Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, utilizes the unique relationship between humans and horses to promote healing and self-discovery. It encompasses various activities with horses, such as grooming, feeding, and riding, all while under the guidance of a mental health or physical therapy professional. The goal is to leverage the horse's natural qualities and behavior to help individuals develop emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills.

In this episode Alexander Varn, a troop psychologist with the German Armed Forces, dives deep into the science, biology, and theories as to why this breakthrough healing modality is so effective, while also sharing inspirational stories of real-life case studies along the way.

Types of equine therapy mentioned in the episode:

1) Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Focuses on mental health issues, with individuals working with a licensed therapist and a horse specialist.

2) Hippotherapy: Utilizes the horse's movement to improve physical, occupational, and speech therapy goals.

3) Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): Helps individuals develop life skills through interactions with horses.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:23 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Varn

7:39 The Origins of Equine Therapy

25:37 The Science and Biology, Theory 1

39:54 Horse Live in the Present, Humans Do Not

41:58 Overcoming Obstacles, Theory 2

1:04:18 Horses Are Naturally Calm. Theory 3

1:14:50 Healing for Couples

1:17:08 A Success Story

1:24:23 The Future of Equine Therapy

1:36:32 An Autism Case Study

1:44:51 First Experience with a Horse

1:53:17 Words of Encouragement

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g_ylJ5iTsn0

Resources:

https://www.veteranscenter.org/

https://remountfoundation.org/

You’re not alone.

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To kick off our VA series we sit down with Steve Bundy, an Army Veteran and current Peer Support Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs. From surviving disastrous airborne jumps, to saving himself and his family from homelessness, Steve shares an abundance of wisdom and resources we can all learn from.

Our mission here on The Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.

RESOURCES:

https://www.veteranscenter.org/

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Watch on YouTube HERE

You're not alone.

Daily tasks and routines that many take for granted can be challenging and complex for a Veteran or first responder with PTSD or a traumatic brain injury, an individual with limited mobility, or a young person with autism. Picking up a dropped phone, moving around in a busy public space, or withstanding a stressful environment can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the necessary resources to navigate the situation. At Freedom Service Dogs, they purpose-breed and custom train dogs that empower individuals with disabilities to live lives filled with possibility. In this episode, we hear from Chris and Ashleigh who both share their military story, while also showing us behind the scenes of owning a service dog.

RESOURCES:

https://freedomservicedogs.org/

https://www.veteranscenter.org/

Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.