The HOPE Project is a non-profit organization founded in October of 2016. HOPE stands for “Healing Our Patriots with Equines” and is a project focused on helping wounded warriors, veterans, first responders and their families down the path of healing through guided contact with horses.
David Trogdon provides Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and general counseling to HOPE Project clients. As a veteran living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), Trogdon is an outspoken advocate for others living with the aftermath of working in dangerous professions.
Trogdon’s interest in horses in relatively new. The project was born after Trogdon met friends Ryan and Kelly Ison of Panama City Beach through attending retreats. The Isons introduced Trogdon to the idea of equine therapy, and Trogdon earned a certification to be an equine assisted psychotherapist.
“God has given horses the unique ability to read emotions and feelings. If you’re sad or depressed, a horse knows it,” said Trogdon.
Trogdon learns a lot about clients based on their interaction with the ten rescue horses on the farm.
“Instead of someone talking to a counselor in an office, they can come out here to the arena,” he added.
The idea is HOPE horses that are also survivors of emotional and physical trauma make the best partners in healing for people recovering from similar experiences. The HOPE Project rescues horses that would otherwise be sold to slaughterhouses after hard lives as maltreated work and race horses. The HOPE Project farm is a place the horses learn what it’s like to receive affection, freedom, and nutrition without expectations.
The HOPE project will be the host of the HOPE for Heroes and Horses 5K, Inaugural Event, will be held on July 22, 2017, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at 792 Highway 20, Youngstown, FL. The 5K is a fundraising event for The HOPE Project. Services are provided to veterans, first responders, and their family members. Healing Horses, Healing Heroes.
To become a sponsor, volunteer or to donate, please contact Anita Meeks at (850) 527-5534 or email jamantijust@gmail.com.
Please visit the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HOPE-for-Heroes-and-Horses-5K-793695990781184/.
To learn more about The HOPE Project, https://www.facebook.com/HealingOurPatriotswithEquines/.
Pictures were provided by the HOPE Project.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maryann
Student Author - Spring 2017
Maryann is a designer, front-end developer and family gal. I like to doodle over fonts and pour through code. Designing web interfaces has to be one of the most challenging and rewarding careers, next to teaching. Requiring constant upgrading of knowledge, meeting demanding deadlines and finding solutions to criticism. And that’s why I love it. In my spare time, I spend as much time with my family Geocaching and playing Pokemon Go. I have an incredibly family and patient husband, James and three wonderful children. Chances are, you’ll find me either in front of a computer screen, at school, or with my family.
