We humans have a relationship with horses that spans well over 6,000 years. They hauled plows, pulled carriages, carried messages of love and war across many miles, and marched Soldiers into battle. We have a love affair with these majestic animals that few people understand more closely than Sgt. Matthew Goetsch.
"It's hard to explain without you feeling it for yourself, you become one with the creature. Horses are harmonious; they provide immediate meaningful feedback of non-verbal behavior. Outsiders may not see the communication between the horses and I but it is there. It's a bond much different to one you may have with family, or a spouse," Goetsch said.
For Goetsch, this bond began at the age of six. By the age of 11 he was doing daily chores for his Aunt Lisa Sharer, owner of the Lisa Sharer Equestrian Stables in Verona, Wis.
"My parents didn't have the financial means to pay for the [riding] lessons so I began to work off the payment through doing chores at the stables. During that time is when the passion grew," Goetsch said.
Goetsch would lean on that passion nearly 20 years later. In 2005, he enlisted in the Army. By 2010, he was medically retired. He sustained injuries while deployed to Iraq and developed chronic immune disease, a traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Many of the daily activities, hobbies, sports, and passions that I loved became almost non-existence," according to Goetsch.
While preparing for his civilian transition, the Wisconsin native went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2012 and a Master's degree in Business Administration in 2015. However, even with these successes he struggled to gain meaningful employment, achieve happiness, and interact socially with his wife and family. In an effort to help, Goetsch's wife Mayra turned to a family friend that owned horses. She suggested her husband should take a Sunday ride to relax, completely unaware of her husband's childhood passion and desire to become a horse trainer and horse shower. That Sunday, Goetsch put one foot in the stirrup and was back in the saddle.
"I would say Matthew is more attentive in his home and social settings. Before he started riding again he was always filled with anxiety which would increase his stress levels to an unhealthy level," said Mayra Goetsch.
"I would have to say I've managed to work through those obstacles through the use of Adaptive Reconditioning Sports, such as equine therapy, "said Goetsch.
Adaptive reconditioning includes activities and sports that wounded, ill and injured Soldiers participate in regularly to optimize their physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. The benefits of adaptive reconditioning sports includes less stress, less dependency on pain and depression medication, and increased independence and self-confidence.
These days Goetsch is committed to helping Soldiers. He's the founder of the Veteran Equine Therapy Support Program. Located in Anthony, New Mexico, the program provides an equine companion with hopes it will aid Veterans in overcoming emotional fears along with mental and physical impairments.
When asked about his goals for the program, Goetsch replied, "The Department of Veteran Affairs statistics says that we lose 22 Veterans a day to suicide. My goal is to help my fellow Soldier build a fuller more meaningful life. It follows the creed I set for the program. It is my Veteran duty to continue my selfless service to those who served with integrity and honor for our thankful Nation. No man or woman should be left behind."
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