From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up

“From the Ground Up” is the name of a series of lessons that are part of the Horses, Hearts and Heroes program for veterans. These lessons are designed to learn about the behaviors, cues and corrections of horses. By abiding by PATH standards, and using both EAA (Equine Assisted Activity) and EFL (Equine Facilitated Learning), these ground lessons offer a unique, challenging, and engaging form of recreation. Veterans may also enjoy the camaraderie of other veterans as a social outlet. These lessons are activities that require the veteran to learn about horse grooming, behavior, care, and handling and moving the horse around various obstacles. Learning all of these skills can enhance the confidence and well-being of both the horse and handler.

Each lesson will include:

**an objective and personal goal from each veteran

**a self-measure of pulse and breating rates before and after the lesson

**a self-rating regarding indivdual stress level before and after the lesson

**a journal entry of what was learned

(Beaming staff will assist veterans in obtaining this information)

Once these horse lessons have progressed, and the veteran feels like trying something new, then riding can become part of the next phase of learning about the horse. The veterans also have an opportunity to have lessons with their spouses and children. The spouse and family lessons would use the principles the veteran learned in their From the Ground up lessons and allow them to teach their family members what they learned. A PATH certified instructor will always be present, so the lessons will ensure safety.