US veterans are more likely to end up in prison than civilians. These horses might help them

In the United States, nearly one third of war veterans have been arrested or jailed at some point in their lives. This is a serious issue that many veterans face after serving their country. To help address this problem, a unique program called Valor has been created in Texas. This program uses horse-assisted therapy to help veterans who are incarcerated. The therapy helps veterans deal with the trauma and stress they have experienced during their military service. The program is run by Pat Puckett, a veteran and experienced horse trainer. He teaches the veterans how to work with horses using a method called natural horsemanship. This method focuses on cooperation and respect between the person and the horse, rather than trying to control the animal by force. The veterans learn to communicate with the horses in a calm and gentle way, which helps them develop patience and emotional control. Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which can cause anxiety, anger, and difficulty managing emotions. Working with horses has been shown to reduce some of these symptoms by helping veterans feel more relaxed and connected. The Valor program also offers mental health counseling and support groups to help veterans manage their feelings and challenges. Sheriff Jim Skinner, who runs the program, is also a veteran. He understands how hard it can be for veterans to adjust to life after service. Some veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, which can lead to trouble with the law. The Valor program aims to break this cycle by giving veterans new skills and hope for the future. The therapy sessions include workshops where veterans learn horse training, followed by weekly sessions to build their confidence and emotional strength. The program ends with a special trail ride to celebrate their progress. Many veterans in the program say that working with horses has helped them feel calmer and more in control of their emotions. They also develop a strong bond with the animals, which gives them a sense of trust and companionship. The Valor program is one of the few in the country that focuses only on incarcerated veterans. It hopes to expand and help more veterans find healing and avoid returning to jail. By combining horse therapy with counseling and support, the program offers a new way to help veterans rebuild their lives after service.