[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       RECOGNIZING HORSES4HEROES

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
national nonprofit organization within Las Vegas known as Horses4Heroes 
for being awarded the American Horse Council Time to Ride 100-Day Horse 
Challenge by introducing the most newcomers to horses in just 100 days. 
This unique program works to improve the lives of more than 6 million 
Americans who serve in the military, National Guard, as first 
responders and their families, by making horseback riding more 
affordable and accessible. As a longtime horse owner and horse 
enthusiast myself, I recognize the importance horses play as both 
companion animals and to our Nation's economy.
  The brave men and women who have served the United States and fought 
to protect our freedom have often come home suffering from the effects 
of post-traumatic stress, PTS. Veterans faced dangerous situations in 
order to protect Americans from harm, and we owe them a debt of 
gratitude. Horses4Heroes is a shining example of the kind of 
initiatives that will help to reintegrate our veterans into civilian 
life, combat the effects of PTS, and help reduce the rates of suicide, 
while also providing comfort to grieving families.
  There is no way to adequately thank the men and women that lay down 
their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at 
Horses4Heroes are working to assist our Nation's veterans by giving 
them the opportunity to use horses to help reconnect and get 
reacquainted with their families. The organization was founded by 
Sydney Knott in 2006 operating out of her backyard and has now grown to 
incorporate affordable recreational, instructional, and morale-boosting 
health & wellness programs at more than 200 therapeutic equestrian 
centers across the country. This organization's continued dedication to 
serving veterans in the Silver State and the country is commendable.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the 
struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the 
battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these 
brave individuals, but to ensure they receive the quality care they 
have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise 
for our veterans and service members in Nevada and throughout the 
Nation. I am very pleased that veterans' service organizations like 
Horses4Heroes are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans 
are being met.
  Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing 
Horses4Heroes, an organization whose mission is both noble and 
charitable. I am both humbled and honored to recognize Horses4Heroes 
and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future 
endeavors.

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