Equus Medendi

Equus Medendi was formed in 2009. It began with a Combat Veteran who returned from Iraq and was seeking an alternative way to overcome certain struggles that traditional medicine could not treat. Spending time with a friend who knew how to incorporate horses into an innovative type of healing process, he was able to finally find peace and happiness again, changing his life as well as his families.    Together they developed a program to help many more Veterans facing some of these same struggles. Today, Equus Medendi has served close to 200 Veterans of all eras as well as their families.

 This service was also found to be extremely helpful to members of the community who suffer from symptoms such as depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship problems and other trauma related issues.

It has been proven that animal therapy is very beneficial in dealing with symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Horses can take this benefit to another level. They are the only service animal that is a “prey” or “flight” animal. As such, they are even more in tuned with people’s feelings and emotions. They are social, curious, powerful animals and yet they are also quite vulnerable. They are honest and free of judgment as well as masters of living in the moment. The horse is a great teacher of the power of gentleness.

Equus Medendi is dedicated to helping people of all ages overcome emotional issues that are trauma related. In 2011, Equus Medendi became a 501c3 Public Charity. Because of the ongoing support of the San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs as well as organizations such as our local DAV and American Legion chapters, we have never had to charge a Veteran for this service.

We depend on private donations and the support of our community to continue to provide our services. We have had many inquires about helping other populations such as troubled youth or victims of violent crimes. In order to expand our free service program to all those in need, we ask for your donation. Rest assured that all of the money we raise goes back to our clients and their sessions.

Please join those who have learned about our program and have supported and endorsed us. CA Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Major General Peter Gravett said:  “By being open minded and willing to advance complementary treatment modalities like Equine Assisted Therapy we will further advance our ability to help heal those who have suffered as a result of serving our country. Please join me in supporting this overwhelmingly worthwhile program”

Dr. Loree Sutton, Brigadier General, US Army (Ret.), Army Psychiatrist and founding Director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health said: “ Equus Medendi embodies the best of what is now available to meet the complex reintegration struggles, particularly related to sustaining healthy relationships, for those returning from war”

“Every Veteran should have access to this program – It’s that good!”