Equine therapy helping veterans on the Coast

A new type of therapy for veterans has hit the Gulf Coast.

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about a horse? Well, according to many experts, a horse is just what the doctor ordered. V.A. Recreational Therapist Lara Herrin-Schaubot said, “It’s a great alternative to medicine for our vets. It helps them emotionally and physically.”

A group of ten disabled veterans from the V.A. went to Healing Reigns in Ocean Springs to experience equine therapy. They had the chance to pet, feed, and learn about multiple horses. “It gives them an outlet. It gives them a chance to experience things they never thought they would be able to do.”

Mental health issues among veterans are a serious problem in the United States which inspired Rocky Meadows to start Healing Reigns. “We lost more soldiers to suicide in 2012 than we did battle and when I learned that, I just felt like I just needed to help someone in some way, somehow, and if we can save one, that’s good.”

Studies show that spending time with horses can significantly reduce anxiety. For vets like Tommie Hayward, who served in the Vietnam War, seeing the horses brought back fond memories. “I look at them and think why couldn’t mine be like that?”

If you would like more information about Healing Reigns, you can contact them at 228-623-1500.