“After leading Marines in combat and humanitarian operations, coming home was difficult. My wife had essentially been a single mom for years and our relationship was almost non-existent, I felt like a stranger in my own home.

For years, we fought, we struggled, we teetered on the verge of divorce. During that time and for many years I was in denial. It took rupturing relationships and missing quality time with my wife and kids for me to seek help.

I tried therapy programs that involved sitting in chairs, nodding my head, lying to myself and everyone else. I’ve been in therapy programs with a group of other veterans as we all sat in our own houses talking through a video session. I’ve been prescribed a plethora of pills.

I tried the pills. I could have auditioned to be a zombie in a T.V. show. I didn’t want to be part of a narrative that I did not own.

Operation Battle Horse and it‘s equine therapy program is so much more than just talking and petting a horse. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s true. There is no room for hiding or lying. The horse won’t allow it. It is so incredible how a four legged animal can keep you accountable and be a partner on the journey of healing.”