The annual Trail to Zero ride, spearheaded by BraveHearts, brings veterans and their equine partners through major cities like Manhattan to cast a spotlight on the critical issue of veteran suicide, advocating for the profound healing power of equine-assisted therapy and fostering a community of hope.
Each year, a powerful and poignant sight unfolds in cities across the nation, and even internationally, as flocks of veterans and law enforcement members embark on the Trail to Zero ride. Organized by BraveHearts, a leading equine therapy nonprofit, this event is far more than a procession; it is a vital advocacy effort drawing critical attention to the urgent issue of veteran suicide and highlighting the transformative potential of equine-assisted therapy.
The 8th annual Trail to Zero ride recently saw fifteen former military members complete an arduous 20-mile trek through the heart of Manhattan. Starting from Ground Zero, they journeyed through iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park before returning to the One World Trade Center. This eight-hour trek symbolizes the daily struggle many veterans face and the long path towards healing, covering one mile for each veteran estimated to take their own life daily.
The Sobering Reality: Veteran Suicide Statistics
The core message of Trail to Zero resonates deeply with a grim national statistic: the alarming rate of veteran suicides. While BraveHearts initially highlighted that nearly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported an average of 17 veterans per day in recent years, a slight decrease from the previous estimate. This statistic, though marginally improved, underscores the persistent crisis and the critical need for continued awareness and support for trauma-stricken veterans who often lack adequate resources for their adjustment to civilian life.
The importance of addressing this issue cannot be overstated. As Ryan Ohrmundt, a U.S. Army veteran and participant, emphasized, virtually every veteran knows someone who has committed suicide after leaving the military. The journey of Trail to Zero is a personal one for many riders who have lost “brothers and sisters to suicide,” some even acknowledging they “could have been a statistic themselves,” as shared by Amber Eck, BraveHearts’ veteran services director.
BraveHearts and the Healing Power of Equine Therapy
At the heart of the Trail to Zero mission is the belief in the profound healing power of equine-assisted therapy. BraveHearts, the nonprofit behind these rides, utilizes horses to help struggling veterans recuperate from the invisible wounds of war, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Horses, with their intuitive nature, provide a unique therapeutic environment where veterans can build trust, develop communication skills, and find emotional solace.
Brandon Spandet, a 33-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Illinois, credits his horse, Beau, with saving his life. After struggling with his transition back to civilian life and feeling “very close to becoming one of the 20,” Spandet found solace through BraveHearts. He describes Beau as a “gentle giant” who listens without judgment and mirrors his mood, providing insights to instructors about his well-being. This powerful bond exemplifies how horses can “reach people in moments when words fall short,” as noted by Meggan Hill-McQueeney, President and CEO of BraveHearts.
Beyond emotional support, equine therapy offers a wide range of medical applications, from treating PTSD and speech impediments to assisting amputees, as highlighted by Ryan Ohrmundt. The programs at BraveHearts, a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, extend to innovative approaches like gentling wild mustangs and mentoring veterans to become certified therapeutic riding instructors, showcasing the diverse benefits of equine-assisted services.
For more information on the proven efficacy and benefits of equine-assisted services, resources from organizations like PATH International provide valuable insights.
A Journey of Remembrance and Global Reach
The Trail to Zero ride is not only about advocacy but also about remembrance. Each horse carries ribbons on its mane, inscribed with the last name and branch of service of a veteran who died by suicide. These ribbons, submitted by loved ones, are returned to the respective families after the ride, serving as a powerful and personal tribute to those lost.
Since its pilot program began in New York City in 2017, BraveHearts has expanded the Trail to Zero to numerous cities across the U.S., including Chicago, Houston, and Washington D.C. In a monumental expansion, the 2023 rides included a historic journey to Normandy, France. This international trek allowed veterans like Ben Ja Love and Mitchell Reno to honor their grandfathers who fought on D-Day, connecting their personal healing journeys with a profound sense of historical legacy and international remembrance.
The global reach of Trail to Zero amplifies its message, aiming to put an international spotlight on veteran suicide and ensure that veterans battling suicidal ideations know they are not alone and that their community cares.
More Than Just Horses: The Broader Landscape of Veteran Support
While equine therapy is a cornerstone of BraveHearts’ mission, the broader landscape of veteran support includes various forms of animal-assisted therapy. Organizations like Faithful Service for Veterans (FSFV) provide companion and service dogs to disabled veterans, offering another crucial avenue for healing and companionship. Programs like these address critical mental health challenges, with statistics showing that 1 in 3 veterans experience some symptoms of depression, and 1 in 8 face major depression.
The work of FSFV, founded by Navy Cross recipient Scott Montoya, focuses on mentoring veterans through the process of obtaining and training service dogs. Testimonials from participants highlight the transformative impact of these canine companions, helping veterans overcome anxiety, improve behavior, and regain independence. These diverse approaches, whether with horses or dogs, collectively aim to reduce veteran suicides by fostering strong bonds, providing purpose, and creating vital support systems.
A Call to Action for Community and Compassion
The success of the Trail to Zero rides is a testament to the dedication of veterans, volunteers, and supporting organizations. The participation of local law enforcement, such as the NYPD Mounted Unit, alongside other state units, ensures safe passage through busy city intersections, symbolizing the broader community support for these heroes.
Ultimately, the mission of BraveHearts and the Trail to Zero is to educate the public about the severe impact of veteran suicide and to advocate for alternative healing methods like equine-assisted services. By bringing these powerful narratives and visual demonstrations to the forefront, they hope to open doors for veterans seeking help and inspire a national conversation that ensures “20 becomes zero.” The rides are a powerful reminder that while the journey may be heavy emotionally, for those veterans suffering alone, every mile is worth the effort to save a life.
