MILWAUKEE — The benefits of equine therapy for Veterans, as well as their families, will be on display during “Veteran Fall Fest at the Stables,” an open house event at MKE Urban Stables.
Geared toward families and Veterans, the free, fun event — co-sponsored by the Southeastern Wisconsin Veteran Suicide Prevention Task Force — will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at MKE Urban Stables, 143 E. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee. Numerous local organizations that serve Veterans and their families will be exhibiting at the event to raise awareness of their programs and provide resources.
MKE Urban Stables provides equine-assisted therapy and learning programs for the community. It also provides programming for Veterans, including group therapy sessions and a program aimed at helping Veterans improve communication skills with their families.
“We’re especially proud of our work with Veterans and their families,” said Mary McIntosh, executive director of MKE Urban Stables. “For many Veterans, reconnecting with loved ones after service can be difficult. Our programs provide a safe and supportive space where these connections can begin to rebuild — often through the simple, healing presence of a horse. Veteran Fall Fest is a celebration of that process and a chance for families to experience firsthand how equine-assisted therapy can bring people together.”
The ADA-accessible event will feature:
- Resources for veterans and their families
- A donkey kissing booth
- Grooming station
- Activities for children
- Refreshments
- Door prizes
At 11 a.m., the Milwaukee Police Mounted Patrol Unit will present “Horsing Around with the MKE Mounted Police,” followed by a horse meet-and-greet/photo op at noon.
Dr. Rae Anne Ho Fung, chairwoman of the task force and MKE Urban Stables board member, said she has seen the benefits of equine therapy for veterans.
“As a veteran and trauma psychologist, I was immediately moved by a sense of calm and connection the first time I entered MKE Urban Stables,” she said. “Equine-assisted therapy helps veterans build trust, emotional awareness, and confidence through the powerful bond formed with horses, without ever needing to talk directly about their past. Fall Fest is an opportunity for veterans and families to experience that healing community firsthand.”
Though this is a free event, registration is encouraged.
For more information, email info@veteranshealthcoalition.org.
