Video Gallery: Veteran Experiences at Saratoga Warhorse

Photo Gallery

What Our Graduates Say

Testimonials

Because of SWH, the fog is gone, and I am mending and growing the relationships with my spouse and children.

"When I was matched with BJ, I felt our connection. We were the same. We didn't know trust. We didn't know safety. In the pen, we only had each other. We worked together, spoke in silence, and moved as a team."

"I keep a photo of John Barleycorn close by to remind myself that I am alive today because of the Saratoga WarHorse Program."

Saratoga Warhorse was life changing for me and I’ve really recognized the power that I have within, now that I’ve returned home.

"The program changed my life"

This program helps veterans, to solve the growing after-effects of PTSD, and any other barriers preventing a soldier from living a better life.

"Good program. A blessing to me, thanks."

"Keep providing this awesome life changing opportunity!"

"I am greatly appreciative of the service you provide, to this date I still practice what I learned at SWH."

"Fabulous program for our vets and retired racehorses."

"This program is a wonderful program. I opened up alot to who I am & who I was. Emotions were flowing so hard, even emotions I did not know I had. It was well worth my time & effort! Thank you SWH."

"SWH was a profound experience. I was fortunate enough to have the honor to attend. My horse was named Primo. I have shared my experience with many fellow soldiers and veterans. Thank you SWH and staff that allowed me to be part of this small community."

"I think the Saratoga Warhorse program is a wonderful program. Thank you to all the wonderful people who work and volunteer there, for what they do for us Vets and the horses. May God Bless each and every one of you. Thank You from the bottom of my heart."

"Believe your program provides an important for our veterans and our retired thoroughbreds. Thank You!"

"I believe this is a great program and it has helped our son in ways I may never know and for that, I thank you."

"SWH provided much needed help to my fellow Vietnam vets and to racehorses. Both are very heartfelt to me. Makes me proud to donate to such a great cause."

"My experience surrounds me every day. Words cannot express the change in me with how I love more and accept myself as I am.

Now, I feel forgiven for my part in combat."

-Johnny

SWH Graduate

I gained confidence. I believed in myself and better understood what it looks like to push people away. If you can push people away, you remain safe.

Trust and vulnerability are truly beautiful when given the space to flourish."

-Nanci

SWH Graduate

Read Nanci's Story

The Saratoga WarHorse program is a positive experience for any separated service member who has ever felt their usefulness has expired or has experienced emotional trauma. The horses that are involved in the program can relate. Their passion for racing is cut short by injury or age. The mutual feelings between you and the horse are real. Once the connection is made, it is a truly memorable moment that is not soon forgotten. It is an opportunity for emotions to be released and an opportunity for me to understand some of the troubles I have been experiencing.
Personally, I had never handled a horse before. It was a challenge that I was excited to take on. I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of trust and worth being trusted. My horse companion for the day, Done Done Done, was an athlete in his racing days. He and I were able to find common ground and mutual understanding. We both agreed that what we each needed during our time in the ring was each other."

- John

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

-Alison

I believe you saved my life.

Without getting too detailed about my struggles I suffer from extreme guilt and I can't forgive myself or believe that anyone (even God) could forgive me for the evil I have done. I feel everyone judging me and condemning me for what I have done. The pain and depression was so overwhelming I had the gun to my head. I have been "Red Flagged" by the VA suicide prevention team for months. I have lost all my courage and all my relationships have been sabotaged. I was without hope and I hated myself. Then I was challenged with the opportunity to come to WarHorse.

My first challenge was getting to the airport and getting on that flight. If I could just make the trip, talk to some people, and make it back home would be a huge victory. I didn't expect all the other victories that took place. I found another vet that was struggling like me and I was able to put myself aside and help someone else. I made a connection with another person and felt my life validated.

The time I spent in the round-pin with my horse was fun ("fun" is a word that I have not used in years). I lost myself in those few moments and it was just me and the horse working together. But it was after we were done that the biggest success happened. I looked that horse in the eye and he looked back at me and I saw nothing but acceptance and gratitude. For the first time I felt forgiveness.

I came home and have told this story but nobody seems to understand. That's okay because I know what happened to me. It's mine and it can't be taken away. I still have a lot of hard work to do to start healing but now I believe that I can get better. THAT is a huge change. Thank you for what you have offered me. You saved my life and kept me from becoming another suicide statistic."

-Chuck

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

-Alison

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

Video Gallery: Veteran Experiences at Saratoga Warhorse

Connection Process Explained

Connection Process Explained

Nanci's Story

Donna's Story

Photo Gallery

What Our Graduates Say

"My experience surrounds me every day. Words cannot express the change in me with how I love more and accept myself as I am.

Now, I feel forgiven for my part in combat."

-Johnny

SWH Graduate

I gained confidence. I believed in myself and better understood what it looks like to push people away. If you can push people away, you remain safe.

Trust and vulnerability are truly beautiful when given the space to flourish."

-Nanci

SWH Graduate

Read Nanci's Story

- John

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

-Alison

I believe you saved my life.

-Chuck

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

-Alison

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

-Alison

I keep a photo of John Barleycorn close by to remind myself that I am alive today because of the Saratoga WarHorse Program.

You will not only remain in my heart but you are a part of my soul. I cannot thank you enough for giving me my life back."

- Donna

SWH Graduate

Read Donna's Story

Video Gallery: Veteran Experiences at Saratoga Warhorse

Connection Process Explained

Connection Process Explained

Nanci's Story

Donna's Story

Photo Gallery

What Our Graduates Say

"My experience surrounds me every day. Words cannot express the change in me with how I love more and accept myself as I am.

Now, I feel forgiven for my part in combat."

​

-Johnny

SWH Graduate

I gained confidence. I believed in myself and better understood what it looks like to push people away. If you can push people away, you remain safe.

​

Trust and vulnerability are truly beautiful when given the space to flourish."

​

-Nanci

SWH Graduate

Read Nanci's Story

- John

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

​

-Alison

I believe you saved my life.

​

-Chuck

SWH Graduate

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

​

-Alison

You saved my life. I am now full of peace and a calmness that I would never have thought possible after the pure hell of PTSD that I used to live with.

I am still haunted by the limitations of that mental illness, but I am overwhelmed instead by a balm on my soul that I cannot explain, except that it came after I attended one of your clinics.

You saved my life. I owe you everything. Thank you from the very depths of my soul. "

​

-Alison

I keep a photo of John Barleycorn close by to remind myself that I am alive today because of the Saratoga WarHorse Program.

You will not only remain in my heart but you are a part of my soul. I cannot thank you enough for giving me my life back."

​

- Donna

SWH Graduate

Read Donna's Story