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.