A particularly special example of  adaptive horsemanship for Veterans is our Lava Lake program, an eight-week program that meets for two hours at a time once a week. The program concludes with a week-long horse camping trip to beautiful Lava Lake Ranch in Hailey, Idaho near the Sawtooth National Forest. During preparatory sessions, Veterans are placed in small groups with their peers where they learn the basics of horsemanship and riding from the ground up. From grooming and saddling, to staying balanced and in control of their horses, participants gain knowledge, strength, and confidence under the careful supervision of NCEFT staff and volunteers. The preparatory program by itself is profoundly healing therapy for Veterans as they recover from physical and emotional trauma. For many participants, the therapy goes even further as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventurous trip to Lava Lake Ranch.

The Lava Lake program requires collaboration between both non-profits and private individuals. NCEFT, the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, and Lava Lake Ranch each play a vital role in this comprehensive process.  Their shared goals for the program are twofold: provide Veterans with an activity that develops confidence and provides structure, stimulation, and fulfillment while simultaneously improving strength, focus, and well-being.

Click here for more information about beautiful Lava Lake.

Below is a gallery of photos taken during Lava Lake sessions.