IDF soldiers walking with horse at Aviv Farm — Strong Heart Initiative equine therapy program

Equine-Assisted Therapy — Israel

The Battle Doesn’t End
When the War Does.

Strong Heart Initiative uses equine-assisted therapy to support IDF soldiers, veterans with PTSD, and children affected by war — where horses become partners in the journey back to life.

The Battle That Doesn’t End at the Front

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soldiers show signs of trauma since October 2023

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officially recognized — the rest wait over a year

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soldiers lost the silent battle since 2023

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suicide attempts recognized since January 2024

Behind every uniform is a person carrying more than anyone should carry alone. The trauma of October 7th and ongoing war — its scale, its depth — is not something the mental health system is ready for. Strong Heart Initiative fills the gap where the system cannot reach. One horse. One unit. One veteran. One child at a time.

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Why Healing Through Horses Works Differently

“After 8 sessions with horses, MRI scans showed measurable positive brain changes in veterans with PTSD.”

Prof. Yuval Neria, Columbia University, 2021

See the full evidence

The Change We’ve Made

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soldiers participated in Year 1 workshops

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veterans welcomed since launch. Many continue to stay connected and grow.

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children participated in the Yes Day program

What They Say

Real messages from soldiers, veterans, and children who participated in Strong Heart programs.

Active Soldiers
“We are a reserve combat team from the Egoz unit, and after an intense period of fighting and the loss of a teammate, we found a corner of quiet and breathing space. Working with the horses and the sensitive guidance of the instructors was liberating, allowing each of us both to go through a personal experience and find our place, and to take part in a shared team experience. We hope to come back again! Thank you so much!”

— Combat team, Egoz unit

Veterans
“Good evening, friends. I want to say a big thank you for the farm, and for being first and foremost a home and a safe place for me and for anyone who wants to come to the farm. I had a few hard days. Thanks to the riding and the encounter with the horses, I felt much calmer and more centered. Riding the horse gave me energy to continue the week from a more centered and calmer place. Thank you so much.”

— A soldier in the rehabilitation program

Veterans
“My family and I also visited the farm today, and it was simply wonderful. The children fed, brushed, and washed the horses, and I really enjoyed it with them. We were welcomed with great warmth by Gal and the wonderful team. Thank you all, it feels like I have another home to visit, to breathe in some horses, and to continue on my way full of satisfaction. Thank you so much.”

— A soldier and his family

Kids
“We, the children of Sha'ar HaGolan, want to thank you for a wonderful experience at the horse farm in Mishmeret. We were invited to a special activity that we enjoyed with all our hearts. We had a unique, fun, and especially enjoyable day. We loved the atmosphere, the dedication, and the warm welcome. Thank you so much for an unforgettable day!”

— The children and staff of Kibbutz Sha'ar HaGolan

Our Partners in the Mission

Aviv Farm — partner of Strong Heart Initiative
Merit Spread Foundation — partner of Strong Heart Initiative
Israeli Friends of Ukraine — partner of Strong Heart Initiative
Brothers of Jonathan — partner of Strong Heart Initiative
Transcending Trauma — partner of Strong Heart Initiative

Join the Mission

Every contribution brings a soldier or a veteran one step closer to reclaiming their life.