Thanks to everyone who came out to join USPTO affinity groups ResponsAbility and UMA to learn about a unique program that helps families and individuals through interaction with horses.

On Tuesday, October 4, representatives from Loudoun Therapeutic Riding (LTR) discussed how their group empowers and improves the lives of people with cognitive, physical and psychological disabilities through the benefits of horseback riding, carriage driving, and other equine-assisted activities and therapies, while serving the equine services industry through training and education.

In response to the growing need for therapies for war veterans, the Equine Services for Heroes program uses equine-assisted activities to aid wounded warriors in recovery. Participants in the program have often been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injury, both of which can have global effects on the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral health of veterans. With the help of their equine partners, LTR provides these individuals the opportunity to regain valuable skills lost due to injury or trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

For more information about LTR please visit http://www.ltrf.org/.