SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 4
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
4/6/2011                                    Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer




  Equine-assisted therapy                                  heer asked them to do with their horses, which
                                                           include having the horse walk in a certain
  Horses help disabled                                     direction, then having them go into an enclosure.

  vets                                                     The course does not involve riding the horses.

                                                           Keto said he had never been around a horse
  Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer                              before and the was initially afraid to be inside a
                                                           corral with one.
  Posted: 04/03/2011 02:28:59 PM PDT
                                                           But he said learning to keep that anxiety in
  At age 66, Richard Keto is still haunted by the          check and controlling a 1,000-pound-plus
  intrusive memories of combat in Vietnam's A              animal has built his confidence.
  Shau Valley, a key entry point for men and
  materiel from the Ho Chi Minh Trail.                     The idea to bring equine therapy as an additional
                                                           treatment option to the Loma Linda VA was
  Then a sergeant with the 101st Airborne                  originally pitched by Jeff Allen, a volunteer peer
  Division, Sgt. Keto was a squad leader on "search        support specialist there and a 21-year Army
  and destroy" missions for the division.                  veteran.
  Although he missed by one year the infamous              Allen proposed the program to the Loma Linda
  battle of "Hamburger Hill," fighting still was           VA as part of several diverse treatment
  intense during his combat tour, in 1970 and              modalities he and others are promoting as
  1971.                                                    "alternatives to medications."
  Too often, terrified civilians would fall into the       "Medicines certainly have their place, but we feel
  withering crossfire between United States and            there needs to be tools to teach a love of life.
  North Vietnamese forces, he said during a recent
  interview.                                               "You can tolerate a lot of pain if you are having
                                                           fun," said Allen, who survived a helicopter crash,
  Keto was among the second group of veterans              his legs being crushed by a heavy object and a
  last month from Jerry L. Pettis Memorial
  Veterans Medical Center in Loma Linda to
  complete an equine-assisted therapy program.
                                                          advertisement
  "This has been very calming. And my blood
  pressure has gone down. So has my cholesterol.
  I'm less anxious," he said.

  Many returning vets complain of having a very
  short fuse when dealing with civilians.

  But maintaining a calm demeanor is important. A
  horse won't deal with you if you are not calm, s
  aid Sal Puentes, 52, of Rialto, a former Marine.

  Veterans in this group said they gained
  confidence through the tasks instructor Angie S




www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212…                                                                               1/4
4/6/2011                                      Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer




  broken back in separate accidents during his               Kendal Boyd, an associate professor of
  military service.                                          psychology at Loma Linda University, who has
                                                             studied the traumatic effects of war on veterans,
  Last year, the VA funded the horse therapy pilot           said he can understand how a warrior who might
  program class from a donation, he said.                    not want to sit and discuss problems with a
                                                             therapist, might be more receptive to therapy
  It was viewed as successful, but Allen was told            inside a horse corral.
  there no funds for new classes this year.
                                                             The small body of studies on equine therapy
  In his funding hunt, Allen connected with the              suggest it is a "promising technique" he said.
  Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12 in San
  Bernardino.                                                Nancy Farrell, a staff psychologist with the Loma
                                                             Linda VA, is surveying equine therapy students
  "We are seeing a new generation of veterans                before and after their six-week instruction
  coming out of military service and having PTSD             course for anxiety, depression and quality of life.
  (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), as well as
  problems readjusting to civilian life," said               Eventually, she would like to do a research
  Richard Valdez, chapter commander.                         project on the project.

  The National Institute of Mental Health defines            Dealing with a horse forces a veteran to confront
  PTSD as an anxiety disorder that can develop               his own unchecked emotions, said Boyd, Farrell
  after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in          and equine class participants.
  which grave physical harm occurred or was
  threatened.                                                "Horses are intuitive. They pick up emotions and
                                                             reflect what comes from you," said Sheer, a
  The chapter wants to ensure that there are                 veteran riding instructor who has been
  viable programs available to help the new group            conducting equine therapy classes for about 10
  of veterans immediately and therefore decided              years.
  to fund the program for this year.
                                                             For teaching, Sheer uses her own horses or
  Much less was known about PTSD in the post-                borrows horses boarded at the Buffalo Meadows
  Vietnam era, and as a result those veterans
  suffered for 30 or more years before appropriate
  help was available, said Valdez, a Marine
  veteran who fought in an area south of the A              advertisement
  Shau Valley nicknamed the "Arizona Territory"
  due, in part, to its frequent ambushes and
  numerous mines and booby traps.

  Valdez, who was on the front lines during the
  Tet offensive of 1968 - a massive attack by
  North Vietnamese regular and irregular forces -
  brought PTSD issues home to his family and
  children.

  "We want to stop of the cycle behaviors being
  transferred to children," Valdez said.




www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212…                                                                                  2/4
4/6/2011                                    Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer




  Ranch, where she teaches.

  She picks horses that have dispositions
  appropriate for the day's lesson. And she noticed
  that veterans tend to gravitate to horses that are
  like themselves.

  In the first group last year, Sheer said one
  veteran with extreme symptoms of withdrawal
  was attracted to a horse which had been
  mistreated by its prior owner and was itself
  withdrawn.

  The horse responded well to the vet's friendship
  efforts, she said.

  The next class, which should begin later this
  month, will be made up entirely of female
  veterans, Sheer said.

  Farrell said class participants have told her they
  not only benefitted from the class with horses,
  but also from the scenic location, which is in the
  Riverside County section of San Timoteo Canyon,
  near the border with Redlands.




                                                          advertisement




www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212…                                            3/4
4/6/2011                            Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer




www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212…                                    4/4

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Mental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu
Mental health Team. Dr Senthil ThirusanguMental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu
Mental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu Medical University
 
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024EwoutSteyerberg1
 
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.Vaikunthan Rajaratnam
 
Neurological history taking (2024) .
Neurological  history  taking  (2024)  .Neurological  history  taking  (2024)  .
Neurological history taking (2024) .Mohamed Rizk Khodair
 
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)1922Jaygohel
 
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptx
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptxBreast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptx
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptxNaveenkumar267201
 
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdf
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdfCure of patients which terminally ill.pdf
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdfrg0000009
 
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentation
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentationForensic Nursing powerpoint presentation
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentationKavitha Krishnan
 
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and Beyond
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and BeyondMale Infertility, Antioxidants and Beyond
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and BeyondSujoy Dasgupta
 
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.kishan singh tomar
 
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE Mamatha Lakka
 
AI in Action: Elevating Patient Insights
AI in Action: Elevating Patient InsightsAI in Action: Elevating Patient Insights
AI in Action: Elevating Patient InsightsEmily Kunka, MS, CCRP
 
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functions
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functionsAUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functions
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functionsMedicoseAcademics
 
Using Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
Using Data Visualization in Public Health CommunicationsUsing Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
Using Data Visualization in Public Health Communicationskatiequigley33
 
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptx
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptxBasic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptx
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptxkomalt2001
 
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio..."Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...Sujoy Dasgupta
 
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptx
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptxDNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptx
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptxMAsifAhmad
 
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)kishan singh tomar
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

Mental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu
Mental health Team. Dr Senthil ThirusanguMental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu
Mental health Team. Dr Senthil Thirusangu
 
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024
Trustworthiness of AI based predictions Aachen 2024
 
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.
Generative AI in Health Care a scoping review and a persoanl experience.
 
Neurological history taking (2024) .
Neurological  history  taking  (2024)  .Neurological  history  taking  (2024)  .
Neurological history taking (2024) .
 
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)
A presentation on Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA)
 
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptx
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptxBreast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptx
Breast cancer -ONCO IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING.pptx
 
Biologic therapy ice breaking in rheumatology, Case based approach with appli...
Biologic therapy ice breaking in rheumatology, Case based approach with appli...Biologic therapy ice breaking in rheumatology, Case based approach with appli...
Biologic therapy ice breaking in rheumatology, Case based approach with appli...
 
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdf
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdfCure of patients which terminally ill.pdf
Cure of patients which terminally ill.pdf
 
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentation
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentationForensic Nursing powerpoint presentation
Forensic Nursing powerpoint presentation
 
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and Beyond
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and BeyondMale Infertility, Antioxidants and Beyond
Male Infertility, Antioxidants and Beyond
 
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.
Different drug regularity bodies in different countries.
 
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
 
AI in Action: Elevating Patient Insights
AI in Action: Elevating Patient InsightsAI in Action: Elevating Patient Insights
AI in Action: Elevating Patient Insights
 
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functions
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functionsAUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functions
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM organization and functions
 
Using Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
Using Data Visualization in Public Health CommunicationsUsing Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
Using Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
 
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptx
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptxBasic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptx
Basic structure of hair and hair growth cycle.pptx
 
Rheumatoid arthritis Part 1, case based approach with application of the late...
Rheumatoid arthritis Part 1, case based approach with application of the late...Rheumatoid arthritis Part 1, case based approach with application of the late...
Rheumatoid arthritis Part 1, case based approach with application of the late...
 
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio..."Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...
"Radical excision of DIE in subferile women with deep infiltrating endometrio...
 
