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In 2010, two notable events occurred that would come to positively impact the veterans’ community of Loudoun County, Virginia: first, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding (LTR) established its Equine Services for Heroes program, and second, a Clydesdale filly named Mae West was born. However, despite being “established” in the same year, it would be some time before the two would intersect.

Under the direction of retired Navy Commander and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Master Instructor Mary Jo Beckman, LTR’s Equine Services for Heroes program offers dozens of veterans annually the chance to engage with horses through a comprehensive array of services. From therapeutic riding to adaptive carriage driving to unmounted activities, veterans have diverse opportunities to reduce stress while improving mindfulness, physical strength, balance, and emotional well-being. Thanks to financial support through grants, donations, and organizational partnerships, these services are all offered at no direct cost to the participant.

Mae West’s journey to LTR is as unique as that of many of the veterans she works with there. One day in 2014, LTR staff traveled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to evaluate a prospective driving horse for the program. As they were leaving, they found themselves drawn to a 4-year-old filly short-tied to the wall. She had been purchased at auction just the evening before; the young Clydesdale repeatedly made eye contact with the staff, and she immediately captured their hearts. That day, young Mae West, who was a little thin and had both a runny nose and an unknown history, was purchased privately by assistant program director Debbie Gerbich.

It took several years of healing, kind handling, and training before Mae became part of the LTR equine staff—during which time she indicated that despite her breed’s heritage, driving wasn’t her “thing.” Regardless, Mae has endeared herself to many participants, staff, and volunteers through her involvement with LTR’s mounted and unmounted programming. She is particularly valued for always offering a kind, steady presence ready to support each and every one of her students in whatever way they need.

When it comes to working with veterans, Mae’s strength, 16.3 hand size, and kind, inquisitive nature have made her a perfect match. For example, Mae helps one combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient to manage symptoms of both their PTSD and the aftereffects of a TBI incurred in Iraq which ended their Army career. When this veteran first met Mae, they were angry and frustrated about the attack which had so dramatically changed the course of their life.

“I have ridden her weekly for nine years, and Mae has helped me control my anxieties,” this veteran explained. “When I get into the saddle, I sense her gentle nature, and my anger and frustration begin to melt away. Soon, we became a team. She would let me clean her hooves and put her saddle on her, and she would stand there communicating to me that everything was alright, and to relax and breathe.

“When Mae West and I are trotting, I feel all my disabilities from war are gone, and all I’m doing is concentrating on her as we work as a team to help get rid of my anger, so I can relax and have a good time,” this veteran continued. “All the garbage in my head starts to go away.”

A US Army veteran shares that he still suffers from the invisible wounds sustained during his service; these injuries have affected his ability to foster healthy, trusting relationships. But thanks to Mae’s gentle demeanor and unwavering patience, this veteran has learned how to open up to others and begin to heal in ways that traditional therapy has not achieved.

“The bond she forms is truly special, fostering emotional connections that significantly enhance my mental well-being,” this veteran explained. “Mae’s contributions go beyond the sessions, as her influence continues to positively impact my life even at home. Since beginning my therapy with her, my wife and kids have noticed a positive change in me. She has allowed me to look forward to something again and realize that I can trust again.”

From humble beginnings, beautiful Mae has become a stalwart of the LTR Equine Services for Heroes program—people-oriented, approachable, and endearing.