Thursday, August 07, 2008

Old Guard supports wounded warriors

The slow, steady rhythm of the horses’ hooves echoe off the pavement and bounces off the walls of brick buildings as they carry their mounts gently traversing up and down the hills of Fort Myer. As they walk, the wounded warriors free the reins and hold their arms out at their sides, responding to the undulating horse below, by adjusting and strengthening the muscles in their bodies.

While each steed’s individual gait varies, the movement is rhythmic and repetitive, mimicking human walking. It helps the Soldiers to find the core and equilibrium without the limbs that once supported them, enabling them to recover from traumatic injuries they have suffered.

While the benefits and physical transformation can’t be measured, the warmth and appreciation for the horses is obvious as they stroke them, treats are given and kind words whispered once patients are on the ground.

According to Mary Jo Beckman, therapeutic riding instructor, she sees the transformation as these Soldiers gain confidence and find their center.

Beckman, who is certified by the North American Riding Handicapped Association, co-founded the therapy program that takes place weekly at Myer. They use the same ceremonial horses used by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the “Old Guard.“

“Individuals going through intense rehabilitation are able to receive a unique and multi-faceted therapy from the horses. They are experiencing an emotional freedom from being outside the clinic in a natural environment,“ said Beckman.

One of Beckman’s success stories was a young female Soldier who lost her leg in 2005 and was in the 2006 pilot program. She wasn’t smiling or making eye contact, at first, and sat away from all other participants. Once the ride started, she began to smile for the first time since her injury, according to her mother, who was there to witness it. The Soldier bonded with the Percheron horse, Minnie, and is now in college to pursue a career in the veterinary profession.

Many Soldiers and veterans, including those who have taken part in the therapeutic riding program, assist in the therapy program, walking alongside and assisting when needed. Retired Army Staff Sgt. Michael Cain started therapy sessions three months ago and has been coming back ever since. “My stability has increased, it helps you to find the motion and distribution that you lost with your limb.“

Staff Sgt. Robert Remmel agreed. “This was my second time and the riding was much better. I feel myself gaining strength and improving my day-to-day movements,“ he said.

A wounded warrior rides facing backward on a horse at Fort Myer. Caisson Platoon Soldiers and wounded warriors assist the rider in learning skills and act as a support system.

Wounded warriors catch and release balls to help them adjust to imbalances.

At the end of the therapy session, a wounded warrior offers up treats, kind words and gentle pats to the horse that helped him with his physical therapy.

The hands-on therapy helps wounded warriors on both physical and emotional levels.

Caisson Platoon Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, Fort Myer, assist the wounded warriors with the therapy. Some of the Soldiers who have experienced the program also volunteer.