War-torn Troops Soothed by Horses’ Spirit

War-torn Troops Soothed by Horses’ Spirit
By Emily Oz
August 8, 2008

MIAMI -- The science of the human-animal bond is proving very effective in a new arena: on the home front of a new war. Returning veterans are finding help, as well as healing in therapy that involves a saddle and a set of reins.

"It feels pretty good. I feel tall," said U.S. Marine Gene Calonge, who recently returned from his deployment.

Learning to ride again is strengthening the bodies and minds of young vets here at the South Florida Veterans Multi-Purpose Center in Davie, Fla.

The last time Calonge mounted a horse, was his service with the Marine Corps. This time around it's Sam, a 4-year-old Arabian, giving him a much-needed boost.

"It's different bonding with an animal, you feel like you're not going to be judged so much about anything so ... you and him just have a good time,” said Calonge.

A crowd of people recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of a new facility. It's got all the features needed to accommodate a growing Equine Therapy Program that started one year ago. Professional horse trainers and mental health experts work with the Veterans, using a very powerful tool: the love and respect of a horse.

"A horse is a prey animal,' said Bob Bambury, the executive director of the South Florida Veterans Multi-Purpose Center. “So it's used to being attacked by predators. So it has a ‘stand-offish’ effect. You're going to have to bond with that horse before you're going to develop any kind of relationship.”

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