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Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship has reached more than 1,400 veterans with their services in the eight years since it began partnering with Veterans’ organizations in the New York metropolitan area. The need and demand for veteran-centric equine-assisted programming proved so great that in 2021, the organization secured funding to build the Santomero Veterans Center, a dedicated space which affords veterans privacy and tranquility during individual and group programs. It also allowed Endeavor to increase their capacity for these services; today, nearly 400 veterans and active-duty military participate annually. All of these programs are fully funded and offered at no cost to the participants.

Endeavor offers a range of different services for veterans, from ground horsemanship lessons, during which veterans are taught how to be the caregiver for their horse, to equine-assisted psychotherapy based on the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model, to virtual horsemanship lessons. This last began during the COVID-19 pandemic and proved so popular it has attracted enrollment from across the country.

Additionally, Endeavor hosts several veterans retreats throughout the year, bringing a small cohort to the farm for a total of 16 hours of immersive equine-assisted services. All of these programs are fully funded and offered at no cost to the participants.

Stryker is a 22-year-old Holsteiner gelding who came to Endeavor when his show career ended due to a tendon sheath injury. After a successful rehabilitation, he soon found a niche within their mounted therapeutic horsemanship program, where he became a favorite among independent riders. But after needing to transition to solely unmounted activities, Stryker found his true calling working with Endeavor’s veterans.

Strong and tall, yet also gentle, calm and non-reactive, Stryker proved reliable, steady, predictable, and well-suited to working with individuals with various needs, from physical disabilities to emotional or psychological challenges. The elegant gelding genuinely enjoys human interaction, and his willingness to connect with people is especially effective in a therapeutic environment.

During Ground Horsemanship Lessons, veterans learn everything from grooming to equine anatomy, first aid and healthcare, basic nutrition and feeding, herd dynamics and communication, and the foundations of leading and longeing. Stryker’s personality and temperament have made him an essential equine partner in these sessions.

One veteran—who was awarded a Bronze Star of Valor and three Purple Hearts after three combat tours—was struggling with PTSD and addiction when they came to Endeavor.

“Because of this program, I could see my strengths and weaknesses come to light,” shared this veteran. “It was because of these wounds that I held away from people and tried not to get close to anyone or anything. Endeavor changed all that.”

Once or twice a year, Endeavor hosts Veterans Family Day Retreats, bringing veterans and their families together in a safe, and nurturing environment. Families enjoy the farm, lunch, and time with the horses while engaging in activities such as arts and crafts, and making horse treats. On these important days, Stryker serves as a lead horse, offering his wisdom and strength to dozens of veterans and their families.

The team at Endeavor is constantly working to develop and deliver programs that fulfill their mission of providing equine-assisted services to enrich, inspire, and empower our most vulnerable populations. As a member of Endeavor’s equine staff, Stryker plays a critical role in helping to achieve this vision—he is an extraordinary equine partner and an essential member of their therapeutic herd.