Free Sessions with Horses for Veterans and First Responders

LAS VEGAS - Jan. 16, 2020 - PRLog -- Horses4Heroes riding instructor, Maria Tanya Dari-Williams, EAP/EAL, is available to introduce local Veterans and First Responders to horses every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am to noon.  Sessions are free to participants.  Other days are available by appointment.

"I am looking forward to introducing the healing power of horses to these local heroes," said Ms. Dari-Williams.  "I know first-hand that horses can help relieve anxiety, make you calmer, and feel more confident.  We invite Veterans and First Responders to discover the magic of horses!"

Sessions with horses are un-mounted and mounted.  Participants should be physically able to walk and lead a horse.  Riding activities are limited to riders under 220 pounds and the rider must be able to mount and dismount with minimal assistance.  Instructors have the final say in whether or not riding is part of the session.  Other factors that limit riding may include weather, such as gusty winds.

To promote the Horses4Heroes Back in the Saddle sessions and workshops, the non-profit is hosting a monthly open house, Saddle Up for Veterans, the first Sunday of the month, 10 am to 2 pm.

Also February is Horses4Heroes Member Appreciation Month.  During the month, on specific days and times, horse rides will be free or $5.  For more information email events@horses4heroes.org.  Membership is free for all Active Duty service members, Veterans and First Responders (law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMTs), $25 for school teachers and nurses and $50 to join as a friend.  Membership information is found at http://www.horses4heroes.org.

Ms. Dari-Williams has been riding horses and competing for more than 30 years, back home in her native Germany and here in Las Vegas.  She has been working with Horses4Heroes as a volunteer and riding instructor for four years with a focus on English and Dressage-style of riding.  She received her EAP/EAL certification from the OK Corral Series in 2019.  The wife of a veteran, Ms. Dari is looking forward to working with and helping veterans, spouses and family members who are coping with PTSD.  Ms. Dari is all too familiar with the reality of living with PTSD.

"Horses are the best therapists," said Ms. Dari-Williams. "Time spent with horses will definitely make you feel better, stronger and more confident.  They have a powerful effect on human emotions.  We hope Las Vegas Veterans and their families will stop by to meet our staff and our horses."