So back in July I had gotten an email from Janelle asking if I would be available to fly out to New York for a few days to share my experience in a few different venues, to spread the word about this amazing program and what takes places when that connection is made. When I refer to the "connection" it's not like we would think, but something deeper inside of the veteran and the thoroughbred they are working with, something is wakening in that moment. There is something mystical about this connection, that spurs emotional healing in the veterans that have participated in this program. That is why we share our experiences about this amazing program and this is why I returned to Saratoga Springs just a week ago. The more we are able to spread word about this program, tell others, to promote the work this program is doing. You see this isn't meant to be kept secret, but to be shared as to help as many veterans possible.
My buddy and I arrived in New York right around 1:30 pm on Sunday afternoon and from there we got some idea of what would be taking place for the rest of the day. We piled into the cars and made our way to the hotel where we would be able to relax for an hour, then make our way to dinner. Dinner was in downtown Saratoga Springs at the Crown Grill and let me say this, "It was amazing!" Everything from the dinner to quality of people we had the pleasure of serving us, heck even the owners came to meet us. Besides the jokes and all the laughter probably the funniest thing came when yours truly ordered a second 8oz Black Angus Steak medium rare.....the waitress came back with it saying the cook was wondering if there was something wrong with the first one they served me. The problem was it wasn't big enough lol!, 8 ounces of pure meat heaven that was and the sauce just brought out the flavor in the meat even more.We had a great time over dinner and all the jokes, laughter, and fun just made the evening more relaxing.The rest of the evening was spent walking around Saratoga and we had a blast. Conversations ranged from taking jabs at each to time spent in the military, tours of duty, and the like.
Monday consisted of something all together special and it was truly enjoyable, from the time the day started and until it ended. We promptly got to the race track around 7:30 am and yours truly didn't find sleep until close to midnight lol! Once we got to the track we walked right up to the track where all the horses were exercising and being right next to them practically. Nothing was spared this trip at all, full treatment was given as it was truly an awesome experience. Seeing the horses in full motion and watching the pure strength, speed, and stamina in the cool morning air was awe inspiring. These animals truly unique in how they are bred for this sport....the power within them they hold, the bond between animal and jockey. After a while we went back to the hotel and crashed for bit before heading back to the race track to watch the races take place later that day. For the short time we spent at the track in the afternoon, it was amazing as we got to see the jockey room where the jockeys prepare before a race, and where they keep the "colors" which are silks for the jockey, horse, and they symbolize who the trainer is. It was kinda of ridiculous because going where we went, you had to be somebody to go there and here we are just a bunch of veterans seeing all these unique places......such a privilege. After a couple races again we headed back to the hotel for some time to relax before the banquet later that night.
Wow....where do I start? The whole purpose of the banquet was to honor our donors, people who have given of their time, money, and effort into the program which makes it possible for veterans like myself go through it. You see as participant of the program there wasn't a single cost hardly attributed to me as they paid for my plane ticket, hotel room, food, and took care of me while I was out there. There is much that happens behind the scenes where we don't truly understand what is going on and so on this day we were honoring those people. The little bit of what I'm going to share about the banquet is one of the coolest things I heard about the time was from the very people we came to honor was, "The level of authenticity which was here, we haven't experienced before." The meaning behind this is that we don't ware masks as veterans, we show the world who we are, we aren't afraid to tell what we feel only when it comes counseling which is a pit fall. Everyone of us told stories of our own, shared our experiences which we had during the program which has continued to impact us and our daily lives. We were blessed by an unexpected late arrival of Anthony Kerns of the Irish Tenners who blessed with two songs, Danny Boy and Amazing Grace. Everything was done right and to the "t."
If you are looking to get involved in supporting a program that actually works and helps our nations veterans then I would encourage you to check our Saratoga WarHorse as the program is proven and the people are real. They are straight up, truthful, and do what they set out to do! They know what works and have something that goes beyond therapy and counseling. There slogan at Saratoga WarHorse:
Please I ask of you if you are willing to donate then please do! This program works, it's not fake!
Take care and God bless!!
http://saratogawarhorse.com/
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