My Nonprofit Reviews

OWH gives me a reason to get up in the morning!

I have battled PTSD and depression for 15 years since leaving the military. I underwent NUMEROUS conventional therapy treatments, but I always still had the same "I will force myself to do 'X' chore/event/appointment today" feeling. It has been a long time since I was really excited to go anywhere...till now. I learned of Operation Wildhorse at a local Veteran's Day breakfast, and as I have never worked with or been with horses, I was a bit hesitant - and to be honest, I was very scared of a 1200 lb animal because, well, it's 1200 lbs! But, listening to the veterans at the event, I thought this may be a successful, non-conventional way to address my PTSD/depression.

The veterans I have met at OWH are SO WELCOMING - an experience that I never had in the military on the ship that I was stationed. I was greeted and guided along throughout the session, and it was truly a special experience! I attend the group session each week, and the founder graciously agreed to meet with me in an additional weekly session to work on a program designed specifically for my needs. I remain in awe of these amazing horses each time I work with them - the horses intuitively respond in a way that reflects what I am feeling or need - and then teach me patience and creativity in how I can best interact with them. :)

The environment is COMPLETELY SAFE - safe from both a people-interaction as well as a horse-interaction viewpoint. Never have I been to an event and not felt extreme anxiety, quiet fear/hesitation, or the idea that I needed to "force myself" to do something. The founders ensure safety from an environment standpoint.

IF you are a veteran who is struggling or know of a veteran who has tried the traditional group/private counseling sessions or medication route to no success, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND trying this approach. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND this program to ALL veterans if only just to know there is a place of camaraderie and friendship that does exist! Meet those who are similar in your military service (from all generations), meet the founders of the program who TRULY care about you (and have been very patient with me in my training!), and meet the horses that can turn your life around for the better! The program has been generously sponsored, so all assistance to veterans is covered (something that means the world to me as I would not otherwise have the financial means to attend - THANK YOU SPONSORS). THANK YOU OPERATION WILDHORSE for allowing me to experience this program, meet phenomenal veterans and all of you, and start on a journey to enjoy life again!!!