“From the moment I got on to the property, it was a breath of fresh air.  One thing I realized pretty quickly is that I wasn't second guessing myself on how to do something or what needed to be done. I wasn't thinking about if I was going to fail.  I was just doing, not worrying about doing it right.  I could use more of that at home.  I'll take that with me forever."

“A couple of month ago, I was having some real bad times. It eased up at times, but didn’t lave me; I’ve been harboring it. When Maestro walked over to me (completely unprompted) and put his head over my shoulder – gave me horse hug – it was fabulous. I haven’t felt that good in a long time. It’s like he knew what I needed. He pulled a lot of anxiety from me. I don’t sleep more than 3-4 hours a night. That night, I slept good; I even slept in the next morning. I haven’t slept that good in 30 years. Thank you Maestro.”

“You (Jessica) and Maestro provided space and allowed failure in a safe way with a natural learning environment. I learned so much about myself right then and there in the moment, then even more so after reflection and introspection after the session.  Simply realizing how much my actions may be communicating something entirely different than my words - wow. The self-awareness lesson was so profound in such a simple moment; I'll never forget it.”

"In my 8 1/2 years of service, I encountered many different situations, some of which have given me some serious PTSD. Having been through the VA program to no avail, I turned to my God, and recently, I found Home Again Horses and they have helped me immeasurably. Jessica and her husband have welcomed me with open arms. She is very gracious and comforting. Getting to know Olive and Maestro has been very helpful. I will continue to go there for healing.”

Home Again Horses is utopia in the hills of Western PA. You are greeted by the matriarch, Mia, who hunts, plays, and naps nearby. The horses—led by the magnificent, curly Maestro—are all such personalities and love a good rub. I've a special friend in Hercules; he'll find anything to scratch on. If he wants a rub, he'll bump your leg! He's a tiny pickpocket for the peppermints I bring; they all come running when they hear the wrappers.

I know one thing for certain: this place, cared for by Jessica and Patrick with such love, has made me a better person; every Veteran, friend, and family member who spends time here leaves better, too.

“My first time working with the horses, what stuck with me most was letting go of apprehensions. I wouldn’t have had any contact with the horses whatsoever initially, other than just standing among them. Working with them deliberately once I was comfortable, felt more than good. I was relaxed, relieved; stresses and heaviness were lifted. It’s hard to explain, because I haven’t felt that way in many years - even in my own comfort zones at home. The animals have really helped with feeling like myself again, feeling good overall.”

“Just existing together in the same space as the herd - sitting in the field - brings a level of peace I never imagined possible let alone something I could achieve. They offer love and contentment that just quiets the noise and vanishes the darkness and demons in my head.”

“At Home Again Horses, with the horses, Jessica, Patrick, even their dog Mia - you get everything from them. You feel the comfort; your guard can come down. You feel like family.”

"After three days at Home Again Horses, I felt more relieved of tension and anxiety than I could recall experiencing in many, many years. Even my best of friends noticed and remarked that I was the most at ease they've ever seen me. There's MAGIC happening at Home Again Horses and I'm living proof of that!"

“It’s not only about the horses here. Talking to Jessica and Patrick around the campfire, going for coffee with Jessica; I’m not being evaluated when I’m talking, and that’s what I love most. No note taking, no evaluations, no and how does that make you feel? I feel so welcomed here.”

“Words can't really explain what meeting Pharaoh for the first time was like. He is an incredible horse. The experience just put me completely at ease. He has such a caring calm personality. When I was petting him he actually pressed in and put his head against my chest. He just poured out his love.”

“I’m a people person, but I’ve been somewhat withdrawn from people, in general, since coming home from the service. I haven’t been able to let my guard down. I’ve told my story to only a handful of people. It felt okay to let some of that go, but I was never really letting it down completely. Working with the horses was very relieving for me. It was as if I was in their aura and they carried away the darkness and weight that I have been carrying for decades.”