Stable Forces is a program at MARE Riding Center that serves Veterans as a part of their community support system. Veterans are taught a combination of riding and horsemanship skills in a safe and structured learning environment with individual objectives and goals in mind.

Partnering with horses can be such a positive experience.  A horse extends a non-threatening, trusting, open relationship when connecting with the Veteran because they are unbiased and do not have expectations of the Veteran.  Horses also offer an increase in physical and cognitive abilities which leads to a strengthening of independence to progress in daily life. Horses have been found to reduce anxiety or stress and create harmony and fulfillment. The riding lesson gives the Veteran something to look forward to, provides pleasant experiences, forms new memories as they bond with the horse, and can give an opportunity for camaraderie with other Veterans during group lessons.

 

MARE is collaborating with Wounded Heroes Fund to provide each Veteran participant with a no-cost service.

BENEFITS OF ADAPTIVE HORSEBACK RIDING

PHYSICAL

Increasing abilities of gross motor skills, core muscles, general muscle strength and balance

COGNITIVE

Increasing abilities of fine motor skills, attention span and focus, memory, hand eye coordination, sensory and mental processing, motor planning, problem solving, confidence and decreasing of anxiety and stress

SOCIALIZATION

Bonding with horse, other Veterans, instructor, staff and volunteers

AND MORE

Having fun…while learning, working, and growing.

All these factors help to develop daily life skills and independence.