Echoes of PTS: A Journey Through Trauma and Healing with Equine Therapy

Understanding PTS

Let’s get real about Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). It’s not just a tough memory you shake off—it’s like having a bad houseguest who sticks around way too long, replaying the worst moments of your life. And the tricky part? It doesn’t pick a convenient time to show up. It barges in whenever, wherever, turning peaceful moments into battles all over again.

I’m not a psychologist, or a mental health professional pf any kind but since 2005, I’ve been learning more about PTS in real-life, real-time than many degreed pros. It started with becoming a certified Equine Specialist, but it’s been the experiences in the pasture that have really shaped my understanding. When we launched Trinity’s Veteran Wellness Program in 2009, we didn’t just create a program—we built a safe space for veterans to begin healing. 

A Personal Encounter with PTS

My first encounter with PTS wasn’t in a textbook or through someone else’s story—it happened in my own family. Both of my parents served in WWII, but my dad came home with something invisible that haunted him—survivor’s guilt and PTS. Growing up as the youngest of six, I was always trying to find ways to connect with him. One night, when I was nine, I thought a surprise hug might do it. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

He was sitting in the kitchen with his usual popcorn, homemade wine, and Johnny Carson on TV. I snuck up behind him, thinking I’d surprise him with a hug. But I didn’t know about the hypervigilance that was now a part of his life. Before I knew it, I was on the floor in a chokehold. It wasn’t his fault—his mind was still on the battlefield. That moment changed everything for me. It’s why I do what I do today, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others understand PTS.

Walking with Veterans

For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most incredible people—veterans, therapists, and of course, horses. Many veterans come to us feeling like they’ve run out of options. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that there’s always hope. Sometimes it shows up in unexpected ways, like a horse’s gentle nuzzle or the steady rhythm of walking alongside them.

PTS messes with the brain, making it replay the worst parts of life. But the good news? The brain can heal, too. Horses have this way of pulling you into the present moment, away from the past and the future. And in that space, healing can really start.

The Healing Power of Horses

So, why horses? What makes them so special? Horses are amazing at sensing what’s going on inside us. They don’t judge; they just respond to whatever energy you bring into the moment. And when a veteran connects with a horse, something powerful happens. The horse reacts in real-time to what the veteran is feeling, giving honest, instant feedback.

That’s why horses are so great for helping veterans recognize and manage their emotions. It’s like the horse is holding up a mirror, showing them how their emotions affect not just themselves, but everything around them. And it’s not just about emotional healing—simple acts like grooming, walking, or just being near a horse create “sensory experiences”, they call it, that help rewire the brain. Little by little, horses help veterans replace trauma with healing.

Equine Assisted Therapy

This is where the magic happens. In Equine Assisted Therapy, horses aren’t just there—they’re active partners the healing process. They help veterans see themselves in ways that might be hard to do otherwise. And the bond that forms? It’s built on trust and respect. It’s real, and it’s life-changing.

At Trinity, we believe healing involves the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. And when we invite God into that process, it adds an even deeper layer to the healing journey. It’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about real, lasting change.

Final Thoughts

I will always be an advocate for equine therapy and the impact it has on veterans dealing with PTS. Healing is absolutely possible. It’s not always easy, but with the right support, it can happen. I’ve seen struggles turn into strengths, and hope turn into action.

Thank you for being part of this conversation. If you want to hear more, check out the Live the Life podcast or visit tonimattson.com. Amen to that!