Program boundary: Resilient Riders provides equine-assisted wellness and educational activities. It does not diagnose, cure, or treat anxiety, autism, PTSD, depression, or any other medical or mental-health condition.
For family members
- A trusted adult may need quiet time after difficult work or experiences.
- You are not responsible for fixing an adult’s stress.
- Tell another trusted adult if you feel worried or unsafe.
For older children and families
- Stress can affect sleep, attention, mood, and body comfort.
- Support can include patience, routine, and help from qualified professionals.
- In an emergency, get help from an adult and call 911.
For veterans and first responders
- Reactions after high-stress or traumatic events can include alertness, sleep changes, unwanted memories, anger, numbness, or avoidance.
- Peer, family, and professional support can each serve different needs.
- If reactions interfere with work, relationships, sleep, or daily life, consider speaking with a qualified professional.
Practical choices
Participation choices
- Ask for a predictable plan and clear start and stop points.
- Choose distance and pacing that feel manageable.
- Step away from unexpected sound or movement.
- Use VA, 988, emergency, or professional resources when appropriate.
Program boundary
Resilient Riders welcomes veterans and first responders for equine-assisted wellness and educational activities. It does not provide exposure therapy, trauma treatment, psychotherapy, or clinical assessment.
Evidence and attribution
Sources and review information
Resilient Riders wrote this page in original language after reviewing the sources below. No third-party image, worksheet, logo, assessment, or downloadable file is reproduced.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster Responders and First Responders- Publication or review date
- Published September 2022
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government publication is linked at its source. Resilient Riders does not reproduce the guide or its artwork.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD
Common Reactions After Trauma- Publication or review date
- Last updated June 29, 2026
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government information summarized in original language. This library does not reproduce VA assessments, graphics, or treatment materials.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD
Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions- Publication or review date
- Last updated March 26, 2025
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government information summarized in original language. This library does not reproduce VA assessments, graphics, or treatment materials.