VETERANS PROGRAM
HorseLink for Veterans
SUPPORT * CONNECTION * COMMUNITY
Join us for a unique experience with our horses and gain a new appreciation for these magnificent animals. We know you will learn a lot about them and possibly even a little about yourself and your relationships. Our horses have retired from a lifetime of service as competitive athletes and have now transitioned into a new line of service helping people learn skills to improve communication and live with more ease.
Please note:
- All horse-human interactions are designed to build on each other, with the pace adjusted for each individual. For this reason, groups are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of six participants.
- NO riding is involved in our programs and NO prior horse experience is needed!
- Safety is paramount.
What are the benefits for veterans of equine-assisted learning programs?
Many positive outcomes have been documented among veterans and servicemen and women who attend equine-assisted learning programs, including:
Improved relationships. Equine-assisted learning programs can help people set and maintain healthy personal boundaries—one key to more positive interactions.
Build trust and inspire: Horses provide the opportunity for safe and rewarding bonding, which can help reduce tension and elevate mood.
Increased ability to be present. Horses live “in the moment” and can help us be present too, as we learn to respond rather than just to react.
Each 4-hour session is $65. For those needing financial assistance, partial and full scholarships are available.
Phase I–Introductory Program
Phase I of the program consists of a one half-day introductory workshop. Here you will learn the basics of safe interaction with horses—always our number one concern. (Again, no riding is involved in either phase.) The focus will be on understanding physical and emotional cues, the ability to read feedback from the horses, and learning skills to connect meaningfully with them.
Upcoming HorseLink for Veterans Introductory Classes:
Coming soon!
Phase II
Phase two consists of two half-day workshops, each with its own theme which builds upon the skills learned in phase one. You must complete the Introductory program before attending these sessions.
I. Improving Communication & Strengthening Relationships:
In this workshop, you will acquire skills for authentic and clear communication and how to maintain effective boundaries with others in ways that inspire trust, respect, and cooperation.
II. Tools for Realizing Your Goals:
In this workshop, you will learn how to use intention, focus, and all the previously learned skills to take meaningful action and accomplish the outcomes you desire. You may also gain insight about the times you get in your own way and create barriers to achieving what you want.
Pay It Forward
HorseLink is founded and operated on the idea of reciprocity. We do charge a small fee to attend our Horse Power or HorseLink For Veterans programs, but we never want to money to the reason someone does not receive the support they need and want. We understand that charging a fee for these services could be a barrier for many to benefiting from the special gift of working with horses. Therefore, we always provide an option to receive a scholarship to attend our programs. We are able to do this in part due to our Pay It Forward initiative.
If you feel moved by your experience with the HorseLink horses and if you would like to allow others to experience this transformative work, we ask you to Pay It Forward. There are significant costs to produce our programs: facility maintenance, horse care, facilitators, staff, and more!
You will have the opportunity upon completion of your program to voluntarily donate as much or as little as would like and can afford in order to Pay It Forward to future participants. Thank you!
Please email the completed application and personal survey to info@thehorselink.org or call 512-360-8499 for more information.
“We are all too often getting analyzed, counseled and medicated, which are important, but [the HorseLink for Veterans program] gives us a hands-on approach to getting our lives back.” – HorseLink for Veterans program participant
“I left with the belief I can feel again. I don’t know all of the ways I will use what I learned today yet, but I know I can mend relationships with family. I learned I had a lot of guilt, but I think I can let it go.” – A.S.
“If you have something holding you back in life, the horses and workshop will help you leave it behind. I love the horses!” – HorseLink for Veterans partcipant
“[This program] is the best thing ever! It is worth the time.” – E.H.
“This program works and it is OK to tap into your emotions. THANK YOU!” – Angel
“I recommend this program. The support “talks” are so worth it and the horse talks are epic!” – H.E., HorseLink for Veterans participant