Cape Arrowhead Programs

Warriors in Transition / The Path Back

The Cape Arrowhead “Warriors in Transition” Program is designed specifically for Military Veterans. There are times for some Veterans when the transition from military life and experiences back to the civilian world can be a frustrating and possibly difficult experience. This program assists the Veteran in learning better ways of connecting, engaging, and even motivating the people around them through a structured, evidence-based method of coaching and instruction, which is designed specifically to empower the participants to address adaptive challenges by learning some very specific emotional intelligence skills.

Horses are not capable of judging their emotions or ours. Unlike people, horses don’t unconciously project or transfer socially conditioned expectations, attitudes or behaviors. When we are with them, they mirror our emotional presence. Working in partnership with the horses can cause a new level of self-awareness and self-regulation to occur in the program participants.

The Path Back stands for:

Trusting Horses Equals Peace of mind And Transitions to Healing, Believing in Authentic-self Clarifies Knowledge.

Why horses? Horses are natural prey animals. As a result they do not live so much in the past or future, rather they remain present in the moment in order to survive. They use emotions as information in order to process their environment. They have the ability to live in a state of hyper-vigilance.

The difference between horses and our Veterans and their families is that the horses can go “grazing” once the danger has passed. These families can remain in a state of hyper-vigilance for days, weeks, months or years. The horses will help the veteran remain in the moment. The veteran is able to forget about the issues hidden in the mind and heart and communicate those issues with a non-judgmental creature.

Who is this for?

This program is for Veterans who are experiencing a variety of issues, including substance abuse, homelessness, PTSD, and workplace or domestic relationship difficulties. Veterans struggling with each of these have found this program to be instructive and helpful.

There is no charge to the veteran. The program takes place during an intensive 2-day workshop, usually paired with a follow up session within a few weeks after the program. The workshops take place at one of Cape Arrowhead’s round pen facilities in the Poplar Bluff, Williamsville, or Lake Wappapello areas. Transportation to and from each day’s session is available if needed. Training materials, lunch and refreshments are also provided.

How can I sign up?

For specific information, or to ask any questions about the program, please call Cape Arrowhead at our office number: (573) 778-1210. If the call is after hours or at a time when a representative is not available, please leave a message with your contact information, questions, etc. on our voicemail system, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Rebecca’s Riders

Rebecca’s Riders is a program for children and adults with developmental disabilities which involves the use of specially selected, very gentle horse and specially trained staff. The program allows participants to progress toward the goals that we establish together in areas such as balance, coordination, self-expression, communication, and social and physical skills. This is all done through group activities at scheduled times (usually 30 minute to 1 hour sessions on weekday evenings or during weekends) at one of Cape Arrowhead’s round pen arenas.

Location, schedules and frequency of participation are mutually decided with the participation of the child or adult’s family members oe responsible caregivers, and the Rebecca’s Riders staff and volunteers. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend and be a supportive presence during the sessions.

Who is this for?

Rebecca’s Riders is a program for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

How can I sign up?

For specific information, or to ask any questions about the program, please call Cape Arrowhead at our office number: (573) 778-1210. If the call is after hours or at a time when a representative is not available, please leave a message with your contact information, questions, etc. on our voicemail system, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

About Our Programs

The specific, structures, evidence-based methods of coaching and instruction used in the above program(s) have also been adapted to other groups who have experienced trauma or environmental stress and disruption. This includes victims of domestic violence and/or abuse or other trauma, or those who are dealing with issues related to substance abuse or homelessness, other relationship issues, and also at risk teens. Please note that the approaches used have been found helpful in some situations with some people and have resulted in improvements in their quality of life and ability to function within relationships, but methods and instruction do not constitute or claim to be therapies.

Help Support our Mission to Help Those in Need.

Cape Arrowhead's Mission is  to improve the quality of life for Veterans and individuals with special needs. We accomplish this primarily through counseling and the use of therapy horses. Whether your gift is financial or through donating your time, every gift is appreciated.

To volunteer, call 573-778-1210We would love to get to know you and introduce you to our programs.