Many war veterans in the U.S. today face a disturbing amount of problems on their return home. A recent Institute of Medicine report, requested by Congress and funded by the Pentagon, found that “significant numbers” of retired military personnel are afflicted by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse issues, while the unemployment rate among veterans aged 18-24 stood at over 30 percent. Almost half of the 2.2 million troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan reported having experienced significant adjustment difficulties on their return home.

The Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, VA, is attempting to address the psychological wounds faced by some of these veterans through the use of equine therapy.


In this video, former military personnel discuss how regular contact with horses has helped them with their trust and communication issues. Bobby Farer, retired U.S. Army master sergeant, says, “(Horses) can see right through you … You have to go in there open-hearted. You have to go in calm. You can’t bully them – they’re much bigger than you. You can’t force them to do anything – you have to ask them to do it. Your communication has to be exactly clear and concise.” Meanwhile, fellow veteran Ryan Mangus says that “by coming out here, helping others, I learn a lot about myself.”

To find out more about the Boulder Crest Retreat program, watch the video in full.

Image Source: aigle_dore/Flickr

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