The closer The Ride Across Canada got to its end destination St. John’s, Newfoundland last November 9th, the more it felt like something had just started. A gap had been bridged between veterans and their communities. Communities had been educated and inspired to lift their heads up and recognize their contemporary veterans in a stronger way. Veterans were encouraged to own the title of ‘Veteran’ proudly, to share their stories, and to be a part of community. Fires had been lit all across Canada and now it was time to tend to those fires. One of the most significant aspects of The Ride was the positive influence of the horses on the veterans. Terry Nichols put all 360 veterans that were on horseback on The Ride Across Canada through a short version of her Equine Assisted Mindfulness program before they joined her husband, Paul, on the road. The results were significant.
This equine program brings awareness to personal tools that can be seen reflected in the horses during interactions. The horses are herd animals with a very similar culture to a platoon of soldiers. They have a need for strong leadership, they require the herd for safety, they appreciate clear communication and they need to know where they fit in the herd in order for the dynamics to run smoothly. The veterans that participated could understand this because of the similarities to military culture and they were motivated to earn their place as ‘leader’ for their horse. The other aspects of the horse’s needs include sensitivity and awareness. They are a prey animal, and their flight instinct is triggered by tension, intensity, quick movements, and anxiety. In order to gain trust and respect from the horses, awareness and control of these aspects of the interactions are required. When the horses’ needs for both leadership and sensitivity are met, clear communication with an awareness for healthy relationships can develop. When participants are at their best, that is when the horses are relaxed, motivated, and attentive. This is where relationship and trust are built. Once an understanding is gained and changes can be made personally, these new skills can be taken from the work with horses and transferred to relationships with a spouse, children, the civilian workplace, etc. Working with the horses is an interactive and motivating way to gain new awareness and tools for mental resiliency and relationships. Communities For Veterans Foundation is now running its Equine Assisted Mindfulness Program out of Pen-Y-Bryn Farm in Quesnel, B.C. The first program starts May 22nd and will host veterans from across Canada.
Veterans attending the programs will be paired with an equine partner for the duration of their stay. They will learn to care for their horse’s physical and mental needs and will learn the skills to be a leader and a partner with the horse. In the process there will be new awareness of personal tools and the supportive environment to create new tools within this awareness. These skills are transferable and parallels are created between relationship with the horses and other relationships outside of the program. When not working with their equine partner the veterans will be immersed in farm life with the goal of strengthening transition tools therefore strengthening personal resiliency, relationships and families.