Brandon Twp.- Chris Klann was a first class airman in the Air Force for six years, including time in South Korea, Alaska, and a 4-month stint in Qatar.
He retired with a disability in 2009 and like many other veterans, found himself struggling to adapt post-service.
‘I was definitely having a hard time,? said Klann. ‘There weren’t many things that caught my interest.?
Then one day in January 2013 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Detroit, he saw a flyer for Horses for Heroes, a therapeutic horseback riding program offered for veterans at the O.A.T.S. facility here in the township. Klann was one of the first veterans to sign up.
‘I’ve always enjoyed horseback riding, I got really serious into it when I was up in Alaska,? said Klann. ‘It was something I had enjoyed previously and something I wanted to get back into, but all I could find were places that were pretty costly for an hour ride. Being in the O.A.T.S. program definitely has brought me something I really loved doing in the past.?
Doug Waite, a General Motors employee and retired Navy veteran, with five years active duty and 24 years in the Navy Reserve, was instrumental in implementing the Horses for Heroes program at O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) in early 2013.
Waite approached O.A.T.S. with the idea of an equestrian therapy program similar to what he had heard was done through the Army, with veterans helping other veterans with physical disabilities, brain injuries, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Equine therapy, he said, helps veterans on a number of levels, including coordination and balance, as well as relaxation, and building confidence.
Horses for Heroes is looking for riders, especially post 9/11 veterans who have been wounded or have service-related disabilities. The next session of Horses for Heroes at O.A.T.S. begins this week, with veterans riding from 6-7 p.m.,Thursdays, at no charge.
‘We need veterans who can benefit from the program,? said Waite. ‘Everyone of course has enjoyed it. Most people aren’t familiar with horses… Often, they get on and white knuckle it, but after a few sessions, they gain confidence and build a relationship with the horse. When a horse senses the rider’s needs, you build a bond and it’s very relaxing.?
Klann said concentrating on controlling what may not always be a cooperative animal is a good distraction.
‘When you’re sitting there trying to work with a 2,000 pound horse and he’s being real stubborn, making sure your posture and everything you’re doing is correct, and trying to keep yourself seated and in control, but not so much in control where you’re hurting the animal? it takes the mind off negative thoughts you might have retained from service time,? he said. ‘I’m not sure how other vets see all that, but it’s something I look forward to each week. The program is free, it won’t hurt to come check it out. It’s a very, very good place to come learn, if you’ve ever been interested or curious. Even for those vets that are severely handicapped, they are able to accommodate you and the staff is really, really cool, helpful and friendly, and you learn at your own pace.?
Amy Schaefer, O.A.T.S. program director, said the point behind the Horses for Heroes program is the calming effect horses have on people.
‘Those suffering from injuries can get on a horse and forget about their injuries,? she said. ‘They are back in control. We have about four veterans currently in the program… The ones that stick with it, love it… We are all about giving back and thanking our veterans and showing our appreciation.?
Veterans in the Horses for Heroes program will be doing color guard for the O.A.T.S. Annual Mane Event, a horse show and open house planned for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 21, at O.A.T.S., 3090 Weidemann Drive, Clarkston (located off M-15).
For more information on the Mane Event or the Horses for Heroes program, contact O.A.T.S. At 248-620-1775 or Doug Waite at 810-252-8695.