Erin Fowle, 2-Star Junior Instructor, sent us this inspiring write-up about an organization that is truly changing the world for horses and humans – right in her own backyard! We hope you enjoy it.
I live in the 3rd largest California county, near the Oregon border, with the 4th smallest population. Our unemployment rates are the 2nd highest in the state at 26.7%, drug use and manufacturing are in an upward swing, and we are seeing a larger number of kids in the foster care system. With that said, I am still proud of our county in many ways; neighbors still stretch out a helping hand, communities come together to support kids in sports, FFA, and 4-H, and non-profit and service organizations such CattleWomen, Farm Bureau, Rotary, and Lion’s Club do what they can to support their communities. Among these incredible organizations is one called Stable Hands, a group dedicated to bringing patient horses and people of varying physical and mental challenges together. I am fortunate to know several of the tireless volunteers through their own love of horses and Parelli Natural Horsemanship. We have been students together and now I am proud to be a part of their journeys in an instructor role. But, today, I want to share another program that Stable Hands oversees, Horses for Heroes.
Horses for Heroes is specific to connecting horses with our military veterans who have come home with mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Through Parelli and Horses for Heroes, I met one of our veterans, Craig, whose drive and determination exceeds most people I know. We met at one of our monthly Parelli Playdays, which take place at the facility that houses Horses for Heroes. Craig was helping with the facility and was there to make sure we had everything we needed, including an incredibly groomed arena! We chatted a bit and that is when I found out he was fairly new to the Parelli program and wanted to learn as much as he could. I offered to bring my equine partner, Dan, to the next playday and to let the two play.
Bringing horses and humans together.
The next month rolled around and the two were an instant hit together….Dan was patient while his human fumbled a bit with his rope and Carrot Stick, and our veteran persisted when Dan went into true Left-Brain Introvert form. Dan’s ears were constantly asking questions and a huge smile was fixated on Craig’s face. As I watched them that day, it was re-affirmed to me how special horses are and how great of a fit Parelli is with people with special needs.
After that day, time went by and Craig’s physical pain was getting in the way of Parelli playtime, but he was still participating in the Horses for Heroes program (incidentally, their foundation for horses and humans is Parelli). It was not until last month that I was able to see Craig again.
He is in better shape physically and is now getting things in order for this year’s Heroes group. He has also established his goals for the next stage of his life, to become a licensed Parelli Professional and infuse it into teaching other veterans. We are planning Craig’s Level 1 audition for next month and he is doing all he can to attend a course in Colorado this Spring.
Craig knows he has hard work ahead, both physically and financially, but I know his drive will get him to achieving his goals.
If you are interested in supporting our hero, whether it be through lodging, a lease horse, travel, or a monetary donation, please email me at efowle96027@gmail.com.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Erin
What a brilliant thing to do. There is a group of us in SA that work in Equine Faciliated Learning and Psychotherapy. All of the horse professionals have worked through the Parelli methods. Two of us used the Parelli methods to work with a group of children and the results are amazing. These huge sentinent creatures work their magic 24/7 365.
All the very best in your work in the States.
As a veteran and a Parelli student, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Erin! There are three things that I want in my professional life, to be a Parelli Professional, to be a Registered Nurse, and to combine Parelli and Veterans! I hope that I can move back to California one day and participate with you all, or hopefully oneday start another program just like this! Congrats to Craig for being so awesome!
This really touched me. I wish we had something here for our vets. I would be on board in a heartbeat. Is Horses For Heroes a local organization? Or is it something more nationwide? Just simply fabulous. Thank you for being an active part of such an important activity.
This is fabulous!!!! Go Craig!!!!
I am so happy to read this. It was my stablehands experiences that brought me back to my love of horses and what they can do for humans. Stablehands and its clients gave me more than I could have ever possibly given them. The bonus was learning about the power of natural horsmanship during a stabehands fieldtrip, to watch Pat and Linda work their magic putting principal to purpose…Great read, Erin.
Please note that contributions are for Craig’s pursuit of becoming a Parelli Professional. Stable Hands and Horses for Heroes are not involved and your donations are not tax deductible. Thank you!
Great stuff!! I wish you all the best.
Excellent blog for an excellent cause , my friend! Parelli really is changing the world for both horses AND humans…..I am proud to be a part of such a program! WE ARE PARELLI!
As a nurse in the military, it pleases me to no end when I see non-military people helping us out. For over ten years now I have taken care of our wounded in hospitals as well as flown them out of battle zones. I’ve seen stoic Marines cry when the aircraft wheels touched US soil and they realized they were HOME! There are very real consequences to our military members and their families from their selfless service. Yes, we ALL volunteered to do this – for YOU, our families, and our country. With the continued military cutbacks, there is less and less to go around to pay for services. May every single person who donates time or money to these programs for military members be blessed a hundred-fold.
Hi Erin,
What a wonderful thing for Craig to want to do! We are in support of his mission, I will contact you!