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Horses Heal Hearts
Our mission at Overwatch is to harness and share the horse’s natural ability to heal trauma and the wounds of war.
We envision a future where our program not only provides direct assistance but also fosters a sustainable network of mentors who can continue the legacy of support and empowerment. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and ongoing guidance, we aim to create a ripple effect of healing as our beneficiaries become instructors, sharing their knowledge and expertise with others in need. Together, we strive to create a lasting impact, promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and improved quality of life for all those who have served and sacrificed.
Equine Assisted Therapies and Activities
Overwatch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing unique equine-assisted therapies and activities to support the healing and well-being of military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families. Our program focuses on addressing the hidden wounds of service, such as post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma (MST). Through a combination of ground-based exercises and interactions with horses, our participants experience profound connections, personal growth, and healing. We offer intensive three-day workshops that provide a concentrated and immersive therapeutic experience, breaking patterns of isolation and create a safe space for sharing triumphs and challenges.
How Horses Facilitate Change
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Emotional Regulation: Horses provide a non-judgmental environment where you we learn to regulate their emotions and manage stress.
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Trust Building: Developing a bond with horses helps rebuild trust, which may have been damaged due to traumatic experiences.
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Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness: Working with horses encourages us to be fully present, fostering mindfulness and reducing anxiety.
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Communication Skills: Interacting with horses improves non-verbal communication and enhances interpersonal skills, benefiting relationships with loved ones.
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Coping Strategies: Equine-assisted therapies teach us healthy coping strategies for dealing with triggers and managing symptoms of trauma.
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Self-Awareness: Horses provide feedback and mirror emotions, promoting self-reflection and increased self-awareness.
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Healing from Isolation: Equine-assisted therapies create opportunities for connection, combatting feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
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Resilience Building: Through the challenges and triumphs experienced with horses, we develop resilience and the ability to adapt to adversity.
Paying It Forward
At Overwatch, we take a comprehensive approach to equine-assisted therapy that sets us apart from traditional programs. Our intensive three-day workshops serve as the foundation, immersing participants in the transformative power of equine interactions. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to mentorship. We firmly believe in empowering our heroes to become sources of support for others facing similar challenges.
Become A Mentor
Those who express an interest in becoming mentors are provided with a comprehensive mentorship program. This program equips them with the skills, knowledge, and guidance necessary to effectively run our equine-assisted therapy program. By paying it forward, our participants create a ripple effect of healing that extends the benefits of equine therapies to as many individuals as possible.
"Thank you. It's been months since I felt any hope. I was considering suicide when I got back to the barracks tonight and now I'm not." , Sister In Arms, Clarksville TN
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What Sets Overwatch Apart
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Intensive Workshops: Unlike long-term commitments, Overwatch offers intensive three-day workshops. This concentrated approach allows participants to experience the power of equine therapies in a focused and immersive setting, maximizing the impact of each session.
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Accessibility: Overwatch's program doesn't require a specialized training facility. As long as there is access to a few horses, the program can be conducted anywhere. This flexibility makes it more accessible to individuals and communities, expanding the reach to more of our heroes in need.
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Cost-effective: Overwatch's program doesn't require costly certifications from therapeutic organizations. By removing this financial barrier, the program becomes more affordable and accessible to individuals seeking healing and support.
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Empowering Veterans: Overwatch goes beyond providing therapy to veterans and first responders; it also focuses on empowering them to become mentors and advocates. Participants have the opportunity to learn how to run the program themselves, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to share the benefits of equine-assisted therapies with others in need.
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Paying it Forward: By offering mentorship opportunities, Overwatch creates a ripple effect of support. Participants who have benefited from the program can pay it forward, becoming catalysts for positive change and support within their communities. This emphasis on empowering individuals to become advocates sets Overwatch apart from traditional equine-assisted therapy programs.
Overall, Overwatch's unique combination of intensive workshops, accessibility, empowerment of veterans, and the emphasis on paying it forward distinguishes it as an innovative and impactful organization in the realm of equine-assisted therapies.
Together, we can harness the incredible power of horses, unite our communities, and transform lives, one powerful hoofbeat at a time.
Program Founder - Greg Eliel
As a fourth-generation cattle rancher from Montana's Big Hole Valley with a family legacy dating back to 1894, Greg Eliel brings profound expertise to the horse/human relationship. With over thirty years of horsemanship experience and guidance from esteemed horsemen like Ray Hunt, Tom and Bill Dorrance, and Buck Brannaman, Greg has mastered the art of communication between horses and humans.
His impact spans across various areas, from guiding riders and coaching business executives to aiding our nation's heroes. Through his clinics and equine-assisted programs, Greg has positively influenced the lives of thousands.
Motivated by a profound sense of gratitude towards family and friends who have served, Greg is deeply committed to supporting our nation's heroes and their families. He utilizes the healing power of horses to guide participants on a road of self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal growth. Since 2016, Greg’s veterans program has provided a pathway for our nations heroes and their families to navigate through trauma, fostering resilience and helping them reclaim their lives.
In 2023, Greg established Overwatch, a nonprofit organization that offers intensive three-day workshops and a mentorship program. Through these initiatives, he provides invaluable support to participants, allowing them to learn and teach the program, creating a ripple effect of healing. Additionally, Greg collaborates with other nonprofits, sharing his program to extend its reach, which has made a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served and sacrificed.
Please note that the information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. The content should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or therapist for personalized recommendations.
No Horseback Riding: Please be aware that our program does not involve horseback riding. All activities and therapies are conducted on the ground, ensuring the safety and well-being of our participants.