Healing with horsepower: Therapy for veterans has two different saddles
This month’s two featured subjects share many similarities. They go on rides and leave tracks. They can be powerful and intimidating. But most important: They offer healing powers that can’t be expressed through words.
Yes, horses and motorcycles play a significant role in the lives of veterans who are struggling. Here’s a couple ways they provide relief this month and beyond in our neck of the woods. An annual motorcycle ride continues its tradition of honoring veterans, and an equine therapy program in Sauk Centre offers a unique way of healing.
21st annual motorcycle ride brings veterans together
They call it “throttle therapy,” so get ready to ride for a cause that revs more than engines.
The 21st annual Motorcycle Ride supporting Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN roars back on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting and ending at the Crosslake American Legion.
Grab your leather gear, some red, white and blue — and join the convoy. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for HWW–MN while growing the community of support.
Sign in at 10:30 a.m. at the Crosslake American Legion, and roll out at noon. The ride will take a scenic loop through the Brainerd Lakes Area, including several stops before returning to Crosslake at 4 p.m. A dinner will be served at the end of the event.
Registration is $30 per bike, $10 per passenger, and cars are welcome too ($30 per car, $10 per extra passenger). It’s a ride that packs patriotism, purpose and community. Call or text 218-821-1756 to join the ride.
Heartbeats & hooves equals healing
Equine therapy center connects horses and heroes
When words aren’t enough, sometimes the path to healing lies on the other side of the fence.
That’s the approach in Sauk Centre, where Guardian 4 Heroes connects horses and veterans — as well as first responders — through a powerful form of healing called equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFPT).
Founded by veteran advocate Sara Peterson, this nonprofit brings individuals back to a sense of calm through structured, horse-led experiences.
Participants work directly with horses to explore self-awareness, emotional regulation, and personal boundaries. The gentle, intuitive nature of horses provides honest feedback and a physically grounding connection.
Beyond therapy, participants gain responsibility and emotional resilience through grooming, leading, and understanding equine behavior. Furthermore, the program connects veterans and first responders with peers who have shared the same experiences, which creates new relationships and stronger community ties.
Learn more about Guardian 4 Heroes or make a donation at www.guardian4heroes.org.
Gun raffle planned for October
A wildly popular fundraiser for Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN will return next month.
The much-anticipated firearm raffle supporting HWW–MN is tentatively planned for early October with the drawing to be held at the Woodtick Inn of Cuyuna. Last year’s raffle included 10 custom AR-style rifles and quickly became one of the biggest, single-event fundraisers for HWW–MN. All 1,500 tickets sold out and raised $30,000.
Watch for more information on this upcoming event. Contact Russ Philstrom for tickets at 651-329-1373.
