Our Mission

To provide cost free equine assisted activities to first responders (Police/Fire/EMS/Dispatchers) and Veterans of the Armed Services. These activities have an informal setting (peer supported equine activities) and formal (evidence based care) via a network of vetted and certified participating stables.

Highlights:

*100 % cost free, no insurance required.

*100% confidential (we are a pass thru not for profit organization)

*100% choice of participating location..

100% of all donations (except finance fees) go directly to the treatment of those who gave so much. There are no administrative salaries paid to board members.

Why we were formed

Normally, the average civilian experiences four (4) traumatic incidents in their lifetime while our first responders average eight hundred (800).

The U.S. Department of Justice found that Chicago police officers had a 60% higher suicide rate than other police departments across the country

Sadly, trends indicate

* that more First Responders will die by suicide, than killed in the line of duty this year.

Law Enforcement Studies/Surveys:

* 90 percent said there is a stigma in law enforcement that creates a barrier to seeking help for emotional or behavioral health issues.

* 61 percent are haunted by recurring or unwanted memories of incidents.

* 52 percent have experienced family and relationship problems

* 17 percent contemplated suicide

Firefighter/EMS Studies/Surveys

* 28 percent for feeling life is not worth living

* 10.4 percent for serious suicidal ideation, and 3.1 percent for past suicide attempts

Veterans

* Sadly on average 22 veterans a day commit suicide. Studies have shown a decrease in recent years

Symptoms of PTSD include:

Unwanted and repeated memories of the life-threatening event
Flashbacks where the event is relived and person temporarily loses touch with reality
Avoidance of people, places, sights, or sounds that are reminders
Feelings of detachment from people, even family, and emotional numbness
Shame about what happened and was done (could I have done more to save or prevent the situation)
Survivor guilt with loss of friends or comrades
Hypervigilance or constant alertness for threats.
Recurring nightmares or anxiety driven dreams

First Responders/Veterans are at an increased risk for depression, physical injuries, substance abuse, and sleep problems, which in turn can affect thoughts and actions.