Millstone Ranch Helping Veterans and First Responders Suffering from PTSD

Phil Stilton

MILLSTONE-In Millstone Township, an organization is helping both veterans and horses cope with life after their service.

Hoof Prints On The Heart offers veterans “Hoof Prints for Heroes”, a program specifically designed to work with veterans, active and reserve military members, first responders, and their families.

Assemblyman Rob Clifton spent an afternoon last week with the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee witnessing the remarkable work of “Hoof Prints for Heroes”, a program of Hoof Prints on the Heart Inc, in Millstone.

Group and individual sessions are available in a safe, caring supportive and natural environment. Each session is custom-tailored to address participant’s individual, personal, short and long term goals, and involves the participation of a horse or horses.


Session designs focus on education about equine psychology and behavior, as well as participant self-awareness. Heroes and family members will learn how horses, as prey animals in nature, are highly sensitive creatures with the ability to quickly assess situations, and provide in-the-moment feedback on our emotions. They also possess the unique ability to mirror our internal perceptions and intentions.

Dedicated to providing Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to individuals who are working through personal and emotional challenges in all stages of life, the “Heroes” program is designed to work with veterans, active and reserve military members, first responders, and their families.

Veterans, many suffering from PTSD and other disabilities, and retired show horses working together for the purpose of healing.

The veterans Mr. Clifton spoke with reported impressive improvement in their lives.

In addition to helping our veterans, Hoof Prints for Heroes gives many horses an opportunity to have a purpose long after their show career ends.

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