We can help military riders recover from a range of physical and mental health issues

Dear Friends,

Many of you know that I have been a volunteer at the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP) for a couple of years now. NVTRP provides equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, recovering military service personnel, and their families.

I primarily work with the military riders for a few reasons. First, I am from a military family. In my immediate family, there are 50 years of service. Second, military life is challenging. Families are often separated; there are multiple deployments and endless new starts.

But most of all, I like working with the military because these riders have all paid some price for their service and helping to provide some relief for them is my way of showing that they have not been forgotten and that I appreciate them and their service.

Currently, NVTRP serves military riders who come to the program on their own or through a partnership with Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH).

The Riders

The riders are working to recover from a range of physical and mental health issues, including injuries, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injuries. Riding at NVTRP helps them heal in many ways—by rebuilding muscle strength, developing healthy coping and relationship skills, and increasing self-confidence. Repeatedly, military riders talk about the sense of peacefulness they experience at the farm, and the importance of that respite to their healing.

The Impact

One of the recreational therapists from the FBCH's Residential Treatment Center sees tremendous benefits to her patients from working with the horses. "We're trying so hard to help them find a way to connect with anything positive, something that gives them a healthy relief from their depression and anxiety. At NVTRP they find a real connection with the horses, and for a lot of them, it's the first they've connected emotionally with anything in a long time . . . they feel peaceful at the farm. Patients are usually extremely nervous to go off post on a recreational outing, since that increases their sense of vulnerability . . . but they can't get enough riding, they keep asking to do it more often."

How Can You Help

NVTRP covers 100% of the cost of lessons for our military riders. And that's where you come in.

We need to raise additional funds in order to continue the military program at its current level. Can you help me reach my fundraising goal? Just a small donation will go a long way. Together, we can help more military riders recover from physical and mental health issues, and you'll help your friends feel good about doing good.

As a team, our goal is to raise $5,000 by Veteran's Day, November 11, 2016.

Further, if you have questions about NVTRP please reach out. I am happy to talk to you. Also, here is the link to the website: http://nvtrp.org.

One final thing, I ask that you share this with your friends and network. Thank you.

Warmest Regards,

Roxi Reeves