MONTREAL — Canadian Army veterans are healing their psychological wounds with some help from equine friends. Since starting equine therapy last June, Christian has regularly visited Mirabel's Equi-Sens stable, about 33 kilometres north of Montreal, to see the horse that has helped him “to be at peace.” “He's a horse who's been through trauma like me,” the veteran said while stroking mane of the stallion, who was rescued from an abusive environment.
Christian spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition that his last name not be published, as he does not wish to reveal information about his health. He added that he's named the horse after himself, due to their similar backgrounds. Christian suffers from depression and has difficulty relating to others.
Taking care of the horse offers him some relief, calming his anxiety and trauma after years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. “By managing to relate to the horse, I'm less afraid of relating to humans,” he said. “Since then, I feel I'm not alone on the planet.
The horse brings me peace. Now I'm less afraid. Before I was afraid of everything.
When I passed someone on the street, I would cross to the other side to avoid talking to them." Social worker Marie-Pier Dusseault said the horses “better equip veterans to manage their post-traumatic shock” because they force the soldiers to become aware of their physical and physiological symptoms. Horses are not easily approached by people experiencing anxiety o.
