Submitted by Chief Deputy Matthew Langan of the Collin County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, currently attending FBI National Academy Session 293.

Unfortunately, some U.S. veterans end up in the prison system after their time in service.¹ Former military members make up nearly 8% of inmates in state prisons and 5% of those in federal facilities.² They face challenges often traceable to trauma encountered during their years in the military.³ These 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.⁴

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).⁵ He said, “I kept seeing veterans appearing in front of me who were put on regular probation, and they weren’t successful at regular probation.”⁶

VALOR has been a valuable tool to assist qualified justice-involved veterans across Texas by providing a safe and structured space to focus on overcoming substance abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles. Participating inmates are housed together in an open pod inside the county jail’s minimum-security facility. They 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, which blends intensive therapy with the transformative power of horses to further assist participants.

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

The specialized course provides a valuable tool to improve reentry into society and reduce recidivism. Research confirms the potential for equine therapy to change lives. The Texas Veterans Commission recognized equine therapy’s value in assisting traumatized veterans, and therapists are increasingly recognizing its ability to foster emotional growth, cognitive development, physical well-being, and mindfulness.⁷ Equine therapy has had success helping people suffering from PTSD.⁸

This rehabilitation work can be a powerful, innovative tool to use on the path to healing and recovery. “There is nothing in the world like these [horses] to touch your soul. I’ve known that my whole life,” 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.” He continues, “What we want to do is break that cycle [of recidivism]. And it’s not unrealistic. It’s absolutely attainable.”

Success Stories

Not all inmates have experience with horses when beginning the program. Many can be intimidated or even fearful in the presence of a 2,000-pound animal. Nonetheless, the program has led to some remarkable breakthroughs. Horses are sensitive, often detecting a person’s emotional state. During one exercise, a veteran was reduced to tears when a horse eventually placed its head in his lap after sensing the inmate had overcome his fear.

Another success story is that of a 27-year-old Army veteran who was deployed to Columbia and served as a signals intelligence analyst. The inmate believes his participation in the equine therapy program played a large part in helping him gain the confidence he needed to break his cycle of addiction. He has secured employment with a horse ranch near Bishop, California, where experienced cowboys will teach him to pack mules and lead tourists into the mountains on camping trips.

Potential Costs

If you are interested in setting up a similar program in your own jurisdiction, you will need acreage and an equine facility with feed runs, a tack room, offices, parking, and a training arena, all with required permits. Fencing, safety and tack equipment, and liability and horse insurance must all be considered. A licensed mental health therapist who specializes in equine-assisted therapy and a certified equine specialist (certified through PATH International⁹ or Eagala¹⁰) are essential. You may need vehicles and horse trailers. Horses can be purchased directly by police departments, or they may be donated.

While the start-up costs can appear overwhelming, there may be ways to secure funding or defray costs. State veterans commissions and nonprofit programs may be available to help. Other resources to explore include professional therapy associations and established equine therapy centers. Additionally, seeking out dedicated, knowledgeable volunteers who have the skills and passion required to help your department run a successful program can be invaluable.

Conclusion

Short average lengths of stay and practical limitations have traditionally forced county jails to house inmates while offering limited programming. However, the right programs can make a lasting impact. Newly available tablets; online educational and vocational classes; virtual reality training; and a growing array of secure facilities to teach topics such as food preparation, barber skills, beekeeping, and others are enabling sheriffs and county jails to expand programming and recidivism-reduction efforts in new, creative ways. In addition, inmate programming has proven effective for managing jail populations while fostering a safer and more positive environment for staff and inmates.

The equine therapy program has been a meaningful addition to these efforts. Through their interactions with horses, the justice-involved veterans in our care learn emotional resilience. They are put on the path toward overcoming the challenges brought on by their years of service, which may have led to incarceration. Innovative programs such as equine therapy can help veterans—and potentially all inmates—reintegrate into society as better citizens.