"We say just a day, but that is eight clinical hours of a therapeutic intervention," said Tara Mahoney, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and the chief executive officer of Equine Immersion Project (EIP). "That is two months of once-a-week one-hour sessions with no dropout. That is destigmatizing care."
Over the past week, from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, 2024, Dogface Soldiers, along with civilians and family members, gathered on crisp fall mornings for equine therapy sessions at the Bits & Bridle Equestrian Club on Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Equine therapy is a distinctive therapeutic approach that utilizes horses to aid individuals facing physical and mental health challenges. This type of therapy is founded on the belief that the bond between horses and humans can help individuals cultivate new perspectives and alter negative behaviors.
"Today, what I enjoyed most was witnessing my daughter's confidence as she acted without hesitation, despite not being naturally confident," said U.S. Army Sgt. Yazmin Knowles, a combat medic specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity. "She rode a horse bareback, and I didn't think she would do it, but she hopped up there as if she had done it before. It was wonderful to see her open up and take charge, especially since she usually isn't like that."
These sessions, organized by EIP, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equine therapy, the Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL), a group focused on rescuing and rehabilitating horses, and Sticky Limb Stables, a local equestrian facility, allowed participants to learn valuable lessons about handling emotions through direct interaction with horses.
"I came into this experience hopeful, but I never imagined I would learn so much about myself—especially about trusting my instincts and connecting with my emotions," Knowles reflected. "The horse could sense my feelings. When I felt uncertain, it showed, but when I was confident, the horse responded positively. This taught me that these sessions aren't just helpful for soldiers' mental health; they're also important for anyone grappling with uncertainty, particularly those in leadership roles. It reminded me to lead with kindness and respect, just like you would interact with a horse."
At the beginning of each equine therapy session, participants were given the opportunity to choose their horses for the day. Guided by an equine specialist, they groomed their horses, allowing them to relieve stress and connect with their riders. Participants also engaged in ground exercises and worked in the round pen. This approach helped build their self-confidence while fostering respect and responsiveness between the riders and the horses. At the end of the therapy session, participants had the chance to ride their chosen horse.
"If I could say anything about my experience today, it would be therapeutic," said Sgt. Portia Afriyie, a behavioral health specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity. "Amazing, awesome. Not just the horses, not just the experience, but the staff. They have so much patience and a great sense of direction in what they do.
Knowles also added that "this team here, the ladies and the men, has been outstanding. It was easy to follow their directions. We were able to trust them. They've been kind. I would come to this over and over again. No question, it's been amazing. Awesome."
This event marks the third collaboration between EIP, GERL, and Sticky Limb Stables to support EIP's third equine therapy session at Fort Stewart.
"This was a complicated project requiring an incredible collaboration between the hospital leadership (Winn Army Community Hospital), Garrison, and the 3rd Infantry Division," said Mahoney. "The teamwork that I saw I had not seen on other bases, Fort Stewart is special. They believe in their soldiers. They believe in health; whether it is one soldier or 500, it didn't matter."
Since 2023, EIP has engaged with over 400 Soldiers and their families through phone calls, direct services, and follow-ups at Fort Stewart.
After five days of equine therapy sessions, the week concluded with a family day event. This included a petting zoo, where families could decorate horses and engage in round pen work. The Equine Immersion Project reached 126 adults and 21 children throughout the six-day event.
"I want the leadership at Fort Stewart to understand how profoundly this program impacts lives," said Chaplain Kevin Nagy with the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity. "The program is interactive, allowing participants to reflect and connect in meaningful ways. It provides a supportive and peaceful environment where individuals can feel encouraged as they face challenges. By the end of the program, participants often transform, similar to the immediate improvement seen after landscaping a yard. The positive changes are evident right away, demonstrating the program's effectiveness."
The equine therapy sessions will continue to be held bi-annually, and participants can sign up through their unit chaplains.
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