Heroes & Horses Inc

This program draws on the power of equine to address issues uniquely experienced by men who have served in the military. Typical program length is five to seven weeks, with weekly 90-minute sessions. The closed group organically addresses challenges that are common among the members of the group and those that are unique to the individual. Challenges include, but are not limited to, PTSD, grief and loss, domestic violence, abuse, family dynamics, relationships, gender dysphoria, isolation and abandonment.

Individual sessions are available for veterans to meet with a coach and an equine partner, and may include additional support from other professionals as necessary. These sessions serve as a compliment or an alternative to traditional psychotherapy. We work with the veteran to facilitate the natural process of healing outside the confines of an office, developing much needed connection and re-establishing a sense of safety. Individual sessions may include work on: communication, trust, connection, problem solving, mindfulness and more. Sessions are facilitated by a trained equine professional, life coach, therapist, or peer support, depending on the circumstance.

Ongoing inpatient and outpatient co-ed groups for veterans.

Military Family: Preparation for Family Separation

This five- to seven-week program, which is designed to accommodate either an individual family or multiple families, provides a shared experience that addresses the challenges for both the service member and their family in preparing for separation. Each session is held inside the Herd Dynamic, with family members connecting with an equine partner that represents a consistent presence. The sessions provide a safe place for expression with a trusting partner, which has been shown to reduce feelings of abandonment and isolation.

The program helps normalize natural emotions which can include:

The impending loss of the presence of a family member
A shift in familial roles
Creating a support herd (“battle buddies” for families)
Goal-setting and mission identification
Loss of parental/spousal guidance and presence


Military Family: Living One Day at a Time During Family Separation

This five- to seven-week program provides a shared experience that addresses the challenges for both the service member and their family during separation. The sessions provide a safe place for expression with a trusting partner, which helps reduce feelings of abandonment and isolation.

The program helps normalize natural emotions that accompany:

The loss of the presence of a family member
A shift in familial roles
Creating a support herd (“battle buddies” for families)
Goal-setting and mission identification
Loss of parental/spousal guidance


Military Family: Preparation for Family Reunification

While families often embrace the return of their service member after active duty, there are natural challenges that accompany the reintegration process. In this program, family members will have experienced the equine herd dynamic as a consistent presence and safe place for expression, helping to ease the process of change.

The program helps normalize natural emotions which can include:

The return or pending return of their service member
Questions such as: “Who will they be?” “How will my role in the family change?” “Will they still love me even though I have changed?”
The shift in dynamic upon the return of a member of the herd.

Integrating horsemanship with the language of the Stages of Change and recovery principles, participants learn about their horse and about themselves.

Northern Arizona VA and Yavapai County Veterans Treatment Court

In partnership with the Northern Arizona Veterans Administration, we offer ongoing Equine Assisted Learning for clients of the VA Domiciliary and Mental Health I.O.P. programs. Also, in partnership with the Yavapai County Veterans Treatment Court, we offer ongoing programming for veterans involved in the treatment or diversionary program.

First Responders and Families

First responders and their families can face significant emotional, mental and societal challenges. PTSD, isolation, anger, depression, addiction and challenges with emotional intimacy are all common. An important way to manage natural occupational challenges is for both the first responder and his or her family members to work toward the best possible outcome.

This five- to seven-week program is designed to help both the first responder and families avoid or escape a destructive cycle. It is common for the family to recognize the need for help before the individual does; the first responder is not required to participate in the program in order for his or her family to participate. The program provides each participant with a clearer perspective of each family member and helps participants develop a context for expression in order to keep the channels of communication open.

First Responder Individual Sessions

Individual sessions are available for first responders to meet with a coach and an equine partner, with support from additional professionals as needed. These sessions serve as a complement or an alternative to traditional psychotherapy. We work with the first responder to facilitate the natural process of healing outside the confines of an office, developing much needed connection and re-establishing a sense of safety. Individual sessions may include work on: communication, trust, connection, problem solving, mindfulness and more. Sessions are facilitated by a trained equine professional, life coach, therapist or peer specialist, depending on circumstance.

Women’s First Responders Group

This program draws on the power of equine to address issues uniquely experienced by women first responders. Typical program length is five to seven weeks with weekly 90-minute sessions. The closed group organically addresses challenges that are common among the members of the group and those that are unique to the individual. These challenges may include, but are not limited to, PTSD, grief and loss, domestic violence, abuse, family dynamics, relationships, gender dysphoria, isolation and abandonment.

Men’s First Responders Group

This program draws on the power of equine to address issues uniquely experienced by men first responders. Typical program length is five to seven weeks with weekly 90-minute sessions. The closed group organically addresses challenges that are common among the members of the group and those that are unique to the individual. These challenges may include, but are not limited to, PTSD, grief and loss, domestic violence, abuse, family dynamics, relationships, gender dysphoria, isolation and abandonment.

Horsemanship for First Responders

Integrating horsemanship with the language of the Stages of Change and recovery principles, participants learn about their horse and about themselves.

For individuals who work alongside or in support of veterans or first responders and others, we offer impactful, experiential workshops designed to increase professional communication and facilitation skills in addition to exploring alternative methods of working with clients.