Contact information: Katie Muldoon; katie@promiselandingfarm.org
On Saturday December 7th, Promise Landing Farm hosted its first one-day clinic for the organization’s new Patriot’s Promise program at its headquarters location in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Patriot’s Promise is a new initiative to serve veterans, active-military, law enforcement and first responders (“Patriots”) through equine-assisted services. Boasting the motto, “Never Give Up,” this program aims to serve those who have served, by offering activities designed to empower, develop emotional awareness and control, and improve cognitive, physical, and social skills.
Seven veterans, recruited through Prince George’s Parks and Recreation Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program stepped up as the inaugural class of Patriots for this first clinic session, held at the scenic Promise Landing Farm which was decked to the eaves in holiday trimmings. A small horse named “Dollar” greeted each attendee as they arrived, and politely evaluated who was most likely to be guilted into sharing donuts.
“Donuts and Discussion” kicked off the agenda, lead by Executive Director and lead instructor for this event, Caitlin Martin, who shared an overview of horse safety tips, the schedule for the day, and group introductions of participants, volunteers and instructors. Then the Patriots were each paired with their horse and a volunteer assistant. The opportunity for these “Patriots” to be assigned a horse, as well as a volunteer for the duration of the 3-hour event, is a unique clinic design offered by Promise Landing. This setup allows Patriots to not only bond with their horse throughout the day, but also receive one-on-one support on each new skill and activity introduced.
After horse assignments, the group relocated to a large grassy space with ground poles and grooming supplies set out. While the temps stayed in the low 30s, the sunshine took the bite out of the air, and all bundled Patriots proved great sports about the chilly weather.
The lead instructor guided the group through basic handling and grooming, and then introduced methods and exercises for leading, backing and yielding. Each Patriot was given the opportunity to practice and hone each skill, while their volunteer assisted with execution and techniques. After practicing isolated exercises, everyone demonstrated their new skills navigating an obstacle course consisting of a rope gate, backing box, weaving cones, foot placement test, and zigzag challenge.
The group then set out on an in-hand walk through the fields and trails, over bridges and hills, to end back at the barn. It was apparent the Patriots had become more confident and skilled in handling their horses than upon first meeting their hooved partners.
The day wrapped up with a final grooming as horses were put away, and a debrief of favorite aspects of the event. A few comments were made about both the facility and program itself being unlike any other in the area, and many of the participants were impressed with the extended time they were able to spend working with the horses. A lunch donated by Mission Barbecue allowed the new friends to warm up and socialize, and cap off the successful first event.
Patriot’s Promise will offer regularly scheduled one-day clinics like this one, as well as a weekly group lesson where in addition to the effects of one-off equine interactions, there is opportunity for camaraderie, social engagement, consistency of skill building, and relationship development with the horse over multi-week sessions. Clinically proven benefits of equine-assisted activities include, but are not limited to: targeting many common PTSD issues such as feelings of isolation, anxiety, self-esteem, and trust; similar changes to brain chemistry as with medication-assisted approaches; development of trust and bonding for transitioning to civilian life; and a sense of control. Additionally, such improvements have shown to be long-lasting after the initial experience.(source.)
While Patriot’s Promise may just be getting off the ground, its debut has proven that Promise Landing is setting the bar high for its new program. Promise Landing aims to create a community in which people of all capabilities can gather and share a love for horses, while in the process gaining a deeper understanding and kindness for themselves and others, and this program clearly embodies every aspect of that goal.
Promise Landing extends a heartfelt thank you to the PG County Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program, as well as the dedicated volunteers who offered their time, and gave such focus to their Patriot to ensure positive experiences for each of the attendees.
For more information about volunteer, participant, or support opportunities with the Patriot’s Promise program at Promise Landing Farm, please contact info@promiselandingfarm.com.
(Photo credit to Mary O'Meara)