Although many of the terrors of war happen for soldiers overseas, some struggles occur once they return home. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a harsh and unfortunate reality for many veterans, as it affects up to 20 out of every 100 individuals who are serving or have served overseas, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

One local organization has sought to combat the bleakness of PTSD and other ailments by helping veterans cope in a healthy and healing way. Rainier Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit organization that offers horsemanship to veterans of all ages, including active-duty servicemembers and their families.  

The theme is "mental mending" for those diagnosed with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, combat injuries and mental health challenges. The program offers results by helping riders improve balance, develop fine motor skills, increase core body strength, and foster independence and social skills.

Located at Serenity Farms in Yelm, Rainier Therapeutic Riding partners with medical teams located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Veteran's Administration via referrals, so veterans are able to receive this beneficial treatment when needed, free of charge. Each instructor is Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified, which ensures that riders are in capable, proficient hands.

Classes are offered five days a week. The main courses are Basic Horsemanship, Groundwork Skills, and Trail Riding, with a progression from each as the rider's skills, experience and comfort levels increase. Private lessons and post-deployment classes are also offered for those who wish to take a different avenue of involvement within the program.

The organization's mission statement declares the use of horses to "facilitate physical and emotional healing for our Nation's heroes and their families," and that's precisely what the program is managing to do. Having helped more than 500 veterans, the nonprofit embodies the philosophy that horses have the unique ability to help people heal.

"One of the main things that horses do is help us be nearer to our emotions. I really had to focus on patience and being able to calm myself down to get the horse to be able to work with me," said Michael Buccieri, who began the program in 2012 as a rider and is now working on receiving his PATH certification to become an instructor. "The horses helped me connect with how I was really feeling inside. I could lie to everyone and I could lie to myself about (my feelings), but when a horse is showing it back to you, you're not able to lie anymore."

"(The program) really makes you have a bit of introspection of how your mannerisms and behavior are being portrayed toward others. The horses know exactly how you're feeling; they mirror your emotions," reflected Nate Cooprider, who also started out as a rider after having served in the Army for almost 15 years.

Like many other nonprofit associations, Rainier Therapeutic Riding's success is largely contingent on volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to the worthy cause. The organization has had more than 483 volunteers who contribute with everything from mucking stalls and clerical duties to fundraising - all of which help the operations of the business run as smoothly as possible.

In a society where those who fight for our country often carry burdens beyond comprehension, it's touching to find an organization that is dedicated to serving those who serve. Rainier Therapeutic Riding does this in a unique and meaningful way that facilitates recovery and moving forward.

For more information about the program, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.rtriding.org or call 360.400.1000.