For Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, the first weekend of April 2023 was one for the books. The local nonprofit, which provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services to thousands across the Merrimack Valley, celebrated two significant milestones in one weekend.
The first was the 10-year anniversary of their equine-assisted programs for veterans. To celebrate the occasion, the farm kicked off its second milestone: hosting the first overnight program at their brand new 12-bed, 6-bath Retreat Center…for none other than veterans themselves.
Veterans practice riding in an equine drill while other members of the group look on from the Retreat Center
For Executive Director Kerri Whalen, the first overnight retreat was an emotional turning point for the program. “With the renovation of the retreat center, we can offer overnight experiences that give veterans more opportunities to connect with each other,” said Whalen. “Ironstone can be a true home for our veterans and give our heroes a safe, quiet space to heal on a deeper level.”
Since the program started, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm has helped more than 2,000 veterans with physical and mental health challenges, including PTSD, heal through the human and horse connection. What began as a pilot program in April 2013 has since grown into regular weekly programs for local veterans, as well as weekend retreats for veterans across the US. Experienced facilitators lead the equine-assisted programs, which help veterans recognize their feelings, regulate emotions, and communicate more effectively. The time spent bonding with horses also helps participants build trust with others while learning to trust themselves again.
Though a decade has gone by, the program’s impact on veterans is still as strong as ever.
Veteran Kay P shares a special moment bonding with Ironstone Farm’s newest draft horse, Saint
Kay was one of the nine men and women to attend the farm’s first overnight retreat. After decades of living with PTSD, her experience at Ironstone Farm gave her something she thought she would never find again.
“I thought I had completely lost my ability to trust,” she confessed. Learning to communicate with horses using body language gave Kate renewed hope for the future. “I know that I am not broken…that I am capable of bonding and being understood on a primal level. It’s so reassuring; it gives me a path or direction on where to go from here,” she said.
Veteran Joseph P had his own eye-opening experience working with the farm’s newest draft horse, Saint. “Bonding with Saint and watching the handlers teach him so gently was intense and incredible to watch. I am totally without words,” he said. “This experience greatly helped my anxiety, grief, PTSD, and general approach of fear.”
While the time spent with horses gave Joseph a new approach to life, the overnight at the Retreat Center helped him connect with others going through a similar experience. “It was extra special to be able to stay in the house with our cohort and spend time playing games and building a greater bond,” he said. The after-hours board game marathon was the most talked-about event come Sunday morning.
Ironstone Farm retreat staff gather for a group photo to celebrate the occasion
Connection was at the core of the program’s closing circle as participants took time to reflect on the lessons learned from the weekend. Although hope, healing, and lasting memories were common topics, the one takeaway everyone could agree on was gratitude.
“This was a gift, all of you,” said veteran Kay Peters as she reflected on her time at the farm. “Your love and kindness are a gift. The program is a gift. The horses are a gift. It was surreal to be here.”
To learn more about Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, visit IronstoneFarm.org or contact [email protected] for program information.