Riding for Remembrance and Recovery

Two years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to France, representing the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), to host our first international symposium. In addition to bringing together researchers and practitioners from around the world, we participated in a powerful event that will stay with me forever.

Veterans from the United States, the UK, and France came together to ride in Deauville, France, and on the historic Utah Beach in Normandy. We were also fortunate enough to meet several World War II veterans who had been flown in for the D-Day commemorations. That moment — standing on a landing beach beside veterans of all ages and backgrounds — was both humbling and inspiring.

The event served to highlight several important issues. First, the estimated suicide rate among veterans remains devastatingly high — over 22 lives a day. And that number is likely underreported due to political and systemic gaps in data collection. Second, and more hopeful, is the growing body of evidence showing how horses can play a key role in helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and navigate the difficult transition back to civilian life.

At HHRF, we have funded several research studies focused on this very topic — studies that explore how horse-human interactions can offer social, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and physical healing for veterans.

The findings are clear: horses help. They offer connection without judgment, movement that mirrors the rhythm of life, and a grounding presence that supports being “in the moment”.

As meaningful as it was to ride across a beach where American soldiers once landed in the fight for freedom, it amazes me — and frustrates me — that today, we still struggle to provide veterans with the services they need and deserve. My father and his brothers served in the Navy, and I know one of my uncles had a particularly difficult time when he came home. I truly believe he could have benefited from working with horses and a trained counselor.

That day in France, riding alongside veterans, wasn’t about politics or programs. We were just equestrians — sharing a journey, honoring those who came before us, and finding strength in the presence of horses and each other.

Let’s keep riding toward a future where every veteran has access to the healing resources they need, including the power of the horse.