Find out how horses can help veterans heal this Sunday afternoon

Newburgh — "Horses Healing War Veterans," a demonstration of equine assisted psychotherapy and how it is being used to heal combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Gardnertown Farms, located at 822 Gardnertown Farm Road in Newburgh. Equine-assisted psychotherapy uses horses as part of a therapy team. The work occurs in an arena and does not involve riding. "It is very popular with the warrior population and we will be showing you why this is so," said therapist Eva Usadi. "Working with horses helps people to identify and change old patterns and behaviors, enhance the ability to solve problems, improve relationships, build confidence and self-control, increase trust and set healthy and safe boundaries. Interacting with horses settles the nervous system and helps to resolve disrupted attachment, both major symptoms of combat-related PTSD." Anna Barrows, RN, of the Air National Guard in New Jersey will also facilitate. The session will include: A viewing of a new video, “Warrior Camp,” with comments from Jon Roa, a veteran who appears in the video. It describes Trauma and Resiliency Resources' seven-day intensive residential program. A holiday party and fund raiser for Trauma and Resiliency Resources, a public charity. For more information call Usadi at 917-509-5804, email her at eva.usadi@gmail.com, or visit www.traumaandresiliencyresources.org.