How Equine Therapy Helps Veterans Cope With PTSD

Dennis is a Purple Heart recipient who struggled to get help dealing with PTSD. Then he discovered equine-assisted psychotherapy at Miles Ranch in Fort Myers, Florida. Founded by Gail Doxie—REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®—who works as both a real estate professional and mental health counselor, this facility uses equine-assisted psychotherapy to help veterans heal. Dennis quickly bonded with the horse he was assigned to work with. “It’s a matter of respect with an animal,” he says. “Words don’t need to be said to express who you are.”

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[TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

This is so heartwarming to see veterans get the treatment they deserve and cope with PTSD. Thank you for serving us with your lives.

[BN-fiwi]

*How Hugging Horses Healed Heroes' Hearts*

[thegodfather_]

I used to work at a therapeutic barn as a volunteer and I can tell you that nothing is more warming then seeing a mental disabled or troubled person smile as they ride a horse

[emilyb]

This was such an heartwarming video. I hope we will live in a future where there is no war!

[Zeytrixx]

I feel bad for people that suffer with PTSD, I hope they can find a way to cope with it. I’m glad that Equine Therapy is helping them cope.

[igitha..._]

I wholeheartedly support this cause and its so good to see people embracing such sanctuaries - our generations are traumatized many times over and there is much healing to be done - I have c-PTSD but I am not a veteran - I have experienced multiple serious trauma including a head on hit and run domestic violence and being held hostage (amongst others) - I can attest to how amazing horses and other animals are for therapeutic benefits for people with PTSD - I have an assistance animal myself and I highly recommend it - she has taught me how to be a better person and has healed and helped me limitlessly - they understand not just medically but emotionally and their energies are so very healing - There are true warriors out there who are fighting everyday and fighting to heal

[dirisurrezione]

Break stigma!!! ❤️❤️❤️✨ I love and thank God for my rescue poodle.We help each other heal and grow our connection saved my life and helps me thrive with Chronic depression and PTSD.

[deniseyoung]

I love equestrian therapy!!! As an Army Vet and military spouse I need it and I fell in love with my big babies (horses) :)

[phronsiekeys]

So much pain in the world. I'm glad this man found his way here and the therapist and his fiance are good people. ❤️

[chesmole]

It’s a great place I’ve volunteered here before.

[AzlianaLyana]

Thank you sir for your service. Bless you and your family :)

[fuzzyarmadillo]

God Bless you! THANK YOU so much for your service! THANK YOU to your family for their service! I am so glad this is helping you to heal. Animals to me are magical for their capabilities for helping people just by simply being. Your story and the equine ranch proves that. With much love and respect for our veterans and for the animal services like this one that are helping them to feel whole again.

[j.c.]

It also helps with Autism symptoms, anxiety, depression, and with recovering from abuse

[ALHat]

I am 💯 behind this…However, I think that veterans should work with horse trainers. In this way the veteran will learn a skills that few people have or fully understand, learn how their behavior influences the horses, learn how to form new bonds, learn how to approach others, and learn about horses in general. You see how the veteran was holding high the lead rope? Horse pulled back, but when the horse was being calm being close the veteran was still holding high on the lead rope…sometimes we can’t jump into our fears, sometimes we have to move slower, learn to give and when to take…when to ask for more and when to back off. horses are pray animals it’s important to learn when to give space and when to not. How much to press and when to not…when to wait. Horses have so much to teach us, how to be patient with ourselves, how to respect and be respected. Being alpha isn’t about dominance it’s about being confidently in control and listening then speaking. I think there could be so much more. It’s soooo important, more than learning grooming and shoe cleaning.

[melissacastillo]

Aspiring equine therapist from New Mexico :) GREAT video

[potusumanbibingka]

this is what America did to its people. feeding them to war then letting them die, if not in the war itself, it's in the aftermath suicide.

what do these soldiers are fighting for? freedom?

[Fumi]

I’m a huge fan of equine therapy. One of my cohorts did a whole semester project on how it helps people. The only thing I’m conflicted about is how the veteran claimed he wanted peace but join the Armed Forces. “Armed” and “force” are not two words associated with peace. And on top of that he admitted he felt “alive“ while engaged in combat. I think there’s a difference between truly wanting peace and suffering from war fatigue.

[DianaKazimiera-]

Amazing story...very difficult, but always remember that it is possible, it is worth it.Animals are great to regain their balance. It is worth and should always fight.
Great respect #Veterans health and life
#PTSD #therapy #Animals💚🐴 🕊️ #Health #Life #Relations 🤝 #Cooperations 🤝 #Family #Children
BOWS for Elite
#International cooperation for #Veterans #MilitaryFamily #MilitaryChildren

[WoundedWarrior]

Wounded Warrior getting ready to start this therapy. It's my last hope.

[justgivemethetruth]

Animals these days are more human than humans. Horse and dogs are awesome beings, not selfish, violent, neurotic crazy beings that are trying to destroy each other and the planet too. This is beautiful.