Following strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Aaron Clark Peer Support Team’s initial experiences, we are expanding our programming to offer multiple session opportunities for active and retired FDNY members to participate in Equine-Assisted Learning through StandFast Equine at Rising Starr Horse Rescue.
Past sessions demonstrated the unique value of equine-assisted resilience training in fostering well-being, decompression, and trust among first responders. Due to high interest and the impactful outcomes reported by early participants, offering additional dates ensures that more members across the department, both active duty and retired, have dedicated access to this restorative resource.
Program Overview & Partnership
Hosted in partnership with Rising Starr Horse Rescue, StandFast Equine pairs rescued horses with structured resilience training. The program creates a supportive, hands-on environment focused on three core areas:
Emotional Awareness & Stress Regulation: Horses are highly intuitive and react directly to human energy and non-verbal cues. Working with them provides real-time feedback that helps participants develop emotional awareness and manage stress.
Leadership & Non-Verbal Communication: Guiding and working alongside rescued horses requires calm presence, clear intention, and grounded confidence; skills that directly reinforce effective leadership and teamwork.
Connection & Peer Support: The peaceful, off-site setting offers firefighters a unique space to connect with peers, step away from the pressures of the job, and build long-term personal resilience.
Participation Details
Eligibility: Open to all active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.
Prerequisites: No horse experience necessary. All interactions are ground-based (no riding required) and guided by experienced equine specialists and facilitators.
RSVPs required as sessions are limited to 8 participants. Visit https://givebutter.com/equine112026 to book your spot!
These expanded sessions reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening firefighter wellness and providing innovative, meaningful avenues for peer support.