- Tyler Brklacich
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
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:
"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
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
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.”
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.
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.
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/
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.
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