SCHUYLERVILLE — Some of us have experienced moments in life so surreal they seem like a dream. Our brains struggle to comprehend these events - the consequence being a lingering residue that impacts behavior, and often makes it difficult (if not impossible) to get the regenerative sleep the body needs.
“An emotional circuit breaker pops to protect you from total breakdown physically and physiologically. You have nightmares; have the inability to sleep because your body is constantly on alert. When you can’t sleep, everything else is affected. You start self-medicating and suffer from anxiety,” said Bob Nevins, Founder of Saratoga WarHorse.
Veterans and their families are often left suffering with the devastating internal injuries caused by emotional trauma inflicted during their high-intensity service career.
Since 2011, Saratoga WarHorse has provided 700 veterans with a unique healing opportunity. Connecting them with retired thoroughbred horses helps both to instantly reset that emotional circuit breaker, and allow for a new phase of life to begin.
“We are not sitting around singing, “Kumbaya” or talking about what happened to you. It’s not about petting and riding horses. This is a very specific, powerful procedure,” said Nevins.
Thoroughbred horses encapsulate power, but to earn their respect, you must speak their language.
“Horses, by nature, are a flight animal, like a deer. Man, by nature, is a predator. For self-preservation, in war, we are taught to use force, intimidation, and violence to get a job done. Horses use body language and eye contact,” explained Nevins.
The dedicated team at Saratoga WarHorse teaches how to make trust happen at the Cricket Hill Farm stables in Schuylerville, and since 2014, at their satellite facility in Aiken, South Carolina. Completely confidential and fully paid for with donations, graduates of the 3-day program are calling it miraculous.
“When the horse touches them, every fear they’ve had evaporates. They feel unconditionally accepted, forgiven, needed, trusted, and safe. They don’t believe it until it actually happens. Then they say, ‘That horse changed everything for me,’” said Nevins.
The horses’ lives are dramatically improved, as well. Nearly 100 horses have been re-trained through this program, renewing a genuine sense of usefulness in both animal and veteran.
“The horse is so relieved that someone understands them. When those two come together – they save each other,” said Nevins.
Letters of thanks and appreciation pour in, reporting that the initial immediate emotional release the veterans experienced has opened them up to enjoying life again; inspiring them to learn a new musical instrument, giving them the confidence to get a new job, or go to college.
“It’s amazing to witness it,” said Executive Director Susan Rhoades. Guests will have the opportunity to hear veteran’s stories first-hand at their upcoming gala in August.
The Saratoga WarHorse Foundation 5th Annual Blue Spangled Gala will be held Monday, August 14, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Saratoga’s Hall of Springs. In addition to hearing from program graduates, guests can look forward to keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Jeff Foley, an open bar, silent auction, and reverse auction. Purchase tickets at www.saratogawarhorse.org by August 4, 2017.
