he Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), an international research foundation, welcomed Larry D. Pence, Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army (Ret.), as its newest board member. Mr. Pence brings expertise in alternative treatments to address the growing issues related to veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
Researching effects of equine assisted therapy
Horses and Humans Research Foundation has raised funds and awarded grants for seven rigorous, competitively awarded research projects investigating equine assisted therapy’s impact on the health and wellness of people. Name
HHRF funds research to advance Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAA/T). To date, HHRF has raised funds and awarded grants for seven rigorous, competitively awarded research projects investigating EAA/T’s impact on the health and wellness of people.
As co-founder of the Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program, Mr. Pence brings to the board a firsthand perspective on the use of EAA/T for one particularly at-risk population: military veterans with TBI or PTSD.
The Caisson program has assisted in the recovery and rehabilitation of more than 300 military veterans since its inception in 2006. Along with the program’s co-founder, Mary Jo Beckman Commander, US Navy (Ret.), Mr. Pence initiated a research fund for veterans that resulted in an HHRF grant awarded earlier this year.
“We have a responsibility to make them [veterans] whole again- to find them treatments to do it best. The research [is] extremely urgent,” said Mr. Pence.
“The HHRF mission is extremely important to me because I want to create awareness of the enormous potential of EAA to benefit all people, especially veterans and members of the military,” he added. “Through research, awareness and education we can contribute to the recovery, rehabilitation and social integration of a large number of our fellow Americans.”
“Larry’s appointment is just one indicator of how HHRF is addressing the research needs of a wide variety of people who might benefit from EAA/T. His experience with veterans will be of tremendous benefit as the Board continues to find and fund the stellar research needed to move the EAA/T field forward,” noted HHRF Board President Lynn Shaw. “Larry’s passion for the horse and his strategic mind will be welcome additions to the Board!”
Mr. Pence served 28 years in the military and another 15 years as a project manager for CACI, International before co-founding the Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for The Association of The United States Army and a life member of The Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia.
HHRF is establishing a second fund designated to researching veterans PTSD/TBI. Contributions can be made online or checks sent to: HHRF, PO Box 480, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022