Triple H Equitherapy Center salutes veterans

Over 100 people, many of them veterans and their families, gathered last Saturday at Triple H Equitherpay Center for a Salute to Veterans event in celebration of Armed Forces Day.

“The whole purpose of today is to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice, recognize their contributions as well as thank their families”, said Triple H executive director Ginger Eways.

“This includes bringing awareness to our equitherapy program for veterans which provides pathways to healing and wellness,” Eways added, referring to the organiziations mission of improving health and quality of life for those with sepcial needs through equine-assisted activities and therapy.

Saturday’s free, inspirational program included testimonials from participants in the Triple H Equitherapy Horse Power for Heroes program; a meet and greet opportunity with therapy horses; free lunch and refreshments; games and face painting for children; and live music and entertainment.

The event also ncluded the colorful Texas Thunder Drill Team of riders on horses with flags, face painting, music, brunch, games and a Bounce House, and Veteran Testimonies.

Marine veteran Lt Col (retired) Brett Clark was the keynote speaker and his remarks focused heavily on the heart-felt gratitude Triple H has for veterans and the special bond that exists between humans and horses.

He said veterans as a patient group are significant as many of the veterans who benefit from the therapy programs often become volunteers at the ranch and even a few have moved on to become instructors.

Keisha Gonzales, operations director at Triple H, introduced three four-legged therapists— Gema, VooDoo, and Rusty.

Keisha quoted remarks from several Veterans who’d experienced healing by working with the center’s horses. She lso read a heart-felt letter written by a veteran to her therapy horse, Rusty, whose love and acceptance helped her achieve new levels of strength and well-being.

The program ended with brief remarks by Traci Tate, president of the Mustang Club and member of the Alamo Area Corvette Club.

Tate talked about the importance of financial contributions to Triple H so more Veterans can participate in equine-assisted therapy.

After the program, guests enjoyed touring the facilities and ice cream.

Sponsors for this fun and inspiring event are Gene and Diane Skillrud, William Dryer, Alamo Area Corvette Club, Kathy and Kent Harbaugh, Al’s Hideaway, Janet Casey, Bob and Becky Locke, Tracy and Al Range, Bandera Electric Cooperative, Ginger Eways, and Cynthia M. Rickerson.