Equine therapy program for veterans to be offered at Giant City State Park

<p class="p1">The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, has planned to launch a two-year pilot project with the Marion Veterans Affairs, VA, Medical Center to offer equine therapy for armed forces veterans at Giant City State Park near Makanda. </p><p class="p1">The medical center will refer veterans, as appropriate, living with post-traumatic stress syndrome or other mental health issues to Giant City State Park’s equine therapy program.  </p><p class="p1">“Our state parks are an integral part of the Illinois communities they serve, providing recreational opportunities, fostering an ethic of stewardship, and educating the public about our natural resources,”  IDNR director Marc Miller said. </p><p class="p1">“We are thankful to share this innovative program with our community partners. The ability to offer alternative therapies, including equine therapy, is encouraged by VA. My expectations are high for veteran recovery utilizing this program,” Marion VA Medical Center director Don Hutson said. </p><p class="p1">The equine therapy program is being operated by not-for-profit Specialized Equine Services, SES, which already provides similar services at Giant City State Park.  </p><p class="p1">More than 25 horses, ponies and mules will participate in the pilot project, which was scheduled to begin on Jan. 1.</p><p class="p1">“Specialized Equine Services is very excited to have the support of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois VA Medical Center and the Illinois Conservation Foundation,” Patricia Nardini, the president and co-founder of SES, said. </p><p class="p1">Funding for veteran therapy sessions will be provided by the Marion VA Medical Center, while the IDNR will provide up to $2,000 per year to pay for SES’s annual training required to remain certified in equine therapy.   </p><p class="p1">The investment in this certification will enable Specialized Equine Services to provide equine therapy for both veterans and other individuals living with psychological, neurological and physical conditions.  </p><p class="p1">“The staff at Giant City Stables is exceptional and privacy and personal accommodations are of the utmost importance. I personally recommend to every veteran to at least give it a shot,” said former U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Gajowiak.</p><p class="p1">The Illinois Conservation Foundation, ICF, will provide up to $2,000 per year to fund SES’s travel and lodging costs for associated training. </p><p class="p1">“The Illinois Conservation Foundation is proud to help fund this worthwhile program that provides help for those that fight for our freedom every day,” ICF executive director Eric Schmidt said.</p><p class="p2"> </p><p class="p2"> </p>