In honor of Veterans Day, it’s a meaningful time to highlight the work of organizations that support veterans. Programs that offer veterans and their families a space for healing & connection through therapeutic interactions with horses. This Veterans Day, let’s recognize not only the sacrifices of our veterans but also the importance of resources like Veterans Equine Alliance (VEA) that honor and support them in their journey toward mental wellness and community. VEA took in a new horse this year, and reached out to Omega Fields about trying Omega Horseshine for him. Fast forward to today, and he’s been thriving in the last months! So we wanted to share his story with you today.
The Story of Corazón
Previously called Cash, Corazón is a Standardbred gelding standing about 16hh. He was a prior cart racing horse named Pass Flash Cash. When his racing career came to an end, he worked for the Amish. When his body no longer served that purpose, he found himself at a kill pen in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, he was pulled by the rescue Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary in January 2021. His bio while up for adoption read:
“He is not, nor will he be, sound for riding or driving! He has two improperly vetted fractures in two knees. He is a soft-spoken, gentle giant who gets along very well with all people/children and all horses. He is able to be a gorgeous pasture pal to another in need! We have used him extensively as a babysitter for many horses that have come and gone! He does certainly… deserve his very OWN BFF! If you need a horse to learn horse care and garner experience from, Cash is your guy! He is loved by all who meet him! His post-injury care consists of 1 daily Equioxx pill. Otherwise, fresh air and a pasture would be heaven for him!”
How lucky was he to find the most perfect home with (VEA), where he could pull from his own lived experiences to help humans in need of such a gentle giant for help.
A Horse Finds his Purpose
Here is a beautiful snapshot of the healing work that happens with Corazón and his new friend, Mesa:
“What happens at the beginning of a horse session…
Our two equine coaches ‘somehow’ know that our client is present and starting the beginning of her session.
She is initiating “Meet the Herd”. This activity asks our client to “feel in her body” what the horses are communicating.
Her answer is neither right nor wrong. The point is to help her move out of her thinking head and into her feeling body.
Oh, and neither horses are asked to surround her. They each have a very large pasture. Their decision to line up to her is all theirs.
Ya, they are THAT magical.”
Celebrating the Enduring Bond Between Veterans and Horses
Horses have a long history of service alongside soldiers in battle, playing essential roles as cavalry mounts, supply carriers, and companions. Through centuries of warfare, horses showed incredible loyalty and resilience, often enduring harsh conditions to support their human counterparts. This enduring bond highlights why horses are uniquely suited for programs like those offered by VEA, where they continue to serve veterans today—not in battle, but in healing and companionship.
The Veterans Equine Alliance is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans and their families through therapeutic, non-riding experiences with horses. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, VEA offers programs where veterans can connect with horses in a peaceful, natural setting, aiming to foster healing, resilience, and emotional well-being. These programs do not require prior horse experience and involve spending time with horses in a way that allows for mutual understanding and companionship. Learn more at Veterans Equine Alliance.
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