In therapy takes many forms-Professionals learn how to use the "Heroes" programs was wounded to help Horses

COMMON BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash-dusty ring Fort Lewis Riding Club, as Debbi Fisher patiently worked "Vision," his gentle nature selected 7-year-old American Paint horse.

Debbi Fisher, Director of the Rainier therapeutic Riding activities "Viewfinder () really nice, quiet disposition such as Vision is," said. "Safety is a priority for the soldiers and the horses. "

Soon the Fisher and Bob Woelk, RTR Executive Director, were surrounded by dozens of professionals in the Warrior transition units and family and Morale, welfare and recreation agencies-West region, who find themselves in to learn how RTR's "horses for Heroes" could help close to the trees there was wounded warriors.

The scene unfolded development 19 toward weeklong "Train Trainers program-Heidi Grimm of the United States Olympic Committee-year military programme, which was one of the top women's triathletes the Army in an earlier when he was a member of the armed forces, Fort Lewis on the conclusion of the controls of this decade.

Equine therapy, was only one adaptive sports programmes showcased a common Base Lewis, McChord during the week. The participants also learned experts sitting volleyball, strength and conditioning, racing, indoor wheelchair and adaptive Cycling, rowing and wheelchair Basketball.

"It was a really great presentation of all (JBLM) were able to provide" Grimm said. "The whole week was and to bring together a number of different organizations.

"Not only we bring an expert to cars, but we also bring Paralympians.We do two different things.We will make the experience, and we will do in fact training. "

Horse riding programs for Veterans of operations Iraqi freedom and Enduring Freedom Walter Reed Army Medical Center began in 2007 and the nation, according to him, the spread of 10 institutions Woelk.

"Then it's all relatively new," said Woelk, adds that she and Fisher started to build the basis for the programme JBLM 2 1/2 years ago.

"We plan to work with, as a matter of priority, post-traumatic stress and the brain injury, sometimes characters" said Woelk."It opens a lot more opportunities because Soldiers are able bodied and completely physically capable. we are you so that we can use it to mind. focus on more work with the fear of mental health issues."

At the North American Riding for people with disabilities Conference last November in Fort Worth, Texas Woelk and Fisher to learn how the horse therapy helps soldiers, veterans. one such program which was talked about at the Conference.

"It brought me to tears these Soldiers to listen to" Fisher said.

"By having them work with the horse they actually learn a strange new experience and successfully," said Woelk. "So they get a sense of taking control, confidence. "

The possibilities for such positive changes in the life of the people to keep Grimm lähettikin warriors road., he was the West Point another train trainers to be run last week, and then it has been disabled, Fort Campbell, Ky, is repeated at the end of September. [1] [2].

"You know, might help only a handful of friends," said Grimm, "but ... in General, it is a large difference and have a major influence.

"Firmly believe that exercise actually helps you look better mentally and physically person."

This article appeared in the common Base Lewis, McChord's weekly newspaper, the North Guardian.