Last weekend, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of veterans and their daughters. Although we’re in the middle of a hot summer, it happened to be a cool morning that day – which gave the mountain air a crisp, cleansing feeling.
The group started bright and early at 8am to meet and greet with the horses. Each person was then paired off with a horse to groom and get to know.
With our two gelding mustangs, Hawkeye and Trapper, we had Abigail Maki (a Navy veteran) and Megan Howell (a National Guard Army veteran). Our youngest mustang, Emmy Lou, was partnered with Esperansa Perez (an Army veteran). Esperansa’s daughter, Ariana, worked with a mare named Lucy. We had our most sensitive mustang, Libby, matched up with Sophia Palafox (a Navy vet). Sophia’s daughter, Zoe, was paired with a mare named Dakota.
Throughout the day, the group navigated the special language of groundwork with a horse.
By signaling with body language and energy, these veterans and their daughters had the horses backing up, yielding their hindquarters, and even walking over a wooden plank bridge. A big highlight was when Megan was able to get Trapper, our most inexperienced mustang, to put two feet on the plank bridge. Another special moment was when Sophia bonded with Libby, yielding her hindquarters from both directions.
Our staff noticed a change in the group – at first quiet and observant, the veterans and their daughters were now laughing and talking animatedly. Abigail affectionately braided Hawkeye’s forelock, while Zoe absentmindedly stroked Dakota’s neck. A smile spread across Ariana’s face as she whispered something to Lucy. By the end of their session, a relaxed, happy energy settled over everyone. While this group only spent a few hours at War Horse Creek, we plan on eventually offering week long or even month long stays to fully immerse people in the calming, reinvigorating power of working with these horses.
To finish the day, we enjoyed an outdoor picnic. Resting in the shade of the large pine trees, our veterans reflected on their experiences with the horses, shared stories, joked, and opened up about their time in the military.
Everyone agreed that there is something transformative about just being in the presence of a horse. Not only are they large animals, but their expressive eyes and intelligence demand respect. Abigail summed it up nicely: “They’re intimidating and huge – but it was amazing to be able to direct them, to feel their energy.”
Abigail and Sophia shared stories of starry night skies in the middle of nowhere on large naval ships. Sophia talked about what it was like to work as a cook and the joys of a “Tiger Cruise” (when the navy allows family members to sail with them). Megan told funny stories of training and life in the barracks. Esperansa opened up about life after the army and how she now helps other veterans as a vet center counselor. We also broached tougher subjects, such as what it’s like to be a woman in a male dominated atmosphere.
These women are strong and resilient, raising equally talented and determined daughters. We’re so glad they could join us to spend time with our horses, share their stories, and detox in the mountain air.
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