FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On October 9th, BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and former Vice President Mike Pence will honor our U.S. veterans with a 20-mile “Trail to Zero” ride through Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
BraveHearts is a program offering equine-assisted therapy to veterans suffering mental health-related and physical challenges as a result of their military mission. BraveHearts has hosted its “Trail to Zero” rides in cities across the country over the last 5 years in an effort to commemorate the 20 veterans who lose their mental health battle to suicide each day in the United States. The BraveHearts’ mission is to offer its special and successful brand of equine-assisted therapy and activities to every veteran who would benefit.
“To know that veterans who have already sacrificed so much are returning home to fight their own war on suicide is beyond heartbreaking. It is imperative we raise awareness and find solutions to actively protect those who put their lives on the line for our nation,” said Meggan Hill-McQueeney, President/COO, BraveHearts. “Trail to Zero was developed to combat the intensifying suicide crisis. Our mission is for these events to be critical conversations starters and immediate call to action to provide veterans the vital support they need.”
The Fort Wayne ride will take place on Saturday, October 9th and follows the opening of Veterans National Memorial Shrine earlier this year. The tour will be attended by Former Vice President Mike Pence, an avid supporter of Trail to Zero.
“We are thrilled to bring BraveHearts’ “Trail to Zero” tour to Fort Wayne this year — a first for our city. With Ft. Wayne’s sizable veteran population, the BraveHearts’ mission to eliminate veteran suicide is meaningful to our city and aligns with our community’s deeply held values.” said Richard Beck, Allen County Commissioner. “Innovative and alternative activities and therapies should not
be the last stop or the last hope for veterans. These BraveHearts’ veterans are here to tell their stories of hope and salvation as a result of these programs. As a community, we are committed to our veterans and won’t rest until this epidemic of suicide is eliminated.”
Riders from the Three Rivers Horse Trail Group will also be joining BraveHearts for the Fort Wayne Trail to Zero ride. This not-for-profit group, in conjunction with the Allen County Commissioners, are currently constructing a Horse Trail Park in the county which will be ADA compliant and available to the Therapeutic Riding programs in the community. Summit Equestrian, which started its veteran program in 2018, will also have 6 veterans join in this year’s ride.
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