HARTH Foundation- Equine Therapy

The programs offered by HARTH Foundation are all free of charge to veterans, active duty service members and their families with the goal of helping to improve their quality of life. HARTH Foundation focuses on mental health and well-being, including readjustment issues. According to the American Psychological Association, 44% of veterans report readjustment difficulties after returning from deployments in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.  At HARTH, though we do not incorporate riding activities in our programs, major therapeutic benefits through activities with horses such as grooming and interactions on the ground are widely accepted as beneficial for participants. These activities are important for bonding, working on trust and building relationships, among other benefits.

HARTH also offers fee based sessions with our licensed counselors for those not part of a military family but in need of counseling.

HARTH Foundation Programs and Services

Recreational Therapy: These sessions focus on individual and family well-being.  They could include working with a horse and an equine specialist, informal time by the lake and/or enjoying down time at the facility.  These sessions have a relaxed structure which involves group conversation and interactions.

Therapeutic Horsemanship I and II: These two certification classes are structured around learning about the basic principles of horsemanship, and are taught over a six-week period. Members are required to come once a week for six weeks, and registration is required. Horsemanship classes are taught by an equestrian professional and involve unmounted work with the horse which incorporates touch, environment, and a strong necessity to build a relationship with the horse through communication skills.  Participants learn about horse safety, horse anatomy, breed differences, body language, longeing, leading, grooming, judging, principles of communicating with the horse, communicating through pressure points, judging and much more. Attendees will receive a certificate upon completion of  each session.

Peer to Peer Sessions:   These are informal get-togethers that allow veterans and their families to communicate with each other in a relaxed, casual environment. 

Individual or Group Counseling Sessions: These interventions will be provided and scheduled by request individually or in group sessions by a licensed professional, on an "as needed" basis. These interventions will be available for individuals, pairs or groups to facilitate discussion and processing after or during each step of the program. Each individual will have the opportunity to create their own therapeutic goals with a licensed professional if they so wish, which will drive the treatment plans and the evaluation of the treatment effectiveness.  These sessions will vary in length depending on the individual needs.

Weekend Retreats :  These are organized, group sessions that focus on mental health and well-being of individuals, couples and families. The retreat encompasses horsemanship, professional counseling, peer-to-peer sessions, and relaxation/recreational activities. Along with the retreat activities, the clients are provided with accommodations, working meals and snacks, and all necessary amenities.

Eligibility

Career Phase:
  • Veterans
  • Active Duty or Deployed
Discharges Allowed:
  • No Minimum Discharge
Military Branch:
Programs for Family Members:
Service Counties:
  • Bell
  • Blanco
  • Burnet
  • Lampasas
  • Llano
  • San Saba
  • Travis
  • Williamson
Services Category:
  • MH - Animal-based Therapy
  • MH - Peer Support
VA Disability Rating Requirement:
  • No Disability Requirement
Vet Plus: