Friday, March 19, 2010

'Horses for Heroes' helps injured, traumatized war vets adjust

'Horses for Heroes' helps injured, traumatized war vets adjust

12:00 AM CDT on Friday, March 19, 2010
By AVI SELK / The Dallas Morning News
aselk@dallasnews.com

Saddle up, soldier.

The horses of Stajduhar Stables in Colleyville have long been helping children bear the burdens of debilitating diseases. The animals' rhythmic gait can calm the nervous systems of kids with autism and strengthen the muscles of those with cerebral palsy.

Now the therapeutic riding stable is looking for injured or traumatized veterans to get on the horse – no charge. They call it "Horses for Heroes."

The stable has booked five soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder for its pilot class this spring, but it's still searching for at least one physically disabled veteran to participate. The success of the class will help determine whether the program gets grant money to continue into the future. DFW Case Management Society of America is funding the pilot class with a donation to the stable's nonprofit foundation.

"We can help them regain their strength, regain their balance," said Lisa Stajduhar, a physical therapist who owns the stable. "If they use a prosthetic, we can help them get up and start walking again."
read more here
Horses for Heroes

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