SECOND CHANCES
Equine project helps veterans with PTSD
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » An estimated 22 active and retired military personnel, afflicted with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries, commit suicide daily.
A new Columbia University program called the Man O’ War Project seeks to prevent such tragedies by using horses to treat people instead of medications, which have had limited and sometimes negative results.
Drs. Prudence Fisher and Yuval Neria, from school’s Department of Psychiatry, discussed their research at this week’s Equestricon racing festival at Saratoga Springs City Center.
“We do a psychological review of participants before, during and after each session,” Neria said.
“It’s a specific treatment,” Fisher said. “It’s not a one-time experience. Every session builds on the session before it. It’s very gradual. A lot of veterans haven’t been around horses before.”
In groups of three to five persons each, participants take a series of eight classes, over two months, at the Bergen Equestrian Center in New Jersey. Initial classes teach basic horsemanship, leading up to one- on- one connections between veteran and animal.
“During the course of that process they become relaxed and very friendly,” Neria said.
The Man O’ War Project is similar to the award-winning Saratoga WarHorse program, founded by Vietnam veteran Bob Nevins of Saratoga Springs, which treats veterans at a local farm.
But there are several differences.
“It’s really the first and only university-led research trial for PTSD veterans all over the U. S.,” said Greg Menken, program spokesman.
About 30 people were treated during the past’s year’s inaugural effort, and only two dropped out, Fisher said.
An almost equal number of men and women took part, referred to the program by Veterans Administration doctors or various veterans groups.
A new session, scheduled to begin in late August, will include a retired thoroughbred for the first time. Previously, different equine breeds were used.
Race horse aftercare was one of Equestricon’s major themes.
“The Man O’ War Project helps veterans and horses find second careers,” Neria said. “One of our goals is looking for retired race horses to train as therapy horses. We’re very aware of this need.”
Trained clinicians evaluate veterans for PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
“During the course of treatments we video every session,” he said. “We get a very good feel about what’s going on with each patient.”
“The response has been really positive,” Fisher said. “We now have a manual for equine therapy that can be used to train others to use this method. A lot of people could benefit.”
For information go to: www. MOWProject.org.