Healing Horses to Battle War Trauma

[MaryS]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32533923

Healing Horses to Battle War Trauma

By Derek Togerson
NBCSanDiego.com

A few months ago, we told you about a group of animals that was rescued by the Pegasus Rising Project. 26 malnourished Arabian horses were brought to San Diego and nursed back to health. Their happy story is adding another chapter.

"They had been used for breeding," says trainer Chythia Royal, "and we just felt that because of their doclie nature, and their natural desire to want to connect with people, they would be perfect for this type of venue."

That venue is the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program. It's for Troops who've seen the worst parts of battle.

"They're trying to overcome some kind of emotional trauma," says Royal. "Being able to reconnect with people in society, or, in particular maybe their families. They might be having difficutly with anger or agression or fear."

The best way to deal with those feelings may be -- hanging out with a horse.

"The animal has a way to just disarm and reach someone that a human therapist does not," says Royal.

The program will officially begin next month, and it has big aspirations.

"We're looking at , I think, being able to treat a couple thousand people a year."

For that to happen, they'll need help from private donations. If you'd like to help, just log on to http://www.pegasusrising.org.