Western Rendezvous for Veterans

HORSES SPIRITS HEALING HOSTS WESTERN RENDEZVOUS SEPT. 23

For more information: Anvia Hampton, Program Director, Horses Spirits Healing, 406-245-4076 / ahampton@horsesspiritshealing.org.

BILLINGS, MONT.—Horses Spirits Healing, Inc. (HSHI) will host a Western Rendezvous on Saturday September 23, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Intermountain Equestrian Center, 7256 Hwy 3, Billings, 59106. This all ages event is free and open to the public. Program director Anvia Hampton says the Rendezvous was organized to help people learn about HSHI and its programs.

"It’s a chance to meet the individuals who help make it happen. Our program is meant to be all-inclusive, ground, up and nose to tail. We could not serve our Veteran and community participants without the generous support of our volunteers and donors.”

Horses Spirits Healing Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was formed in 2014 to provide Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) for area Veterans with service related injuries. Some Veterans may find it calming to simply groom a horse, while others may enjoy the animal's gentle gait or rehabilitate through physical activities like moving hay bales. It is this simple, non-judgmental interaction that helps alleviate wounds, both seen and unseen.  The need for Veteran assistive services is real and significant. According to national statistics Montana has the 2nd highest number of Veterans per capita in the country.

There are approximately 100,000 Veterans in Montana. Using national ratios, we can expect 15,000 of them to have service-related injuries. Billings and the surrounding area are home to one quarter of the state’s Veterans, translating to over 3,750 Veterans in the region with special needs.

The VA Clinic, Mental Health Center and other referral sources have recently estimated that during 2017 they will be able to refer approximately 100 Veterans in Billings (Yellowstone County) and surrounding counties to HSHI for EAAT services. They expect the number to grow in subsequent years. Fortunately, HSHI has ensured a solid base of Veteran referrals and clientele by partnering with a number of organizations and government entities that serve the Veteran population. HSHI continues to expand its programs to meet the changing needs of Veterans. Recent additions to program options include a “driving program” and roping clinic. Future plans include the development of a Veteran women’s group, more outreach to the Native American population and a variety of clinic options.

“We are proud of Veterans who have achieved positive and lasting results improving their life. Through the generous support of grantors and donors, we are where the hurting come to heal,” says Executive Director Paul Gatzemeier.

Festivities will include food, music by Canyon creek, demonstrations by HSHI participants and volunteers, and raffle prizes. “Most of all, we’ll have some good ol' fun at the barn," Hampton says.  If you’d like to attend the Horses Spirits Healing Western Rendezvous, please RSVP by calling 406-245-4076 or by emailing Program Director Anvia Hampton at ahampton@horsesspiritshealing.org.