Equine Therapy Brings Joy to QCC Veterans and their Families

Approximately 32 of QCC's veterans and their families took part in an experience that they are hoping will be an annual event. On October 23, the group met at the Dare to Dream Ranch Military Retreat in Foster, Rhode Island for a day of multifaceted equine therapy, relaxation and some plain old fun.

Director of Veteran Affairs, Paula Ogden, learned about this incredible resource for veterans on TV. Dare to Dream’s mission is “to provide alternative therapy programs for U.S. Military veterans and their families struggling with emotional challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).”

Ms. Ogden reached out to the organization and learned that all veterans were welcome, and set up a day for QCC veterans to visit. The group spent the day riding horses (even a large cow) and enjoying the facilities.  

 “We all got to feed and hang out with the goats, chickens, ponies, cows and bunnies, as well as practice some guided archery skills. Students and family members were welcomed by some very friendly staff members from the Dare to Dream Ranch, and breakfast and lunch were also provided,” Ms. Ogden said. “We all had a great time and students are already asking if we could make this event a yearly experience.”

To learn more about the services offered to QCC student veterans, visit Veteran Affairs.