Upon their return from service, many veterans experience feelings of isolation and alienation. These feelings make it difficult for former servicemembers to adjust to life after service. Heroes and Horses is committed to changing that. The program invites veterans from across the country to a remote horse ranch in the Montana wilderness where they will complete a month-long, three-step healing process. The program costs nothing for the veterans, and they will participate in activities like horsemanship training, a horseback camping trip across the Beartooth Mountains and working with a wilderness outfitter.
A certified riding instructor with the program stated that the horses help veterans see how their behaviors can affect their environments. The animals provide a bond that is free of judgment or expectation.
Local VA recreational therapist Marian Skomsky told The Times Tribune, "There's a lot the veterans can learn from the horses — self-awareness, pride, self-confidence — as they master and develop a relationship with the horses."
Heroes and Horses removes the veterans from the comfort of their family and friends to teach self-efficacy and work force skills. To participate in the program, veterans can fill out an application or be referred by the American Legion or VA.