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c h r o n o f h o r s e . c o m ja n ua r y/ f e b r ua r y 2 015 115 all participants ride back to the ranch together, reconnected and as a group. finally, in phase 3, the integration phase, the veterans return to the area but spend a week working at a different ranch, away from other veterans. "ey've learned so much about horses, mountaineering, problem solving, over- coming obstacles—some of these guys are missing an arm or a leg, so they've really been through a lot," fink said. "[phase 3] stimulates one thing: getting these guys back working, back into American society and off the marginalized labels list." while billions of dollars are dedicated each year to rehabilita- tion programs, fink noted, the suicide rate among veterans is still alarmingly high. e most recent num- bers from the u.s. department of Veter- ans Affairs indicate 22 veterans take their own lives each day, but as Cnn reported in late 2013, that count is based on data from only 21 states, so the real number is likely much higher. heroes and horses works to defy those odds. forty veterans successfully completed the program in 2014, and fink said they're looking to expand the pro- gram significantly in the near future. "we're ultimately about restoring and >> LEArn MOrE: Check out the Heroes and Horses website, heroesandhorses.com. >> GET In TOUCH: Email execu- tive director Micah Fink at micah@ heroesandhorses.com or call founder Mark White at (406) 539-9946. >> GET InVOLVED: Monetary donations can be made through the Heroes and Horses website, but the organization can also use equipment, horses, pack mules and volunteers with any number of skills. Email Fink directly for additional information. In contrast to other programs that may offer more relaxing therapy environments, Heroes and Horses challenges veterans to take on demanding and stressful situations that also include a positive release of pressure. integrating these people back into our nation," he said. "we want to show these guys what life can be if they face those feelings. life is really just beginning for these guys. it's not the end because you've gone through some tough experiences." WE'LL GIVE YOU THREE REASONS WHY THREE STRAPS WORK BEST. Official PerfOrmance HOrse BOOt and leg Wear Of tHe Usef Official Performance Horse Boot and Leg Wear of the USEF Made in USa Official Performance Horse Boot and Leg Wear of the USEF Made in USA Better fit. For a better finish. Design is not arbitrary at EquiFit. Every detail including shape, style, material, and construction serves a purpose. Through research and real-world testing we know that three straps ensure full contact between boot and leg. Three straps mean maximum leg support. And pressure is evenly distributed across the leg with three straps, providing ultimate comfort and fit. Three is definitely a (well-planned) charm. Learn more about D-Teq ™ Boots as well as our entire collection of boots and legwear at EquiFit.net. FULL CONTACT. EVEN PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION. UNIFORM SUPPORT.

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