UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A nonprofit organization is helping veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder through equine therapy.

What You Need To Know

  • The Horses for Veterans Horsemanship and Wellness program is offered to veterans with PTSD free of cost

  • Equine therapy is helping veterans improve trust and build relationships

  • The program also gives them tools they can use in their daily lives

Healing Horse Therapy Center in Monroe offers the Horses for Veterans Horsemanship and Wellness program free of charge. It pairs veterans with a horse to work on trust and building relationships. In addition, participants learn relaxation tools to implement in their daily lives.

Founder and Executive Director Maurette Hanson, whose dad, brother, and son are veterans, said the program is her commitment to giving back.

“It’s very rewarding, but it’s not about me. It’s about the journey for that individual,” Hanson said. “[It gives them] confidence, self-awareness, and when they can unite with their horse as a unit, it’s pretty empowering.”

Jamie Miller, who proudly served in the Army National Guard for eight years with a tour in Iraq, is participating in the eight-week program.

The combat veteran said she was a victim of military sexual trauma. Miller said when she returned from her deployment, she started experiencing PTSD.

"Anxiety, panic attacks, I got a job nine months being home, but it was very difficult for me to show up for work,” Miller said.

She has been visiting Healing Horse Therapy Center to work with a horse named Apache. With the support of Apache and Hanson, Miller is learning about setting boundaries, improving trust, and focusing on the present.

"As far as grounding, being mindful, being present. If you are having flashbacks, things like that. These kind of skills help you get back where your feet are,” Miller said.

She’s also learning to lead and become more confident along the way.

“We can always stop, reassess, and change and it works out,” Miller said.

In January, Hanson will collaborate with Hope Way, an in-patient and out-patient mental health facility, to provide equine therapy for veterans.

Hanson offers other equine therapy programs at a cost to help those with mental illness.

If you are interested in learning more about Healing Horse Therapy Center, click here.