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Making A Difference: Garrard Co. Horse Farm Offers Program For Veterans

Posted at 3:00 PM, May 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-15 18:27:01-04

 

GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Garrard County horse farm is offering a program that helps men and women experiencing PTSD and addiction.

Military veterans like Cortney Moguel come to Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center to find peace through a special equine therapy.

“When you leave and you are stuck with your issues, figuring out how to deal with those by yourself is really hard,” said Moguel.

The program began in January and now primarily serves men and women from the Lexington V.A., dealing with PTSD and addiction.

“We can never repay what they did for us, but we can offer these services with the horses that we have,” said Laura Friday, the program director of Hooves of Hope.

Friday said it comes as no surprise that horses are the perfect match to help the men and women confront their issues and find themselves.

“Horses are just so sensitive to our emotions,” said Friday. “It’s not a human, it’s not as intimidating face-to-face with a human. You’re not with a counselor, it’s just out with a horse.”

The veterans gain a new set of skills through earning the trust of the horse.

“It makes you feel like, if I can do this, if I can earn the trust of an animal that’s bigger than me, like maybe I can do more than I thought,” said Moguel.

The services are offered to the veterans free of charge.

For more information on Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center, click here.