ACTT Naturally Kicks Off Summer Season With New Event For Women Veterans

[Wandering Eyes]

This summer, Valerie Buck and the off-track Thoroughbreds of ACTT Naturally are increasing the number of American veterans benefitting from its Hearts in Harmony program. On Saturday, June 14, in observance of Women Veterans Recognition Days, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (NYS DVS), in partnership with ACTT Naturally, will host “Wrap Yourself in Wellness” at Long Shadows Farm in Cambridge, NY. Between 30 and 45 women veterans are expected to attend.

In addition to equine-assisted emotional therapy, participants in the day-long retreat will hear from “Patriot Hills of New York” CEO Jeannine Mannarino, focus on healing through movement with Laura Laz, and learn healing through mindfulness with Dr. Rachel Magnel of “Kairos Center for Change”. The organizers hope the event will bring more awareness and attention to the resources available to veterans and others suffering from PTS and the positive impact of working with Thoroughbreds.

“Connecting military members and first responders with therapeutic horse programs offers a powerful pathway to healing and reintegration for both the horses and the humans,” said Melissa Balan of NYS DVS. “Working with the horses allows the veterans to engage in a calming, non-judgmental environment where trust is built naturally and silently.”

“I am thrilled, not just by the interest and enthusiasm from Melissa and the NYS DVS on behalf of women veterans, but also by the unique opportunity to present the horse-centered program together with other healing activities,” said Buck. “It deepens and expands awareness of what many of us already know is the special power of Thoroughbreds in emotional healing and how it should become a funded mainstream treatment.”

ACTT Naturally Thoroughbreds of all ages and experiences will be participating with the women on Saturday. Veteran therapy horses Three Lions '04 (Hennessey), Traffic Chief '20 (Colonial Affair), Fly Ride '09 (Street Sense) and Fuhrious Warrior '12 (Langfuhr) will be joined by newcomers Open Mic Night '22 (Practical Joke), Platform Company '20 (Cloud Computing) and Indemnify (FR) '19 (Invincible Spirit). In addition to providing the Hearts in Harmony program, ACTT Naturally focuses on retraining and adoption of sound former racehorses.

Working with the veterans, teens, first responders and other Hearts in Harmony participants has become an integral part of ACTT Naturally's training protocol.

“Connection is the most important part of a horse-human relationship and successful adoption match,” said Buck. “The programs teach the horses how to make a positive connection with the person in their presence and these interactions make the Thoroughbreds better partners for their adopters.”

For Buck and Long Shadows Farm, starting the 2025 summer season with a collaborative event, fostered by the NYS DVS and Patriot Hills of New York, is especially exciting because it brings government recognition, as well as new faces, to the well-established program. Launched in 2017, Hearts in Harmony has grown steadily in support and reach, despite losing a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buck is striving to help more people and horses.

“With people who have experienced trauma, the challenge has always been to facilitate that first visit,” said Buck. “Gaining trust and having the women and men feel comfortable and confident enough to come out and experience the joy is the first step. Partnering with organizations and leaders who have already established the relationship with the veterans needing the program is key to expanding our reach.”

Balan understands what the horses have to offer and is in a good position to facilitate program attendance among the veterans that NYS DVS serves.

“The intuitive nature of horses offers immediate feedback, encouraging mindfulness, patience, and a renewed sense of self,” said Balan. “For veterans who often carry invisible wounds, equine therapy is not just therapeutic–it is transformative.”

For more information about ACTT Naturally, including how to sponsor veterans and horses in the program, click here.

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