Military veterans who return from combat can have physical and mental conditions that can cause depression and anxiety and lead to substance abuse and other serious issues while affecting their relationships with family and friends. A unique program called NARHA Horses for Heroes is using the healing power of the horse to help these veterans.

NARHA (founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) is the global authority, resource and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies and the equines in this work that inspire and enrich the human spirit. Its Horses for Heroes program assists veterans through services provided by NARHA members and by providing leadership and guidance for equine-assisted activities and therapies. NARHA centers connect with Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics, as well as individual veterans.
 
CKRH's involvement
In Lexington, Horses for Heroes is a collaboration between Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), the NARHA Premier Accredited therapeutic riding program based at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Approximately 16 veterans participate in the 12-week program, which is held at CKRH and includes two-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Taking part in the sessions are mental health professionals from the VA, equine specialists representing CKRH and specially trained horses that reside at CKRH and participate in a variety of therapeutic activities for children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs.

Here's what three participants in the program say

We need your help

CKRH is completely dependent upon community support. Funding and volunteer support is provided by numerous individuals as well as various community service-based organizations. CKRH's cost to provide each two-hour session of Horses for Heroes is $83, and we need your help to continue this invaluable program. We ask you to support Horses for Heroes through the following tax-deductible sponsorships:

1.  Sponsor 1 veteran for an entire session: $996
2.  Sponsor 4 veterans for an entire session: $3,960
3.  Sponsor 8 veterans for an entire session: $7,920

Horses for Heroes serves the needs of military veterans who can benefit physically, emotionally and psychologically. With your help, CKRH can continue to provide this wonderful program to the people who have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our nation.

Please make your check out to CKRH and note that your contribution is for Horses for Heroes.

 
Thank you!
For more information, call CKRH at (859) 231-7066.         

Horses for Heroes Informational Video

Major Announcements for CKRH by First Lady Jane Beshear