More than 10% of veterans are living with PTSD. A farm in Clarence is providing a new way to cope.
"PTSD is one of those wounds that people don't see. For veterans who have PTSD to come and be able to work with the horses and get some kind of healing...it works out in the long run," said Bobby Hodge, U.S. Army Veteran who served for 20 years.
He helps with a program at Wisdom Farm in Clarence called "The Way of the Horse" which provides a new kind of therapy.
"[Veterans] tend to open up when the horse is around because they connect to them on a different level and the horse isn't asking them for anything," said Karen Arrison, who runs the farm and the program.
They provide workshops and events where veterans can form a bond with horses doing activities.
"The horses actually help balance us. When we're doing these workshops, we work with mindfulness," said Nancy Proulx, who also runs the program and is a horse expert.
This is a program that's changed lives.
"Big difference in myself. I smile a lot more, I'm happy. As soon as I walk into the barn, I'm at ease it's a sense of calm," said Hodge.
Veterans say it's important to have options like this.
"Asking for help isn't a weakness, it's not a crutch. It's one of those things that will help you achieve your mission because we can't do everything on our own," said Mark Davis, also a U.S. Army Veteran.
For more information on hte program, click here or call 716-655-1335.
