Ep. 2 - HERD Foundation, Delray Beach, Florida - Providing Equine Assisted Services For Veterans Diagnosed With PTSD

The VetsConnect Podcast

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When Rhonda Fritzshall and Nongae Johnson, the dedicated souls behind HERD Foundation, sat down with me, we didn't just chat about equine-assisted services for veterans - we ventured into the profound impact that horses can have on the human spirit. Rhonda's transition from her farm upbringing and mental health expertise to founding HERD Foundation with Nongae, a horse aficionado with a colorful equestrian background, is nothing short of inspiring. Together, they're crafting a space where veterans can discover belonging and connection in the presence of horses like Fig Newton, Stitch and Sammy, and where I too, as a veteran diagnosed with PTSD, went thru the HERD Foundation Freedom Patch programs and witnessed first hand the indescribable connections between man and horse.
There's something miraculous that happens when a veteran and a horse lock eyes for the first time - a moment of unspoken understanding that HERD Foundation captures in their programs. Our discussion digs into the heart of this connection, unearthing the partnerships formed not just within the military community but also in the therapeutic embrace of Cinnamon and Miss America, the foundation's gentle giants. As veterans learn to communicate without words with these majestic creatures, they also learn to care for themselves, all under the attentive guidance of Rhonda and Nongae's carefully curated programs.
If our conversation has stirred something within you, imagine what attending HERD Foundation's upcoming Dining at the Farm Fundraiser might ignite. Picture an evening spent under the stars with the soft nickers of horses in the background, live music setting the tone, and the thrill of a silent auction—all in support of a cause that's redefining veteran support. Your participation in our VetsConnect community, from sharing this podcast to embarking on a journey with us, can help ensure that the soothing clip-clop of hooves continues to echo as a beacon of hope for those who have served. Go to Herdfoundation.org to buy tickets or to donate to this amazing program for our veterans.