Former Canadian Army soldiers find solace through equine therapy

Canadian Army veterans are finding healing for their psychological wounds with the help of equine friends.

Since beginning equine therapy last June, Christian has been regularly visiting Mirabel’s Equi-Sens stable, located about 33 kilometres north of Montreal, to spend time with the horse that has brought him a sense of peace.

Christian, who suffers from depression and struggles to connect with others, finds caring for the horse to be a relief that calms his anxiety and trauma from years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces.

By forming a relationship with the horse, Christian says he has become less fearful of interacting with humans.

Social worker Marie-Pier Dusseault explains that horses help veterans manage their post-traumatic shock by making them more aware of their physical and physiological symptoms.

Christian, a former soldier stationed in West Germany during the 1980s, experienced violence within his battalion, contributing to his struggles with alcoholism and depression even after being discharged from the forces 38 years ago.

Through an organization called Le Sentier, Christian and another veteran named Marco have found solace in equine therapy, with Marco also sharing his own difficult experiences in the military.

Despite the challenges they faced, both veterans acknowledge the positive impact of horses in helping them reconnect with their humanity and find peace.

Now dedicated to supporting fellow veterans, Marco is proud to embrace his identity as a veteran and use his experiences to advocate for those who have suffered in service.