History
Begun in May of 2006, the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon Equine-Assisted Program uses the horses of the Caisson Platoon (part of the Army’s famed Old Guard, whose duties include responsibility for guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns and for military honors during funerals at Arlington Cemetery) and volunteers from the platoon to provide equine-assisted therapy for the Wounded Warriors in treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The program started as “recreational” therapy, but the results were so impressive that after only four sessions, it became one of the physical therapy options available to the wounded at Walter Reed. On May 1, 2009, the program celebrated its 3rd anniversary.

Partnership
The Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program is affiliated with Operation Silver Spurs in order to provide a broader scope to our programs. Our joint mission is to partner with veterans and their families to create solutions to help change and improve their lives so they can live with equality, dignity and independence.

Adding a Carriage
It became clear that there were wounded who would like to participate in the program, but they couldn’t sit a horse. That started the quest to make driving a part of the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon’s equine-assisted program. Through generous donations, a carriage was purchased and in July, 2009 it was delivered (again, transportation for the vehicle was paid for by donations.) This will open doors for wounded warriors who are not able to ride to participate in equine activities.

For more information contact:

Mary Jo Beckman, co-founder
703-625-0770
mjbeckman@gmail.com
— or —
Larry D. Pence, co-founder
540-286-0981
lppence@wildblue.net