Veteran Carriage Driving program

Compared to most of the public, it is more difficult for those who have served in our military to remain relaxed in the present moment and establish meaningful connections with other people. In many cases, this is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, when serving in the military, there is a constant demand for individuals to be acutely aware of their surroundings due to the perilous conditions they face each day. Upon returning to civilian life, this hyper-vigilance can make reintegration challenging.

Update: Awesome Joe, the beloved main horse in our therapeutic riding program, passed away recently. He will be deeply missed by our entire farm family.

Finding Peace at the Farm

To promote a sense of healing and calm, as well as a sense of understanding, Allaire Community Farm offers a Veteran's Carriage Driving program. Our staff, volunteers, and horses provide a quiet place for veterans to learn how to carriage ride in a natural, stress-free, peaceful setting. Horses love to feel safe and comfortable with others in their herd. They in return provide a calming effect to their riders.

Through a grant and private donations, Allaire Community Farm is able to offer this program at minimal cost to veterans who qualify.

Veteran carriage driving program

Remembering Awesome Joe

"Awesome Joe, one of the horses in our therapeutic riding program was known for his good nature, patience and willingness to interact with his rider. So much so that he had been nominated as a Path Intl Region 2 Therapy Horse of the Year. He will be deeply missed."

Veteran with horse

The Therapeutic Power of Horses

Horses provide a unique opportunity for veterans to experience calm and presence. The rhythmic motion of carriage driving, the connection with a gentle animal, and the peaceful farm environment all work together to help veterans regulate their nervous systems and feel more grounded in the present moment.

Many veterans find that working with horses allows them to let go of hyper-vigilance, even if just for a little while, and experience a sense of peace they haven't felt since before their service.

Through a grant and private donations, Allaire Community Farm is able to offer this program at minimal cost to veterans who qualify.

Ways to Support

Donate

Financial contributions help cover lesson costs for veterans

Volunteer

Join our team to support veterans during their sessions

Share

Spread the word about this program to reach more veterans

"The horses don't judge. They just accept you as you are. For a veteran struggling with PTSD, that unconditional acceptance is the first step toward healing."

— A Veteran Participant

Interested in the Program?

If you are a veteran interested in participating, or know a veteran who could benefit, please reach out to us.