The Equus Effect

Since the World War II, the most massive military inflagration in history ended in 1945, the United States has enjoyed only five years when it was not at war or involved in the military defense of some nation around the world. The intensity of this foreign involvement in the preservation of democracy and freedom has only increased since the Septembter11th, 2001, attacks on the United States.

The result has been a proliferation of veterans who served their country and then have trouble integrating into the civilian population after military service. The Equus Effect Farm, 37 Drum Road in Sharon is one organization that is helping modern-day veterans and first responders deal with the lingering effects of their service through interactions with horses.

To demonstrate how the therapeutic interaction of human and animal enables our nation’s heroes to readjust to their normal lives, the Equus Effect will hold “The Art of Collaboration” Saturday, September 7th, from 4:30 to 6:30PM. Demonstrations of how clients interact with the animals begins at 4:45PM sharp. There will be beer, wine, soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres set against a background of live music by the popular local group, the Joint Chiefs.

Some graduates of the program will describe the effect of the program on their lives at work and at home. They will attest that they are able to think more clearly and make better decisions through their hands-on experience working with animals that are finely attuned to respond to the emotions of creatures around them.

That intuitive understanding of their survival as prey animals has conditioned horses to sense the heart rate, muscle tension and breathing of others from 30 feet away. They’re hard-wired to discover the true intentions of others because, as prey that in the wild get eaten by big cats or wolves, the stakes are extremely high. By learning to understand their “language” and reactions with us, veterans are able to reconnect with their own inner landscapes and often discover states that we have long since buried.

Registration for the fall event can be made click here. Individual tickets are $125 and go up to $5,000 for a “Warrior” sponsorship. Other donations are gratefully accepted.