Equine Therapy Aids Justice-Involved U.S. Veterans

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://leb.fbi.gov/spotlights/community-outreach-spotlight-equine-therapy-aids-justice-involved-us-veterans byChief Deputy Matthew Langan of the Collin County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, currently attending FBI National Academy Session 293.

The Challenge

Unfortunately, some U.S. veterans end up in the prison system after their time in service. Former military members make up nearly 8% of inmates in state prisons and 5% of those in federal facilities. They face challenges often traceable to trauma encountered during their years in the military.

Issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and a loss of structure, sense of mission, and direction are often the root cause of their incarceration. Overcoming these struggles may be the key to stopping their high rates of recidivism.

VALOR Program

Helping our incarcerated veterans requires novel solutions. Six years ago, Judge John Roach, Jr., 296th Judicial District Court, Collin County, Texas, launched a groundbreaking initiative to assist justice-involved U.S. military veterans: Veterans Accessing Lifelong Opportunities for Rehabilitation (VALOR).

“The program was specifically designed to help veterans deal with the unique challenges many of them face after their military service ends,” Roach explained.

VALOR provides various types of therapies, equips veterans with cognitive tools to improve their decision-making, and encourages prosocial behaviors. Overall, the initiative aims to help veterans recover from past traumas, resolve current issues, and successfully reintegrate into society.

To participate in VALOR, a veteran must qualify for deferred-adjudication community supervision and housing in a minimum-security facility. In addition, the veteran must agree to confinement in the county jail for 30 days (misdemeanor) or 180 days (felony) and participation in a work program.

VALOR has become a valuable tool across Texas, providing a safe and structured space to help veterans overcome substance abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles. Inmates are housed together in an open pod inside the county jail’s minimum-security facility, begin each day with reveille, and participate in a robust work program designed to promote personal growth and stability.

Equine Therapy Initiative

The equine therapy project is Collin County’s latest addition to VALOR. Sheriff Jim Skinner and Judge Roach—both seasoned horsemen and military veterans—developed the initiative, blending intensive therapy with the transformative power of horses.

This program was inaugurated with the help of legendary cowboy Pat Puckett and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member Punk Carter. They worked with VALOR participants on horsemanship, trust building, emotional resilience, and coping strategies.

Research confirms equine therapy’s potential to change lives. It fosters emotional growth, cognitive development, physical well-being, and mindfulness. “There is nothing in the world like these [horses] to touch your soul,” said Sheriff Skinner. “The connection inmates feel with horses goes deeper than riding—it enhances an inmate’s ability to confront trauma, rebuild trust, and rediscover their sense of self.”

Success Stories

Not all inmates have experience with horses when beginning the program, and many are intimidated by the presence of a 2,000-pound animal. Nonetheless, the program has led to remarkable breakthroughs. Horses often sense emotional states, and one veteran was reduced to tears when a horse placed its head in his lap after sensing the inmate’s fear had subsided.

Another success story is that of a 27-year-old Army veteran deployed to Colombia as a signals intelligence analyst. He credits equine therapy with helping him break his cycle of addiction and build confidence. Today, he has secured employment with a horse ranch in California, where experienced cowboys will teach him to pack mules and lead tourists on mountain camping trips.

Potential Costs

To set up a similar program, a jurisdiction will need acreage and an equine facility with feed runs, a tack room, offices, parking, and a training arena. Fencing, safety equipment, liability coverage, and horse insurance must also be considered. A licensed mental health therapist specializing in equine-assisted therapy and a certified equine specialist are essential. Vehicles, horse trailers, and the horses themselves—either purchased or donated—are also required.

While start-up costs can seem overwhelming, funding may be available through state veterans commissions, nonprofit programs, therapy associations, and equine therapy centers. Dedicated volunteers with specialized skills can also make a critical difference in helping departments run successful programs.

Conclusion

Short average lengths of stay and practical limitations have traditionally forced county jails to offer limited programming. But innovative programs like equine therapy demonstrate that the right approach can make a lasting impact.

Through their interactions with horses, justice-involved veterans in VALOR build emotional resilience and develop tools to overcome the challenges of military service-related trauma. These programs help veterans—and potentially all inmates—reintegrate into society as stronger, healthier citizens.