Healing Horses
In Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeing positive results with equine therapy, a well-established rehabilitation method.
The Department recently shared success stories from the Center for Equine Recovery (CERV) at Middle Tennessee State University. The program connects veterans from the Tennessee Valley VA with horses, helping them understand equine behavior and, in turn, learn more about themselves.
Horses are highly sensitive to their handlers’ emotions, requiring a state of calm to work with them safely. This has proven beneficial for veterans, as one organizer described horses as “big bio-feedback machines.” Joanne Parchetta, a participant in the program, shared how working with horses has helped her overcome challenges related to chronic illness and disability. “This class showed me I can still achieve and dream,” she said.
CERV’s program helps veterans process their emotions by reflecting them through the horses. This feedback allows them to better understand and work through their behaviors. It is the only program of its kind in the nation, though more are likely needed. Veterans, especially those from older generations, face a higher risk of suicide than the general public.