* I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who served in a high exposure to combat unit and was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after returning home. My symptoms included severe anxiety, depression and the inability to sleep. I began using alcohol and other substances to cope. It was not until I lost my marriage, job, military career, self-respect and almost my life that I began putting 100% of my effort into therapy.

This program is great. It gave me a chance to get out and begin to socialize. The CKRH staff is so knowledgeable about horses and has such a passion for helping veterans. They helped ease my nervousness and went out of their way to provide therapy.

The horse therapy gave me confidence. It gave me something to look forward to. Working with horses calms you down. It takes your mind off many things. Trail riding through the Kentucky Horse Park and grooming horses were very relaxing. I highly recommend this program to anyone with PTSD.--Anonymous.

* Thanks to Horses for Heroes, I learned new skills and a new hobby I will be able to enjoy for the rest of my life. We veterans were able to socialize, get some exercise and bond with our horses, which for me was really special. Horses are good listeners when you want to get something off your chest. The Kentucky Horse Park is calming and peaceful and feels like a safe place.

I looked forward to every lesson. I was able to challenge myself, and as I progressed, it really helped with self esteem and depression. I recommend Horses for Heroes to any veteran.--Anonymous.

* The Horses for Heroes program at CKRH will change peoples' lives. The program got me thinking about getting out instead of shutting out the world. It's hard having PTSD, and sometimes veterans like me have a hard time moving forward. This program can help get you moving in the right direction.--Anonymous.