CARRY ON PROJECT for military veterans

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of
a man.”
–Winston Churchill
The Carry On Project is a four-phase, year-round program of weekly therapeutic sessions that are conducive to healing, reintegration, and improved quality of life for military veterans. In addition to one-on-one horsemanship training, which helps build strength, balance, self-confidence and independence, the program also offers Physical Therapists and Licensed Counselors as needed.
Phase 1: Introduction to Horsemanship
The shortest phase of the program: we introduce veterans to our mini horses for a unique 'introduction to horses.' We cover important safety and grooming information and work on various life skills. Once comfortable with the minis, they will graduate to full-sized horses in Phase 2.
Phase 2: Basic Ground Work
This phase integrates how horses think and react, relationship building, and basic groundwork exercises. Each vet is paired with a horse specifically chosen to match their unique needs. This phase covers several months of "on the ground" training and will advance to intermediate and advanced ground work techniques before veterans earn the opportunity to ride their horse.
Phase 3: Basic Riding
In this phase, each rider has the opportunity to choose one of our weight Western or English saddles. Riders will continue to work on their groundwork skills and will learn to ride at the walk and trot. Using ring figures and our arena obstacle course, riders will learn to steer with accuracy and perform basic and intermediate maneuvers.
Phase 4: Trial by fire
In this phase each veteran has the opportunity to work with a very 'green' or untrained horse, under supervision. This phase is the ultimate test, but is also a bonding experience where a veteran has to utilize all his learned skills to bond with and train their horse. In this stage we will be as hands-off as possible, but available to encourage, support and problem solve with the veteran.
Our Sponsors
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Personal Sponsors:
The Edwards Family
The Farmer Family
The Fairbairn Family
The Clemons Family

Hi,
My name is Rusty and I am the Director of the Carry On Program at Special Equestrians of Georgia. I was an AS3 in the Navy and suffer from major depression and anxiety.
The reason I got involved with this program is because it helps. Horses have helped me learn everything from patience to coping skills through their non-judgmental and honest behavior. These animals are more then pets, they become your friends.
AS3 Fairbairn
USN Veteran
Know someone who may benefit from the Carry On Project?
It’s truly AMAZING to see the positive impact that the Carry On Project can have on a veteran in need. We’re proud to be able to harness the power of horses to bring well-being to those crucial members of our military experiencing PTSD, brain trauma injuries and other debilitating diagnoses.
Running a program like ours is costly. We rely on the generosity of individual donors, corporations and foundations to subsidize the costs and care of our horses and facility.
There are several ways you can help:
Visit our Support SEG page to donate today, or contact us directly to discuss our sponsorship packages. No matter how big or small, personal or corporate, your gift directly supports our therapeutic programs and operations.
We can't do what we do
without your support!
Sponsorship Level 1: Commander and Chief
Sponsor one veteran for a full year program with a $10,000 sponsorship. Recognition of your generous support will include:
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installation of a special stall plaque in the stable
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your family name or company logo included on our website and on promotional banners at events SEG attends throughout the year
Sponsorship Level 2: Officer
Sponsor one horse for a full year with a $5,000 sponsorship. Recognition of your generous support will include:
-
your family name or company logo included on our website and on promotional banners at events SEG attends throughout the year
Sponsorship Level 3: Enlisted
Help feed one horse for a year with a sponsorship of $500-$2,500. We'll recognize your generous support by including your family name or company logo on our website

TO APPLY:
First and foremost, everyone here at Special Equestrians of Georgia want to offer our heartfelt appreciation of you and your service.
We know that daily life can be a struggle and acknowledge that this is a big step. We thank you for your interest in the Carry On project and we want to help as much as possible, so if you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact us.
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No horse or ranch skills are necessary to participate
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Must be honorably discharged or Active Military
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Must submit a DD214 with application
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Must meet all eligibility requirements and fully complete all requested forms and documents
Download and complete application forms on your computer, or print the forms to complete.
Email forms to:
specialeofga@gmail.com
Or mail to:
Special Equestrians of Georgia
C/O: Carry On Project
13185 New Providence Rd,
Alpharetta, GA 30004
We look forward to hearing from you!