New Hampshire has one of the highest percentages of population having served in the United States military. For such a small state, that's a pretty impressive feat. Our program involves the entire family - from children to adults. It is about creating a new shared experience with both friends and family that can bring returning veterans and their families together again.
Coming back from active duty and deployment can be challenging, for both the service member and the family that stayed behind. Months apart can create communication speed bumps in the best of circumstances, which often deployments are not. Veteran Connection is all about re-establishing relationships between family members in a new and exciting environment that the entire family can participate in (we highly encourage it!).
This is not therapy, and we are not therapists. Our horses and ponies are members of our team, not tools. Veteran Connection is about learning to communicate and build relationships through our unique six week program that concentrates on teamwork, trust exercises, group interactions, body language and boundaries and mutual respect - all while having fun with Ponies!
Coming back from active duty and deployment can be challenging, for both the service member and the family that stayed behind. Months apart can create communication speed bumps in the best of circumstances, which often deployments are not. Veteran Connection is all about re-establishing relationships between family members in a new and exciting environment that the entire family can participate in (we highly encourage it!).
This is not therapy, and we are not therapists. Our horses and ponies are members of our team, not tools. Veteran Connection is about learning to communicate and build relationships through our unique six week program that concentrates on teamwork, trust exercises, group interactions, body language and boundaries and mutual respect - all while having fun with Ponies!
JAFFREY? IS THAT FAR AWAY?
We know New Hampshire has a saying "you can't get there from here", but not so for us! We're conveniently located right off of Route 101 or Route 124, depending on where you're coming from, and close to both Vermont and Massachusetts borders.
EQUIPMENT?
We provide all of the equipment for the program, you are just in charge of wearing clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty and closed-toed shoes.
ARE WE RIDING?
No-sir-rie-bob! We only work with horses on the ground in their natural state. All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work alongside the horses as part of your team rather than as a tool. This way the horse can be its true self and not be "on the job". This allows for the best and true reaction of the horse and the most beneficial way of learning for you.
WHAT GROUP SIZES DO YOU WORK WITH?
As small as 3 and to a maximum of 8. Have more people than that? Give us a shout and we can find a solution.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES?
Nope. As our program does not require you to ride a horse, no prior experience is necessary. We will inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first, but we can accommodate everyone's different comfort levels around the horses.
WHAT IF I'M SCARED OR DON'T LIKE HORSES?
If you aren't being pushed out of your boundaries, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome your fears or get over preconceived notions. We don't always get to pick our team members at work, do we?
DO I NEED CERTAIN CLOTHING?
Although chaps and a pair of cowboy boots aren't required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like closed toe shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We will give you a full list of these safety measures, of course.
WHY HORSES
Cats, Dogs, horses... what's the difference?
There is nothing like a 800 lb Teacher…
By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participant's personality. As a prey animal, they are sensitive to the stimulus of each participant. They react to the stimulus through body language and participants must adjust their feelings and behaviors to work successfully with the horses.
What can a horse teach you that a human can't?
The power of the horse is the relationships that we make with them. Through Side By Side, we engage the body, mind, and spirit of both species.
We know New Hampshire has a saying "you can't get there from here", but not so for us! We're conveniently located right off of Route 101 or Route 124, depending on where you're coming from, and close to both Vermont and Massachusetts borders.
EQUIPMENT?
We provide all of the equipment for the program, you are just in charge of wearing clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty and closed-toed shoes.
ARE WE RIDING?
No-sir-rie-bob! We only work with horses on the ground in their natural state. All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work alongside the horses as part of your team rather than as a tool. This way the horse can be its true self and not be "on the job". This allows for the best and true reaction of the horse and the most beneficial way of learning for you.
WHAT GROUP SIZES DO YOU WORK WITH?
As small as 3 and to a maximum of 8. Have more people than that? Give us a shout and we can find a solution.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES?
Nope. As our program does not require you to ride a horse, no prior experience is necessary. We will inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first, but we can accommodate everyone's different comfort levels around the horses.
WHAT IF I'M SCARED OR DON'T LIKE HORSES?
If you aren't being pushed out of your boundaries, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome your fears or get over preconceived notions. We don't always get to pick our team members at work, do we?
DO I NEED CERTAIN CLOTHING?
Although chaps and a pair of cowboy boots aren't required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like closed toe shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We will give you a full list of these safety measures, of course.
WHY HORSES
Cats, Dogs, horses... what's the difference?
There is nothing like a 800 lb Teacher…
By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participant's personality. As a prey animal, they are sensitive to the stimulus of each participant. They react to the stimulus through body language and participants must adjust their feelings and behaviors to work successfully with the horses.
What can a horse teach you that a human can't?
- Horses consistently model assertiveness and teach us how.
- Horses can't lie or over think a participants motive.
- Horses feedback is honest and instant
- Nature provides them with instincts and senses that are very astute.
- Help to instill empathy and kindness in the participants.
- Horses have natural "herd behaviours" that require trust, respect, and teamwork from all members of the team.
- Horses automatically respond to confusion and frustration as these feelings can put the herd at risk.
- They lead through assuredness - not brute force.
- Horses have distinct personalities and through this, they all have different methods of teaching.
The power of the horse is the relationships that we make with them. Through Side By Side, we engage the body, mind, and spirit of both species.