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptx
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptxDNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptx
DNA nucleotides Blast in NCBI and Phylogeny using MEGA Xi.pptx
 
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
 

Empfohlen

PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at WorkGetSmarter
 
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
 
Barbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy PresentationBarbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy PresentationErica Santiago
 

Empfohlen (20)

PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 
ChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slidesChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slides
 
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike RoutesMore than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
 
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
 
Barbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy PresentationBarbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
 

Pstdvetrans

  • 1. 4/6/2011 Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer Equine-assisted therapy heer asked them to do with their horses, which include having the horse walk in a certain Horses help disabled direction, then having them go into an enclosure. vets The course does not involve riding the horses. Keto said he had never been around a horse Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer before and the was initially afraid to be inside a corral with one. Posted: 04/03/2011 02:28:59 PM PDT But he said learning to keep that anxiety in At age 66, Richard Keto is still haunted by the check and controlling a 1,000-pound-plus intrusive memories of combat in Vietnam's A animal has built his confidence. Shau Valley, a key entry point for men and materiel from the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The idea to bring equine therapy as an additional treatment option to the Loma Linda VA was Then a sergeant with the 101st Airborne originally pitched by Jeff Allen, a volunteer peer Division, Sgt. Keto was a squad leader on "search support specialist there and a 21-year Army and destroy" missions for the division. veteran. Although he missed by one year the infamous Allen proposed the program to the Loma Linda battle of "Hamburger Hill," fighting still was VA as part of several diverse treatment intense during his combat tour, in 1970 and modalities he and others are promoting as 1971. "alternatives to medications." Too often, terrified civilians would fall into the "Medicines certainly have their place, but we feel withering crossfire between United States and there needs to be tools to teach a love of life. North Vietnamese forces, he said during a recent interview. "You can tolerate a lot of pain if you are having fun," said Allen, who survived a helicopter crash, Keto was among the second group of veterans his legs being crushed by a heavy object and a last month from Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center in Loma Linda to complete an equine-assisted therapy program. advertisement "This has been very calming. And my blood pressure has gone down. So has my cholesterol. I'm less anxious," he said. Many returning vets complain of having a very short fuse when dealing with civilians. But maintaining a calm demeanor is important. A horse won't deal with you if you are not calm, s aid Sal Puentes, 52, of Rialto, a former Marine. Veterans in this group said they gained confidence through the tasks instructor Angie S www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212… 1/4
  • 2. 4/6/2011 Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer broken back in separate accidents during his Kendal Boyd, an associate professor of military service. psychology at Loma Linda University, who has studied the traumatic effects of war on veterans, Last year, the VA funded the horse therapy pilot said he can understand how a warrior who might program class from a donation, he said. not want to sit and discuss problems with a therapist, might be more receptive to therapy It was viewed as successful, but Allen was told inside a horse corral. there no funds for new classes this year. The small body of studies on equine therapy In his funding hunt, Allen connected with the suggest it is a "promising technique" he said. Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12 in San Bernardino. Nancy Farrell, a staff psychologist with the Loma Linda VA, is surveying equine therapy students "We are seeing a new generation of veterans before and after their six-week instruction coming out of military service and having PTSD course for anxiety, depression and quality of life. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), as well as problems readjusting to civilian life," said Eventually, she would like to do a research Richard Valdez, chapter commander. project on the project. The National Institute of Mental Health defines Dealing with a horse forces a veteran to confront PTSD as an anxiety disorder that can develop his own unchecked emotions, said Boyd, Farrell after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in and equine class participants. which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. "Horses are intuitive. They pick up emotions and reflect what comes from you," said Sheer, a The chapter wants to ensure that there are veteran riding instructor who has been viable programs available to help the new group conducting equine therapy classes for about 10 of veterans immediately and therefore decided years. to fund the program for this year. For teaching, Sheer uses her own horses or Much less was known about PTSD in the post- borrows horses boarded at the Buffalo Meadows Vietnam era, and as a result those veterans suffered for 30 or more years before appropriate help was available, said Valdez, a Marine veteran who fought in an area south of the A advertisement Shau Valley nicknamed the "Arizona Territory" due, in part, to its frequent ambushes and numerous mines and booby traps. Valdez, who was on the front lines during the Tet offensive of 1968 - a massive attack by North Vietnamese regular and irregular forces - brought PTSD issues home to his family and children. "We want to stop of the cycle behaviors being transferred to children," Valdez said. www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212… 2/4
  • 3. 4/6/2011 Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer Ranch, where she teaches. She picks horses that have dispositions appropriate for the day's lesson. And she noticed that veterans tend to gravitate to horses that are like themselves. In the first group last year, Sheer said one veteran with extreme symptoms of withdrawal was attracted to a horse which had been mistreated by its prior owner and was itself withdrawn. The horse responded well to the vet's friendship efforts, she said. The next class, which should begin later this month, will be made up entirely of female veterans, Sheer said. Farrell said class participants have told her they not only benefitted from the class with horses, but also from the scenic location, which is in the Riverside County section of San Timoteo Canyon, near the border with Redlands. advertisement www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212… 3/4
  • 4. 4/6/2011 Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer www.sbsun.com/fdcp?unique=130212… 4/4