Early next Wednesday morning, NCEFT will play host to a group of veterans taking their first steps towards riding on the open range of Sun Valley, Idaho. Recovering from trauma such as brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, these veterans and their significant others will begin their journey at NCEFT, where they’ll spend 8 weeks learning the basics of horsemanship and riding. From grooming and saddling to staying balanced and in control of their horses, participants will learn the skills they’ll need during their upcoming camping trip.
This trip is the result of a collaboration between five non-profit organizations working to provide a once in a lifetime experience for injured veterans. NCEFT, The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped, Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, and Lava Lakes Ranch, are all teaming up in the endeavor, each playing a vital role in what is an enormous process. The goal of the program is twofold; provide veterans with an activity that creates self-confidence, fulfillment, and excitement, while simultaneously improving strength, range of motion, and flexibility. The resulting combination is a person who’s both physically and emotionally stronger.
After completing the eight-week program at NCEFT, the group will embark on a camping trip that begins and ends at Lava Lakes Ranch. Located in Idaho, the ranch is home to a pair of sheep ranchers dedicated to responsible use of grazing land and conservation of the Pioneer Mountain area.
After spending some time at Lava Lakes Ranch, the group will head over to Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped (SETCH). With a mission similar to NCEFT, SETCH has worked since 1991 to provide equine-facilitated therapy for those in need. In addition to programs such as Interactive Vaulting and Youth Horsemanship Courses, SETCH provides horseback riding for special interest groups like Sun Valley Adaptive Sports (SVAS). SVAS offers a variety of programs aimed at providing recreational activities for people with disabilities. One of their programs, Higher Ground, works to combine recreation and rehabilitation for veterans and their families. The group will team with SETCH and SVAS, putting the horsemanship skills acquired at NCEFT to use, and mounting up for several days of riding and camping.
The complete trip is offered at no cost to participants, with financial aid provided by generous donors. With up to 12 participants each week, the program will add up to nearly 200 hours of adaptive horsemanship over its 8-week span. Normally at a cost of $50 a lesson, the program requires roughly $10,000 in funding for each session. It will take the combined efforts of our donors and some serious fundraising to continue to offer this adventure in the months and years to come. Check in next week and find out how participants managed on Day 1 of the program!
