According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, each day, on average, 20 veterans take their own lives. To shed light on the growing epidemic of veteran suicide, BraveHearts—the leading equine rehabilitation program for veterans in the nation—will embark on its third annual “Trail to Zero” ride in New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago.
Man enjoying benefits of healing horsemanship
Multicity tour raises awareness for preventing veteran suicide through healing horsemanshipMulticity tour raises awareness for preventing veteran suicide through healing horsemanship.
© 2016 by Charles T. Bennett
The 20-mile ride in each city commemorates the number of veterans lives lost, while cultivating a conversation around the mental health crisis plaguing those who have served the country and educating those in need about the benefits and healing effects of equine-assisted services.
“‘Trail to Zero’ was developed after countless conversations with veterans about the intensifying suicide pandemic tragically affecting so many,” said Meggan Hill-McQueeney, President/COO, BraveHearts. “To hear that these men and women who have already sacrificed so much, are taking their own lives is simply heartbreaking.
We need to raise awareness and find solutions to help protect those who put their lives on the line for our nation.”
The American Horse Council (AHC) will help host the ride in Washington, D.C. including introductions to the Congressional Horse Caucus, and key congressional members. AHC President Julie Broadway stated “The AHC has long standing and deep relationship with the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies sector of the Equine Industry, having worked closely with Rep. Andy Barr and Dept. of Veterans Affairs to advance funding for the VA’s Adaptive Sport Program.
September is suicide awareness month and it’s our belief BraveHearts ride to all 13 veteran’s memorials in the nation’s capital will help spur conversations about strategies to improve the lives of veterans.”
“Innovative, alternative, non-traditional therapies should not be the last stop, or hope, for veterans,” added Hill-McQueeney. “Horses are good for the soul, for the mind and for the future of the veteran. If we can curtail how many vets are having suicidal ideologies, then we’ve done our job. However, we won’t rest until that number is zero.”
“Trail to Zero” is supported by the NYPD Mounted Unit, US Park Police Mounted Horse Unit and the Chicago Mounted Unit. Rides will take place in September in Washington, D.C. (September 7); New York City (September 14); and Chicago (September 28). To learn more, visit www.trailtozero.org.
BraveHearts is the largest Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) program in the country serving veterans all at no cost, offering equine services to provide emotional, cognitive, social and physical benefits for veterans.
Veterans at BraveHearts have reported benefits including increased self-esteem, self-worth, trust for others and community integration and decreased depression, anxiety, post traumatic disorder symptoms and self-inflicting thoughts.
Press release provided by Bryan Brendle - Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs - American Horse Council