1. Our horses have stories too

2. 10 WEEK PROGRAM: EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY 6 WEEKS THERAPEUTIC 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

3.  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.

4. 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

5.  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

6. ~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

7. 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 2011 Refuge 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.