The mission of the Rise Up Veteran Program is to enhance the quality of life for our service men and women and their families by bringing horses and people together through a comprehensive mental health therapy program utilizing our trained therapy horses. HorsePlay Therapy Center, a nonprofit organization, assists veterans and wounded warriors through trauma-informed mental health therapy at our beautiful, serene ranch in Hastings, FL. This therapy can be the difference between life and death for a veteran. Our RiseUp Veterans Program helps wounded veterans, those suffering from PTSD, and their families heal from the physical and emotional wounds of war. HorsePlay Therapy Center offers comprehensive clinical support services and equine-assisted therapies for veterans. Both riding and non-mounted activities help rebuild the trust and connection vital to physically and emotionally wounded veterans and their loved ones. All activities are conducted by licensed mental health therapists and certified equine specialists.

The Healing Power of Horses
With so many forms of therapy available to veterans facing physical and emotional challenges, you might ask, “Why horses?” The answer is simple: horses are uniquely suited to help build physical and emotional strength. The multi-dimensional movement of the horse re-creates the human gait more effectively than any other means of physical therapy. Horses are also dynamic, sensitive animals that communicate through the subtle use of body language. They respond to emotional situations giving immediate, honest feedback without judgment but with unconditional acceptance. HorsePlay Therapy Center and the RiseUp for Veterans program allows a safe place to feel and address emotions through the human-animal bond. Our horses are specifically trained for this job.
★★★★★
“I have a real bond with this horse. I can come in here and talk to them about anything. They pick up on what you feel. Equine therapy saved my life.”
★★★★★
“There’s something about when you get with a horse. You bond with that horse. And they know what you’re feeling because they feel it, too. They’re feeling what you’re going through, and when they feel comfortable, they come to you. They’ll just come to you.”
