Ukraine’s horses under fire

At a time when Russia is relentlessly trying to crush Ukrainians’ morale, horses offer comfort and hope. We can now personally vouch for their healing powers.

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By: Blake Roberts

Being so close to it, the horse seemed even more majestic, but surprisingly calm.

At that moment, I thought I wouldn’t be able to ride him – I’m just 160 centimeters (over 5 feet) tall, which put me roughly at the level of the horse’s belly.

But when it’s my turn, I suddenly realize that I have only a few seconds to get ready. The coach tells me how to sit properly, but all I can hear at that moment is the beating of my own heart.

A moment later, I swing my leg over and find myself in the saddle. I feel so small compared to this powerful, magnificent animal. Even though I’m the one holding the reins, my life now depends entirely on the horse’s movements.

As the Russian military continues to shell Ukrainian cities, the war is harming horses and humans alike. A Russian drone crashed into a stable in the Kyiv region just last month, killing seven horses, attracting worldwide attention.

The horrors of the front line follow soldiers into civilian life, where even ordinary situations can trigger stress and anxiety. But equine therapy is gaining popularity in Ukraine, with more and more military personnel wanting to try it for relief from trauma.

After the paywall:

• How do horses help the military cope with psychological trauma?

• Is it really possible to relax while riding a horse?

• Who was in charge: the horse or Zoriana?