Standing Ovation: BraveHearts Trail to Zero
“It is BraveHearts’ greatest hope to reach Veterans who are currently battling suicidal ideations to let them know that they are not alone, their community cares, and equine-assisted services are here to help.” Dr. Gregory Beroza, aka HorseDoc ‘Talking Horses,’ was onsite for the 2024 Trail to Zero ride in New York City. Read on to learn more about this incredible event.
Photo by GBeroza
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, BraveHearts sponsored a 20-mile mounted ride through New York City. The Trail to Zero course began and circled back to end at Ground Zero, the site of the former Twin Towers and now the Freedom Tower. This is sacred ground was the September 11th, 2001 site of terrorist destruction and has been rebuilt in tribute to those souls lost.
Freedom Tower. Photo by GBeroza.
BraveHearts was founded with the mission of caring for the needs of and rehabilitating veterans afflicted by physical and mental injuries including Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). Approximately 20 veterans per day commit suicide. Multiple organizations sent contingents of mounted horses and riders, including representatives from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), to support awareness of the importance of equine therapeutic rehabilitation programs.
Line up of participating riders in Times Square. Photo by GBeroza.
Fireman of Ladder 24. Photo by GBeroza.
Approximately 50 pairs of horses and riders made their way through the streets of Manhattan with stops at two firehoses, Times Square, and Central Park. Each stop allowed the horses and riders a rest period, rehydration, snacks, refreshments, and fraternal mingling.
Line up of participating riders in Times Square. Photos by GBeroza.
Throughout the overcast day, the rains came and went; however, the spirits of all participants always remained high. Each participant, including multiple volunteers, had their unique reason for participating in the ride, and the camaraderie was infectious.
Ryan Ohrmundt US Army Reserve and BraveHearts Member. Photo by GBeroza.
Ken Boyd, BraveHearts Member & Goldstar Dad. Photo by GBeroza.
Mounted brothers and sisters rode side by side, spreading their welcome message to throngs of amazed and cheering New Yorkers and tourists. The ride and the experience were therapeutic and memorable for every participant. All partakers shared in one united cause, “To bring attention to the high suicide rate of our veterans and the ability of equine therapeutics to assist in their recovery.”
Trail to Zero saddle blanket. Photo by GBeroza.
Both tourists and New Yorkers stopped to absorb the importance of this event.
Line up of participating riders, volunteers, and onlookers in Times Square. Photo by GBeroza.
You can view a 41-minute video covering the day’s events here:
About BraveHearts:
BraveHearts brings hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse. They envision being the premier model for connecting horses with people as a catalyst for wellness. Everyone will have the opportunity to discover healing horsemanship through the BraveHearts model. Additional information, volunteer opportunities, and donations can be made to BraveHeartsRiding.org.
Photo by GBeroza.
Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, DVM, DACVS, DABVP has been a practicing veterinarian and consultant for 42 years; and HorseDoc® ‘Talking Horses’® media host, author, and consultant since 2007. Dr. Beroza is a multimedia host and broadcasts his productions, including a new Podcast, via his WuzUpDoc Media website: www.WuzUpDoc.com. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media sources.
Thanks to ‘HorseDoc’ Sponsors: Alex Nichols Agency; BMB IT Solutions, Chestnut Vale Feed, Cosequin Joint Health Supplement, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Great American Insurance-Equine Division; Hopscotch Air Taxi; Jaguar; JSR Farriers-Equine Transport; Land Rover; Nutrena; Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate; Ramard Nutraceuticals; Range Rover; Supporting Strategies; Ultravet Medical Devices
