Veteran & First Responder EFP Program

Divine  Equine Therapeutic Riding Center offers a variety of services for  Disabled Veterans of all ages and abilities, all free of charge.

Our core program consists of 32-weeks of group horsemanship classes aimed at improving physical and emotional well-being.

We  help our heroes struggling to cope with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries,  combat injuries, mental health challenges and other visible and  invisible wounds of war.

If  you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, have pulled away from  family and friends and are struggling to cope with their changed  reality, we have a horse for you. Our horses, and highly trained teams  of staff and volunteers, help riders learn life-skills and healing  through horsemanship. These simple, yet profound lessons help guide  broken souls back to a passion for life, trust and the relationships  that will sustain them throughout the future.

Divine  Equine Therapeutic Riding receives no government funding for these  programs and relies entirely on the support of our communities to fund  these life-changing programs.

Horses  have a unique ability to help heroes heal This program helps riders •  Increase core body strength • Improve balance • Sharpen spatial and  cognitive awareness • Help with independence and social skills • Develop  gross and fine motor skill • Exercise memory and sequencing abilities  Our method provides a solid framework for our riders to work with their  horses in a safe and fun environment.

Our  PATH Intl. Certified instructors provide an environment that encourages  riders to try new things in a safe and comfortable setting, address  personal goals and achieve independence.

We supply a variety of equipment and modifications to ensure that ALL riders are able to participate with the program.

All  riders are welcome to repeat classes as many times as they would like  and are able to move into the next level of class after completing a  checklist of skills.

Introduction  to Horsemanship GOAL:   Riders will feel comfortable grooming, leading  their horse and will have some experience riding at the walk, halt and  basic steering.

All riders, regardless of experience or ability start with our basic  horsemanship program. This class integrates how horses think and react,  grooming and relationship building, basic groundwork exercises with four  weeks of mounted lessons.

Each  rider is paired with a specially trained horse - specifically chosen to  match their needs and a lead volunteer. This team, as well as 1  instructor for each set of 4 riders, works with their horse for the  first 5 weeks on the ground before they have the opportunity to ride  their horse in week 6. With the assistance of side-walkers, and special  equipment to ensure a safe experience while riders move through  stretches, walking, stopping and steering.

Beginner Classes 1-3  Basic Horsemanship 101  Horse leader and side walkers  

Intermediate class works more independently with their horses.

With a ratio of 1 or more instructors for each 4 riders and 2-3  volunteers for the class, each rider has plenty of time to bond and  interact with their mount under safe supervision and continue to work on  their groundwork skills and ride at the walk and trot and prepared for  our session goal of a trail ride. 

Each Rider  is working toward his or her personal goal. Each Rider has a checklists  and lessons are developed to assist riders to meet personal and group  goals.

Private Lessons are available

Sometimes group lessons are not the best fit.  We understand and  provide private lessons to address individual needs of riders with  various abilities.

Please contact us to discuss goals and availability.

Send us an email or call 903-421-4616

for your appointment

Papers needed will be a copy of your DD214 and Physician assessment 

Click on LET"S RIDE TAB to start your applications 

Online application will generate me sending you what you need to get started

Call and make your appointment for your doctor to sign a Physican's Statement so you can ride

Last we will set up your assessment appointment  to fit you for a saddle and a horse.