PTSD Awareness Day

Today is PTSD Awareness Day.

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and occurs when someone witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. It is known as the “invisible scar of war” in military veterans, but can occur to anybody who has experienced trauma. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or scared, even when there is no danger present.

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding offers the PATH International Equine Services for Heroes program at no cost to veterans and their families. In addition, our other equine assisted activities can provide therapeutic benefits to anyone who has experienced a traumatic event in their lives. Horses are very honest creatures and have the ability to mirror and sense the emotions of the people they partner with. Because of this, trusting and open relationships can be formed between horse and human creating a sense of peace. Horses also live in the present, which helps participants of equine assisted activities evaluate their own emotions, body language and actions in-the-moment to change their outcomes.