"It’s a Cinch"

I first met Ruth in Manville during the annual 9/11 ceremony held at the regional VFW Post in 2022. She had a table set up promoting the Horses for Forces program in Long Valley, NJ. I decided to check it out. I owned a horse while serving in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in 1987, but I hadn’t ridden in decades. I thought I knew a thing or two about horses, but I quickly realized that I was a complete novice.

I participated in my first session a few weeks later. The program volunteers and participants converted an old cow-barn into a sort of club house. It is extremely welcoming. Flags from every military branch adorn the walls, couches and chairs are inviting, and the coffee is hot.

Safety is paramount, and under the instructor's watchful eyes, we walked out to one of the pastures & collected a horse for me to work with. We started with the basics: putting on a halter, leading the horse, cross ties and grooming. I was familiar with these practices, but I quickly learned that there were more efficient and safer ways to accomplish these tasks. I never had riding lessons or any other training regarding horsemanship, so my learning curve was steep, and I loved every minute.

Project Horses for Forces is an unexpected pleasure. I feel like I connect with the horses on an almost spiritual level. It takes patience and work, but the rewards are exponential. If I am upset or stressed out because life happens, the horses can feel it, and in order to work with them, I have to find my inner zero — the place where I am calm and open to the healing power horses can give. When I leave the stables, I am always calm, relaxed and content. I served in the Marine Corps for ten years. It’s hard to explain how military service changes a person. The horses don’t care, for them, it’s a journey.

If you surrender to the experience, truly immerse yourself in the process, it’s a cinch.

It’s hard to believe that 6 years have gone by. Looking back to the start, there has been so much healing - both people and horses. Seeing how participants evolve from barely touching a horse to saddling up and riding is, in some cases, nothing short of a miracle.

Our population has included our oldest at 98, down to our youngest children of veterans.

The program heals people from within. As the quote says, “there is something about the outside of a horse that is healing for the inside of a wo/man”.

Recently, I visited the farm and walked into the barn to see Harvey and Lucy. Had not been there in two weeks. Harvey perked up his head like an excited child when he saw me. It made my heart soar to see his reaction! God knew what He was doing when I got involved with this program.

Beyond working with the horses, I have found a new extended family. When people leave the military, the support network disappears. It's a comfortable feeling being around people who speak your military language and have walked a few of the same miles as you. Hugs abound!

Oh, and let’s not forget the lunches: after playing hard with the horses, there’s nothing like being able to feed our souls!

Carol Kain - participant, volunteer

& our Vice President.

A Volunteer's Perspective:

I drive to the farm, coffee in hand, quietly reflecting on the beauty around me. I enjoy the ride through pastoral farmland, yet I am excited to get to my destination. I turn down the farm lane, hear the crunch of the gravel under the tires, and immediately know that it is going to be a great day. These sensations are felt each time I come to volunteer at Project Horses for Forces. 

After parking, I’m ready to help wherever it is needed. Even though I always seem to wear the wrong shoes after it’s rained and the horses are in the far end of their muddy pasture, the time spent walking with one of our veterans to get his or her trusted friend is so very special to me. It is a time of fellowship, where strangers become friends and friends become family. 

Whether it’s hanging crossties, sweeping the aisle, grooming, round penning or trail riding, every activity presents an opportunity to love those who are part of Project Horses for Forces. A hug, a smile, some conversation, and a horse are all that is needed to bring joy to a day at the farm. 

Happy Trails….

Viv Paulter- volunteer equine assistant