Equine Therapy for Veterans and First Responders
First Responders and Veterans are facing an epidemic. One that has led to an unacceptable number of suicides. It is estimated that 400,000 First Responders and 540,000 Veterans have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress. Countless more live un-diagnosed. These invisible wounds and the constant toll of their duties have left our nation’s heroes with physical and emotional scars that most of us could never understand.
Before the Last Call is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of American military, first responders, and their family members by partnering trained therapy horses with those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress.
Our mission at Before the Last Call is to help our heroes––the men and women who give so much of themselves to keep our community and loved ones safe. We offer a way to heal through the power of horses.
Working with horses provides participants the ability to discover new ways to process overwhelming sensory and emotional experiences, control reactivity, form healthy boundaries, alleviate anxiety and stress, and build self-confidence. This process also allows our horses to teach our participants to be present, and builds a cohesive relationships allowing barriers to break and trust to grow.
If you are veteran or first responder seeking a transformational path to healing and renewed strength? Look no further. Our certified instructors and experienced therapy horses create a safe environment for your healing.
If you are interested in Joining our equine therapy program please, Email us or fill our our sign-up form. Please, consider making a donation to keep Before the Last Call free and available to our heroes in uniform.
Horses Healing Heroes
After High School, Dan Jobin served his upstate New York community as a Firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic. Over the 11 years he spent with Bushnell’s Basin FD, and the 17 years he spent serving various agencies around the Rochester area, Dan was a dedicated active Firefighter and Paramedic he wanted to do more, reconnect with his love of horses and start an Equine Therapeutic Program for First Responders and Veterans. On Sept 9th, 2019 while riding his motorcycle to BBFD to set up for the Laddermen’s MC annual 9/11 charity ride, Dan was cut off by a distracted driver and crashed.
The accident caused injuries requiring extensive surgeries to restore his body’s integrity. Dan lives with with permanent health issues due to the Traumatic Brain Injury he sustained. This accident, and the long convalescence after, ended his career as a first responder, but rekindled a love of horses deeply ingrained in him since childhood.
Dan came to a decision to bring horses back into his life, while serving the community he had spent decades protecting. He conceived of his Equine Therapy Program for Veterans and First responders. It wasn’t long before he found the ideal venue to host it at Lone Oak Stables in Kendall, NY.
Since starting there he has seen first-hand the healing power he always knew horses possessed. Studies have shown that working with horses increases feelings of connection and personal efficacy in adults with psychiatric disorders . Pilot studies are currently being conducted on the effects of Equine therapy programs on adults with motor pathologies and have found beneficial increases in motor function, cognitive reasoning, emotional processing and social awareness. Equine therapy is expected to grow as more non-pharmeceutical based approaches to treating Post-Traumatic Stress increase in demand.
Why Equine Therapy?
Before the Last Call is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals like you through exploring the incredible bond between humans and horses. Working with horses offers numerous physical benefits that promote healing and well-being. As you build relationships with, and care for these majestic animals, you’ll experience a range of therapeutic outcomes.
With a proven track record of success, our specialized program harnesses the unique power of these magnificent creatures to bring about remarkable physical, emotional, and mental breakthroughs. Partnering with our gentle and intuitive therapy horses, you will embark on a journey towards wholeness and healing that surpasses traditional therapy methods.
It’s not just petting ponies!
Physical Benefits
Improved coordination, and motor skills. By engaging in activities such as riding and leading horses, you’ll enhance your physical capabilities, which can be especially beneficial for injury recovery or rehabilitation.
Stress reduction and relaxation. Interacting with horses has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and release endorphins, resulting in increased relaxation and well-being.
Enhanced sensory processing. Horses can help improve sensory awareness, providing a calming and grounding effect that helps you more effectively regulate regulate stimulus, learn tools to manage sensory input, and restore balance in your daily life.
Emotional & Mental Benefits
Building trust and self-confidence. Horses are highly perceptive animals, reacting to our emotions and body language. Through building trust working alongside them, you’ll learn to trust yourself, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
Emotional regulation and stress management. Working with horses provides a safe space to explore and process your emotions. Developing effective emotional regulation skills can have significant positive healths impacts.
Increased social connection. Equine Therapy offers connection with fellow veterans and first responders who share similar experiences and challenges. Our supportive and inclusive community provides strength and understanding.
Your donation can make a difference in a hero’s life.
Your donation reinforces our commitment to give back to those who have given so much. Your contribution goes directly into covering the costs of expert trainers, specialized equipment, and the upkeep of our exceptional therapy horses. Your support enables us to offer equine therapy at little to no cost for our veterans and first responders, ensuring that they face no financial barriers to healing with the power of horses. Checks can be made out to Before the Last Call Inc. Or follow the link to donate online.
