07/06/2026
We Had One of our Veterans share some of his experiences here with our horses:
To start with I was not a horse person. I had several experiences as a young person with less than cooperative horses. I was on a horse three times and fell off four. One of those times might have resulted in having people keep me awake and asking how many fingers they were showing me.
The Hallmark Channel has affected my opinion of carriage rides in 2024; and I saw a Facebook posting for a free carriage ride for veterans and their families. The word FREE was always enticing so I signed up. I never expected it to be such a great experience.
The entire group from Healing Heroes with Horses were so warm friendly, welcoming and had a gracious and generous spirit. The ride was incredible, the sun was shining, the leaves were showing their most beautiful colors, the lake was glimmering. It was such a wonderful experience.
That first ride is where I got to meet Paul Amoroso. He started talking about Horse Reiki. Reiki is a form of energy healing originating from Japan. The term comes from the Japanese words rei (universal) and ki (life force energy), meaning “spiritually guided life force energy”. Practitioners, known as Reiki masters, act as conduits for this energy, which is believed to flow through all living things. He talked about the Horse as practitioners.
Years before I had been exposed to Reiki in a nursing course. I was not sure about it. A wonderful nun was teaching the course and said ‘It is energy work.” Paul told me about some wonderful results they got with Veterans suffering with PTSD. I shortly thereafter met a young man that told me about his unit that had returned from the Middle East.
The unit lost more members to su***de than they had in combat. I shared information with him about Healing Heroes with Horses.
Shortly after my first carriage ride, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I kept the diagnosis from my colleagues. I had a radical prostatectomy but told my colleagues, I had a lobotomy.
It was a great way to joke about a very real and scary diagnosis. I was doing well for a few months when the cancer markers decided to rise. I then got the diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer.
I was started on medications trying to slow the progression. The treatment caused fatigue. Fatigue not relieved by a nap. I reached out to The Gathering place in Cleveland, Stewarts Caring Place in Akron, and a Holistic practitioner at University Hospital. All recommended exercise, good diet and REIKI. It was time to call Paul. Paul set up an appointment for me the same day I contacted him. That was the first of many appointments. Paul is very accommodating!
The first experience was interesting when the Horse Practitioner picks you. They come by the gate. The one that is willing and ready comes closest.
(Chief) One of my favorites was an elderly horse, the old man of the farm (We had a lot in common). I went into the stall with him. I was standing next to him and had been having issues with my left leg. He was transferring energy and raised his foot and ever so gently placed it on top of mine. I got a wonderful feeling of calm and warmth that didn’t make you hot and the hip felt better.
I found out later there was a cancerous lesion in the pelvis on that side.
Another day I was sitting on the stairs in the arena and the horse comes in and comes to my left knee and starts nudging it. He was able to find the problem area and give me energy to the area that needed it most.
I wish I had the eloquence of speech to describe each encounter. I don’t; each encounter is unique. All encounters involve a feeling of relaxation, energy flowing, and emotions are tapped into.
Sometimes I feel warmth not heat. Pain is recognized and released. Emotional pain is relieved also. I was having trouble praying. Sometimes my prayers feel like they are being heard and answered best when standing beside a horse.
My most recent experiences have been with Pinnacle. She like all the horses at Healing Heroes with Horses is beautiful. Each horse has a different energy which enhances their beauty. I hadn’t had an appointment for several months.
The cancer treatment regimen zapped my strength. Paul made sure I had access to the arena via car he lets me drive all the way out so I just have to walk a short way into the arena for a treatment.
This was my first encounter with Pinnacle. Most of the horses and I have a healthy respect for our personal space and then the horse moves in closer. Pinnacle did not worry about personal space and for some reason neither did I.
She came right up next to me. I felt immediately at ease. I was having a terrible time deciding my next step in treatment. I was getting a series of radiation treatments, like all treatments, it caused extreme fatigue. Paul and Pinnacle picked up on it and gave a deep feeling of calm, comfort and relaxation. They gave me a much-needed boost.
Paul makes time for me when I can make it. I was able to go recently and Pinnacle and Paul were there for me. She was ready willing and able. I told her I needed help with my blood counts and radiation esophagitis.
She gave me a knowing look and went to work. Then she started to gently rub on my upper back the exact spot where my wife had to apply lotion to treat the irritation caused by radiation. This full-size horse being ever so gentle rubbing the irritated area. I left feeling energized, comforted and full of joy.
Paul and everyone I have met involved with Healing Heroes with Horses have been awesome. Paul has taught me along the way a lot about complimentary medicine, Native American Healing, Eastern Healing Practices and Shaman Healing. He is a treasure chest of techniques.
I was blessed to get to know Tom and Patty Reder the owners of the beautiful horses that provide the carriage rides as well. Last fall, my wife and I had the pleasure of going for our second carriage ride. It was even better than the first. For a little while, I forgot I have cancer.
This spring we attended a pancake breakfast sponsored by Healing Heroes with Horses at the American Legion Post in Deerfield. It was an excellent meal but more importantly the atmosphere of the entire hall was so positive and uplifting.
I can not say enough good about the Healing Heroes with Horses programs. I have benefited in so many ways.
Sincerely yours Bill F.
