DeLauro Visits Local Therapeutic Riding Center for Veterans

New Haven, CT—Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited the Hospital for Special Care's Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown, CT today to learn about the benefits of their equestrian therapy programs and spoke with the participants.

An official "Member Center" of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), the Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center has used equine-assisted activities to provide a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social benefits to participants since 1999. Their "Horses for Heroes" program focuses specifically on veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and other physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Participants benefit from the physical movements of riding, interact socially with the volunteers and horses, and work on cognitive skills during the lessons.

Congresswoman DeLauro observed a demonstration from "Horses for Heroes" members, toured the facility, and spoke with participants to learn about the benefits of the program.

"We have an obligation to help these men and women who have defended our country. And I am very glad to see programs like Horses for Heroes living up to that obligation. As Winston Churchill said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." And by giving veterans an opportunity to ride, to bond with these beautiful horses, and to interact with the facility instructors and their fellow veterans, Manes and Motions is making real a range of physical, emotional, cognitive and social benefits for these young servicemen and women. Their support of our veterans, as well as all the good work they do for other men, women, and children in need, such as those with autism spectrum disorders, downs syndrome, or any related developmental and physical disability is truly extraordinary."