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Thanks to the Military and First Responders Center (MFC), veterans, active military, first responders and their families have a place in our community where they can connect through equine-assisted activities, heal with individualized counseling and exercise programs and receive support services— all at no cost.
A collaborative partnership with Rotary International, Rotary Districts 6650 & 3131 and Pegasus Farm, the MFC was established to meet the direct needs of veterans and military organizations.
In April 2017, project partners presented a proposal to purchase and renovate the property at 5495 Meese Rd. in Louisville, set up the equestrian operations and assist with building capacity for ongoing maintenance. Six local foundations committed to fully funding the proposal, including the Timken Foundation, Paul & Carol David Foundation, Hoover Foundation, Deuble Foundation, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton and Stark Community Foundation.
Today, Pegasus Farm is responsible for property management and the implementation of all programming at the MFC. As a nonprofit located in Hartville, Pegasus Farm serves hundreds of students with special needs each week and manages a herd of more than 30 specially-trained horses. Its instructors maintain professional certification for this work through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Certified Horsemanship Association. Grants, individual donations and support from veteran and community organizations continue to successfully cover the cost of operations of the MFC’s programs.
Jim and Stephen Maple are father and son, fellow Rotarians and active members of the MFC.
“There is so much he cannot do in his life,” said Jim. “The MFC is safe and is a place he can be himself. I don't need to watch him closely, and he is free to converse with others. That's important, along with the fact that he is unable to drive a vehicle, but he can canter on a horse. That is huge!”
“I’m part of a family of good friends and great horses,” shared Stephen. “I enjoy riding, especially trotting, and cantering my horse. I’ve learned a lot about life and riding. I’m getting more balance and strength from the exercise program. I enjoy the camaraderie with the others who exercise when we are there.”
From the beginning, MFC always had three focused areas of programming that it wanted to offer: equestrian, counseling and exercise.
Equine-assisted activities are designed to facilitate positive personal growth and development to help cope with the challenges of everyday life. Participants in the program spend one-on-one time with the horses during in-hand classes, riding lessons and carriage driving. They learn life lessons about the “power of the herd,” the silent language of the horse, the importance of authority, safety from the horse’s point of view and dealing with an ever-changing environment— many of which directly translate into their own lives.
In recent years, equine assisted activities have proven to have a positive influence while working with individuals managing post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. For example, horses rely on their heightened sense of survival just as the military men and women who have been in combat. They are highly responsive and require calm and nonreactive communication, which in turn promotes awareness, emotional regulation, self-control and impulse modulation. Working with horses is proven to help veterans reduce anxiety and frustration, regulate emotions and build healthy relationships.
The foundation of the MFC is built on collaborative community partners. Assistance from local professional behavioral health agency CommQuest has made individual and family counseling services available on-site, outside while taking in the serene landscape or in the comfort of the service member’s home.
In the organization’s on-site gym facility, individual and group exercise programs are offered by a certified professional. Through the donation of professional equipment by Rotary International and local Rotary clubs, participants are able to improve their overall physical and emotional wellness. Many utilize the facility to improve overall wellness and strength, manage chronic illnesses, cope with stress and anxiety, continue rehabilitation after surgery and bond with other participants and family members.
Programming and events engage community members of all ages with the MFC year-round. Monthly, themed activities like scavenger hunts, movie nights, holiday events and more bring families together in a relaxed, fun environment. This holiday season, the organization is hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 for all veterans, active military, first responders and their families to enjoy breakfast and visit with the horses at the center.
“Visitors are always welcome,” said Missy Howard, MFC program and events coordinator. “We encourage community groups to tour the facility. Helping spread the word about all the amazing opportunities at the Military and First Responders Center is always important to us.”
Learn more about the MFC at www.pegasusfarm.org/military-and-first-responders-center