07/13/2026
This past week was an absolute blessing to be apart of.
Last year, I attended one of the War horse for Veterans programs as a participant, and it completely shifted my perspective on life after service. This year, I had the absolute honor of being invited back to serve as a volunteer mentor for the incoming group.
To be clear: this cause isn’t just a "boys' trip" to ride some horses. This is a true, impact-seeking event where the adventure of horsemanship spurs mental freedom from past experiences and reshapes them into personal development.
One of the most powerful concepts we focus on here is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), not a disorder. Warhorses for Veterans doesn’t just help combat veterans manage the past; it empowers us to take life-changing combat experiences and leverage them into a growth mindset.
This week, we dove deep into:
The E-Colors System: Understanding our own personality and character traits to break down how they affect communication. It helps you realize why you might clash with certain styles and gives you the tools to adjust. Whether you're talking to your spouse at home or a colleague on the shop floor to build healthier relationships.
Equine-Assisted Learning: Horses are an emotional mirrors. Horses don't care about what you're projecting on the outside; they react to your non-verbal internal emotions. The horses taught us that you can say all the right words, but if your internal energy is tense, the message is lost. Delivery is everything.
Watching this week's group grow daily in their communication, intentionality, and self-awareness has been profoundly impactful. It’s a powerful reminder to always think about what we want to communicate and, more importantly, how we deliver that message.
For fellow veterans: If you are looking for a new perspective, a growth mindset, or a community that understands your drive, I highly encourage you to check out War Horses For Veterans . Applications open in the fall.
www.warhorsesforveterans.org
