thanks to the rescued horses for their resilience and generous spirits.

All images copyright Hope Reins -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Hope Reins.

#hopereinsnc #equinetherapy #FaithBasedEquineMentorshipPrograms #EquineAssistedServices #EquineMentorshipPrograms #therapeuticriding #kidsincrisis #horserescue #rescuehorse #rescuedhorses #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Support the "Seen Through Horses Campaign" during Mental Health Awareness Month of May

The statistics surrounding mental illness are staggering: one in five people will be affected by mental illness in their lives, with depression becoming the leading cause of disability worldwide (NAMI, 2020). Despite the prevalence of this issue, two-thirds of those affected never seek help, and of those who do, only about 50% find traditional talk therapy successful. However, it’s encouraging to note that in recent years concerns for mental health have gained increasing recognition. It’s crucial to increase public awareness of the myriad ways horses can help in one’s journey to pursue healing.

Young man benefitting from equine therapy

Horses for Mental Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying awareness, engagement, and access to services incorporating horses for mental health and personal growth. Individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, relationship struggles, or life transitions like divorce, or who may be seeking to improve their overall well-being, can experience tremendous benefits through professional services involving horses.

Horses are highly intuitive to nonverbal messages and help provide a safe and dynamic environment for healing through the relationship facilitated by trained professionals. At its foundation, these services mean that rather than going to see a psychotherapist or counselor in an office setting, clients experience some or all of their sessions in an environment with horses.

Witness the profound impact these powerful creatures can have. Watch "Breathe: A Story of Transformation" to see how a veteran healed from PTSD with the help of a horse, learning to breathe freely once again.

Young woman participating in an equine therapy session

Seen Through Horses Campaign

Horses for Mental Health's flagship initiative, the Seen Through Horses Campaign, is an annual peer-to-peer awareness and fundraising campaign uplifting organizations that offer mental health and personal growth programs and services incorporating horses. 

Now in its third year, the 2024 campaign unites over 80 non-profit organizations nationwide, amplifying their mission and raising critical funds. Donations are directed straight to these organizations, supporting their work in making this unique therapy accessible to all.

Join Horses for Mental Health this May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, for the annual Seen Through Horses Campaign! Together, we can bring our shared vision to life: a world where everyone has access to the transformative power of horses.

The Power of Horses: Breaking Barriers

Watch the story of the incredible impact that a small nonprofit organization is having on the community of Oakland, California. “We Ride Too” is committed to serving a wide range of young people in the Oakland area who face various challenges and traumas with limited access to resources. Through programs for youth to connect with nature and horses, each child has a place where they are told they "can," instead of "can't," breaking barriers and making a difference for their mental health and future.

The Power of Horses | Advocating for First Responders

First responders face daily challenges and overwhelming stress from their intense jobs, resulting in higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Despite this, they courageously serve as our first line of defense against emergencies, fires, and life-threatening situations. More than ever, we need to rally together to support our first responders to support their mental health and well-being on a local, state, and federal level through advocacy, legislation, and funding for programs and services incorporating horses.

Horses for Mental Health would like to thank Zoetis Equine, the Title Sponsor of the Seen Through Horses Campaign.

To get involved in the Seen Through Horses Campaign, visit https://horsesformentalhealth.org/campaign/

To learn more about the incredible impact horses can have on mental health and overall well-being, please visit https://horsesformentalhealth.org/how-horses-help/

Media Links: 

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Tyler Tyler Brklacich and Lynn Thomas, Co-Founders of Horses for Mental Health, for providing us with Amanda Alden’s article and the well-produced videos which are also available on Horses for Mental Health’s YouTube channel. Please share the link to this article to share HMH’s Seen Through Horses Campaign, especially during May which is Mental Health Awareness month.

All images Copyright Horses for Mental Health -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Horses for Mental Health.

#horsesformentalhealth #seenthroughhorsescampaign #seenthroughhorses #equinetherapy #mentalhealthawrenessmonth #horseshelpingpeople #firstresponders #zoetisequine #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine