There are many therapies for military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but none is entirely effective. Tragically, many veterans never receive help, and of those that do, approximately one third drop out, probably due to the stigma attached to PTSD or the demanding requirements associated with exposure treatment.

PTSD is a disabling condition and the most common disorder among many veterans returning from service. A remarkable 11 to 30 percent of veterans are affected by PTSD and there are 20 veteran suicides each day, yet half of all veterans with PTSD never receive any treatment. The result? Veterans in the U.S. are in crisis and there is an average of 20 veteran suicides every day.

The Man O’ War Project hopes to change that.

The Man O’ War Project at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a first-of-its-kind clinical research study evaluating the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy at treating PTSD in veterans. Equine-assisted therapy is widely used for a variety of mental health issues, with anecdotal evidence suggesting success, but until now there has not been clinical research done on its effectiveness.  The Man O’War Project, now in its third year with results from working with veterans, will establish a treatment protocol which will be shared with other equine-assisted therapy providers across the nation.

The Man O’ War Project was founded by military veteran, former Ambassador to Finland, and distinguished businessman and philanthropist Earle Mack. Mack also has a life-long passion for racing and breeding Thoroughbred racehorses, and ensuring they’re cared for after their racing careers are over. Retired Thoroughbreds are often used in equine-assisted therapy around the world.

To learn more about the Man O’ War Project, to sign up to participate, or to support the program, visit mowproject.org.