Since the World War II, the most massive military inflagration in history ended in 1945, the United States has enjoyed only five years when it was not at war or involved in the military defense of some nation around the world.

Every day, approximately 20 United States military veterans take their own lives. It was an awareness of this statistic that led Jane Strong and David Sonatore to found the Equus Effect, an equine experiential learning and coaching facility in Sharon,

Listen in on Jane Strong’s interview giving an overview of The Equus Effect Program — and details on The Art of Collaboration Event taking place September 7th from 4:30-6:30 at 37 Drum Road, Sharon CT.

Some 200 people came to a remote corner of Sharon on Saturday, Sept. 30 to hear from the veterans and first responders who have reclaimed their lives thanks to the efforts of The Equus Effect.

Visitors to this bucolic farm in Sharon are prepping horses for a peaceful trip to a field in the woods. “I never imagined myself this close to a horse, so it’s very therapeutic,” said Devante Layne, a Yonkers, New York firefighter.

“It was this figure of 22 suicides a day among the veteran population, and we were just like, you know, this work we’re doing, maybe there’s a fit there for veterans,” explains co-founder David Sonatore, a social worker. 

In our recent newsletter, we honor and celebrate the tireless contributions that law enforcement officers make to our communities. They keep us safe, show up when we call for help and know how to handle dangerous people and situations.

Listen to David Sonatore, co-founder of The Equus Effect, recount some of the more influential moments of his journey in a heartfelt conversation with Catherine Huddleston, host of the  Horses Helping Humanspodcast.

The Equus Effect, a Connecticut non-profit, has recently received a grant award in support of the organization’s work providing military veterans and others in high-stress environments with essential tools.

This year Jane Strong and David Sonatore did a live demonstration to show guests how we teach vets and others to use finesse rather than force, to collaborate rather than control and build trust with our horses. 

Listen in on Marshall Miles with Jane Strong’s interview on The Equus Effect’s 10th Anniversary Celebration September 10 from 5-7. This year, it will be held  at Quarry Hill Farm, 345 Sharon Road, Lakeville, CT.

The Equus Effect, a Connecticut non-profit, has recently received two grant awards in support of the organization’s work providing military veterans and others in high-stress environments .

The Equus Effect, a Connecticut non-profit whose mission is to provide veterans and others in high-stress environments with essential tools and skills to build healthy relationships through purposeful engagement with horses.

 Bettina Drummond, French Classical dressage trainer and Olympic Coach, performed exquisite maneuvers to live music. This equestrian art was originally used to train horses for war — to sustain and prevail in the chaos of combat.

A segment from the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservatory video “Stories from the Land”.  An interview with Jane Strong, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Equus Effect speaks about the collaboration with NCLC.

Benjamin Moore & Rings End made a very generous contribution to The Equus Effect donating 25 gallons of Arborcoat Barn Red Stain for the exterior and 10 gallons of Clear Stain for the interior posts, beams and walls on our new Covered Arena — valued at $2,500.00.

The physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion frontline workers are enduring due to the pandemic is well documented. According to the ECRI Institute, suicide rates among doctors is 44% higher than the general population.

The Equus Effect uses horses to help veterans, first responders, front-line workers and others who have experienced trauma.

Listen in on Marshall Miles’ interview with Jane Strong, Executive Director and Co-founder discussing our program expansion that now includes front-line health workers – having been deemed an essential business last May.