(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Mustang Ambassador Program (MAP) is expanding, adding a new Horses for Heroes pilot program to its lineup with hopes of helping veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries. Jamie Wade, Co-founder and Program Director of MAP, and Dana Ferguson, Founder of the Horses for Heroes program, joined FOX21 Morning News on Friday, Dec. 26 to share more about their mission.
Wade said MAP started in 2014 as a nonprofit that uses trained wild horses in a youth leadership program. “We teach life leadership skills in summer programs,” said Wade. “We do workshops and clinics, and lessons.” MAP is now hoping to find ways to help veterans through its Horses for Heroes program. Ferguson said the cause is near and dear to his heart as someone who also has experienced PTSD.
“Over the years, I’ve found that the wild mustangs are more empathetic with people because they are herd animals, so their fight and flight instincts are a lot higher than normal domesticated horses,” said Ferguson. He added that horses will mimic people’s emotions around them and can teach others how to regulate their own feelings. “We’re giving them tools to be able to calm themselves down and to be able to be more aware and mindful of how they are feeling.”…