Horses At A Therapy-Nonprofit Are Helping First Responders Deal With Traumatic Events

Nov 05, 2019 by apost team

Police officials have thankless jobs that require so much of their time, energy, and safety. For one officer in Doswell, Virginia, his job took his life when he was killed by a tractor-trailer. Lt. Brad Clark was helping out at an accident related to the tropical storm Michael when he was hit and killed by the other vehicle.

Of course, the death of the firefighter was hard on everyone in his department. Not only did they grieve after his death, but they continue to miss Brad Clark one year later. On his death anniversary, the other firefighters decided that they were ready to commemorate their friend in a special way.

They chose to honor Brad Clark and get through his death by teaming up with an organization called Checkpoint One that focuses on helping those who serve in positions such as the military, police, and firefighters that have undergone traumatic events and are battling problematic emotions.

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Rather than just being a wild experiment, Checkpoint One is the brainchild of a man named Andrew Kaufman who knows first-hand how service can impact one's mental health. Andrew had been in the army for 20 years when he retired and found himself facing significant mental health issues due to his service. Andrew found himself on endless prescription drugs through the VA system and he was drinking heavily. He had been alienated from all his friends and family when he got involved with a program called “Boulder Crest Retreat”. Boulder Crest Retreat connected him with horses, giving him the opportunity to finally relax and find a sense of peace.

Seeing how the horses helped him, Andrew realized that animals could also be used to get others through their struggles. Andrew started “Checkpoint One” and has been assisting other those with the service since 2016. The organization works to provide individuals with therapy horses with no insurance requirements.

Thanks to Checkpoint One and their work with those in service, the firefighters of Doswell are now receiving the support that they need while they also remember their friend who gave his life to help others.

Animals have long been known for their healing abilities as they help humans overcome both physical and mental issues. Have you been able to overcome an emotional problem with the help of animals? Let us hear about your story.