Healing the soul: Hippotherapy for the rehabilitation of military and traumatized families

In times of war, when Ukraine is going through very difficult trials, many people are faced with the painful consequences of the conflict, and this applies not only to military personnel who experienced hell on the front lines, but also to their families. Especially – children who are very sensitive to what is happening. Every person who has experienced the fear, despair and pain of war needs help and support. Military actions can be terrible, but even in such conditions, all victims must find the strength to cope with it, both physically and mentally. Hippotherapy is one of the most effective ways to heal the soul, restore oneself and rehabilitate.

Interaction with horses is unique in its nature. Horses are not only excellent working animals and sports partners, but also a source of immeasurable energy of support and comfort, because they are able to penetrate through heavy layers of emotional trauma and help victims who need tenderness and care the most. Hippotherapy helps restore trust in oneself and the world, improves emotional state and contributes to the development and rehabilitation of moral, mental and physical health. For those who suffered from the war, it became a real salvation that brings back joy and hope.

Anna Bezhenska, a journalist of IA “FAKT”, who long before the war had direct experience in the field of equestrian sports, turned to one of the stables in the Kharkiv region, which, even after experiencing the most difficult conditions during its entire existence, began a new stage in her life – work in field of rehabilitation.

Times are really hard for everyone right now, but together we can create bright moments of hope and warmth based on care, mutual help and support. Rehabilitators, who work directly with the victims, also experience a lot of mental worries and injuries, but together with their reliable partners – horses, they continue to help people keep hope for a bright future. This stable, its team, and their animals are the true embodiment of the courage and indomitability of the Ukrainian world.

The therapy provided by this stable has become a hope for sufferers who feel that they have already lost touch with the world, but by becoming a part of this equine dimension, they find a new perspective on life. The majestic forces of such animals really pull from darkness to light, helping everyone who steps on this path to find harmony in their hearts.

So let these horses become friends on the road of healing to continue to bring light into the lives of those who need support. Every person has the right to care and save their soul, so this is not just a story from an interview – it is the beginning of a new chapter in the book of life, where every page is written with love and hope. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish our defenders, their families and every Ukrainian – support, strength, courage, and most importantly – a quick return to a peaceful and calm life.