FALL SESSION REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Fall Session2: October 23th-November 6th, 2024
Spring: TBD
3 Weeks in the Fall / 3 Weeks in the Spring
Every Wednesday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Horses Helping Heroes (H3) is a unique 6-week course tailored for veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, and healthcare workers. The program utilizes equine therapy, combining physical activities and emotional bonding with horses to promote healing and recovery.
Participants in H3 engage in various activities, including learning about horse care, tending to the needs of the barn, and taking riding lessons. The physical aspect involves grooming, feeding, and riding horses, contributing to improved fitness, coordination, and balance. The emotional component is equally crucial, as horses are known for their sensitivity and provide a non-judgmental, empathetic presence.
Click button below for online application or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Horse Anatomy
Grooming
Body Language
Safety
Mounted Basic Riding Techniques
BENEFITS OF EQUESTRIAN THERAPY
Decreased feelings of isolation
Self-efficacy and self-esteem building
Reductions in anxiety
Increased confidence
Trust development
Self-acceptance
Decreases in depression symptoms
Improved management of stress
Onsite Life Coach
There are simply not enough good things to say about this program, organization and the volunteers who make all this possible. Day one was difficult to say the least. I had just experienced a significant loss and had serious apprehension about working with the horses due to having a few, recent, scary experiences with them; including a significant back injury since the last time I was on a horse. Today on our last day, I am full of pride. Confidence with zero anxiety and feel so incredibly thankful for being invited to be part of this wonderful experience. Thank you will never be enough!
Trena
I think one of the most beneficial things for me has been challenging the way I assess my own confidence. Being around the horses and having such a “hands on” role with them, makes me focus less on being self-conscious and overly critical. Said another way, I’ve had to give more direct attention and understanding to my horse, the environment, and the instructors rather than let nervousness or anxiety get the best of me. Having something to look forward to each week has been encouraging. I’ve enjoyed recalling what I’ve learned and combining it with what I will do in the next session. I think everything is being done well and I appreciate the pacing and attentive instruction.
Lauren
The H3 program has benefited me by showing me that it is always ok to ask for help no matter what. This is my second time, coming the first time for only 2 weeks. Starting from the beginning really helped me completely understand how the horses can help us. I had Cobie both times and it amazes me how well he remembered my voice. Garry is so understanding. He really took into consideration the fact that every class maybe different than the last for people. One week I was good the next I was having a really hard time. He helped me get through it.
Jessica
“I didn't understand how much horses actually teach me instead of me teaching them. I've been in senior management positions for a long time. I'm used to being in charge, calling the shots, and expecting people to get things done when I ask. I love working with Andy, but he's stubborn and doesn't always do what I ask. I've realized that until I relax, change my body language, and calmly give him the right cue, he won't respond to me. Because of Andy, I've learned I need to make some changes in the way I deal with people around me. My favorite part about the program is the people. I’ve spent a lot of time with Richard, helping him get the horses ready for class and just learning from him. Janelle kind of adopted me and has helped me feel so welcome. I was excited when I trotted for the first time on Andy. I realized I could not have done it without the community around me.”
Paul
Hi everyone! I’d like to introduce myself, my name is Danita and I came to the Tri-Cities from Arizona about 6 months ago. Many of my friends in Arizona were involved in equine therapy programs for mental and physical challenges. When I moved to the Tri-Cities I began to research equine therapy facilities in the Tri-Cities because my friends have had so many great experiences. This is when I came across Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT). I sent in my registration and quickly found that I qualified for their Horses Helping Heroes program. The first day of class I was paired with a horse named “Cowboy”. I learned how to groom him (always brush in the direction that the hair grows), how to clean his hooves, and tidy up his mane and tail. I learned how to properly use tack, such as stirrups, bridals, halters, reins, bits, and much more. I would like to express that my story starts here at TROT. During these classes I became a part of Cowboy. It felt as if he could talk back to me. I was in a bad places when I came to TROT, I was struggling with BTI, PTSD, a bi-polar disorder, and anxiety. Struggling with these are mentally challenging. As the class went on I became more aware of how Cowboy was feeling. It felt as if Cowboy could feel my emotions as well. He could sense my pain, both physical and mental. I would recommend TROT to those that suffer emotionally, mentally, and/or physically. TROT changed me and I am so grateful for that. I believe you will find a sense of freedom and happiness in your life after this program because it is truly therapeutic. Throughout this program you will build confidence, social skills, impulse control, self-efficiency, and learn boundaries. Please come out and join us to experience equine therapy for yourself!
Danita
Jessica Parnell
Director of Horses Helping Heroes
Meet Jessica Parnell, Director of Horses Helping Heroes and a caring life coach who specializes in supporting veterans and first responders. Jessica is dedicated to offering personalized guidance for those dealing with the unique challenges of high-stress professions. She works closely with her clients to set meaningful goals and develop personalized strategies, addressing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Jessica is a committed ally on the journey to healing and growth, providing compassionate support for those who have served and sacrificed.
Richard Alan
Riding Instructor
Richard has been involved with horses and equine activities for a large part of his life. After a stint in the army, while going to college on the G.I. Bill, he exchanged a couple mornings worth of feeding and grooming at a professional stable for riding lessons. He was the president of the Lake Washington Saddle Club for 4 years and was also a mounting judge for the Equestrian Phase of the Modern Pentathlon of the 1990 Goodwill Games. Richard started volunteering at TROT in 2017 as a horse leader and eventually became an instructor. Richard often helps with the Path to Success Classes and Hippotherapy at TROT. Aside from instructing classes, you can find Richard loving on our horses and helping with anything that needs to be done at our facility. Being at TROT has provided Richard opportunities to work with wonderful people and share his love and knowledge of horses with our clients. Richard is a Level 1 CHA certified instructor.