Equine Therapy for Veterans

 Always listening. Triggered by every sound. Every movement. Fight or flight?  Check.  Double check.  Adrenaline explosion.  A flash in the distance. Friend or foe?  Message or warning? Heart pounding.  Always scanning.  Always on high alert.  Screaming silence.  Moments of sleep shattered by night terrors.  Nervous system overload becomes the norm; emotional and physical exhaustion becomes a way of life.

 

Veterans, who have experienced physical and emotional trauma, call this just another day that ends in “Y”.   No matter how it is labeled, the trauma they experienced affects every aspect of their life until the core issue has been addressed and healed.   Medication masks symptoms; however, they are highly addictive and never resolve the real source of the pain.  Talk therapy has mixed results. Civilians simply don’t understand the military mindset.  Peer-support, while more effective, is more difficult to find.   

 

While in service, personnel are told to suck it up and just get over it.  It’s part of the culture.  To show weakness, especially during combat, makes the person a liability to the sisterhood and brotherhood.  While in service, the shared experience gives courage and comfort to the whole unit.  Yet, after separation, that mindset becomes a liability as the camaraderie vanishes and is replaced by isolation.

 

Yet, there are ways for veterans to rebuild their lives and reclaim that support system that doesn’t involve addictive drugs with horrible side effects. Equine therapy is an effective healing methodology that has been around for decades.    As with all therapy animals, horses are chosen for their temperament and intelligence.  Working with horses provides comfort and support as they help the handler actively restructure their emotional responses and strengthen their bodies.

 

Horses' innate ability to sense the handler’s emotions provides real-time biofeedback.  They can hear and match a person’s heartbeat from nearly four feet away. The horses reflect back the handler’s emotional state. If the handler is relaxed and calm, the horse will be as well.  However, if the handler is emotional—angry, frustrated, or afraid, the horse will become anxious.  However, instead of becoming aggressive, they will shy away, run, or refuse to cooperate.  This real-time feedback helps the handler understand and work through their triggers.  The mission is to remain calm and focused in the moment so that the horse will trust the person enough to interact with them. In this way, working with horses helps the handler stay focused on the present moment. 

 

For many people, equine therapy evokes images of riding horses. However, this is not always the case.  There are two primary equine therapy methodologies: EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and PATH International. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International).  Both are national and international organizations that set standards that each associated equine center must meet to be certified by the organization.   Horses are never ridden at Eagla therapy centers. The focus remains on the boots-on-the-ground interaction between the veterans and horses.  However, the PATH-certified programs offer both riding and non-riding programs.    Both programs heal emotional and physical challenges.  Riding a horse uses the same muscles a person uses to walk, which strengthens the body, while motivating the mind into forward thinking.    As part of the certification process, the program must be associated with a state-certified counselor with a master's in mental health and have a hands-on equine certification.

 

Equine centers can be found in most states, mostly in rural or semi-rural areas.  As non-profit organizations, they offer the therapy free to veterans.  However, they are limited as to how many veterans they are able to help by their fundraising capabilities.  In these financially challenging times, the centers have been doubly hit by the increasing costs to care for their horses and the reduction of funding, especially from the VA.  Donating to local centers helps veterans while providing yourself with good karma points and a tax deduction.

 

To find the closest center, visit Horses and Heroes’ website.  It has direct links to both the EAGALA and PATH websites.  Please click on the link below.

 

https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/horsesandheroes

 

The unscripted documentary TV series, Horses and Heroes, combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the unscripted genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from World War II to the current conflicts. They will share their challenges and support each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the camaraderie, which kept them safe and strong during their time of service. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches don't simply end. There is always room for just one more prank. This interaction will help them rebuild that sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, which will help them reclaim their civilian lives. When it airs, it will reach the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone and give them information as well as the permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the World. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end. 

#veterans #EAGALA #PATH #HorsesandHeroes #TheresaChaze #KaliedoscopeFilmandTelevision, #equinetherapy #PeerSupportTherapy #hiringveterans #PTSD #support 

We are the winds of change

 

The weather over the last few days is a perfect metaphor for what has been happening in the world.  It has been unseasonably cold, windy, and rainy.   One day, we had 50-60 mile an hour gusts that did considerable damage.  A very large branch from one of my trees fell.  I was extremely lucky; it only damaged one of my rose bushes.  My neighbor wasn’t so lucky. One of his trees started coming down.  If they hadn’t immediately done a controlled removal, it would have caused considerable damage to his home.  One of the workers was nice enough to cut my branch into manageable pieces so I could move it. 

Last night, it again rained.  When I woke up, it was still raining; it was so cold that I turned on the furnace; I don’t react well to cold and damp.  To say that turning on the furnace on June 18^th is depressing is an understatement.   Instead of wallowing, I drank some tea and watched the Obama Presidential Center ceremony. 

The Obamas again brought strength and hope to the world.  Unfortunately, the last thing I remember before I fell asleep was Bruce Springsteen singing.  Sorry, Bruce.  Nothing personal.  I love your music.   When I woke up, the wind had blown away the clouds.  The sun was out. It was warm enough to turn off the furnace and open the windows.   In just a few minutes, everything changed.

Much of life is perspective.  We have a choice.  We can focus on the clouds and the rain or we can remember that life is about change and embrace every moment, but especially when it comes to challenges.   We all have the power of choice; we don’t always like the options, yet when we take the broader view, we can make the best one. 

Those who spoke at the ceremony focused on the positive—on what they wanted to create for the nation.  They refused to bring the negativity of the current administration into the spender of the day. As a side note, I suspect that ketchup will be dripping off the walls because of it.   Hey, if I didn’t say something snarky, those who know me wouldn’t think I wrote this.  Michell Obama said when they go low, we need to go high.  This is true.  But her suing over those comments also proves that we need to stand in our power and fight for what is right.   Becoming angry and frustrated is only a positive when it motivates us to be our best selves and to stand up for others, the rule of law, and Civil Rights.  When we do, we become the wind that blows away the clouds and brings back the sunshine.

#ObanaPreisdentalCenter #hope #ceremony #positivechange #tomorrow 

Diversity and Inclusion: walking the walk

When I talk about breaking stereotypes by supporting age, gender, and ethnic diversity, it isn’t just a talking point; it’s a mission.  The goal is to make diversity and inclusion so commonplace that talking about them is boring.   This is achieved by creating unique characters that challenge the perceived stereotypes and encourage new perspectives.

Graham Greene is a perfect example of our goal.  As a Native American, Graham honored his culture; however, he did so by playing characters who were cops, veterans, doctors, politicians, etc.  His ethnicity was only one aspect of a multifaceted character.  I enjoyed his work because you never knew what to expect from his talent.  He refused to play one-dimensional characters, which is why I created Martin Flying Crow in Operation Home Base with him in mind.

Martin Flying Crow

A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow enlisted as an Army Medic to escape the abject poverty of the Rez, only to find the destiny his ancestors had placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on a vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and guide others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Army was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek and Walter. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as a Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual, and medical support there was for the military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors, along with their families. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman.

Unfortunately, Graham is permanently unavailable.  I need to consider one of the many very talents alterative and tweak the character to make it more comfortable for the actor.

The projects that I write and produce offer the same opportunities and growth for women, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s this fractioning of the expected norm that shatters stereotypes and turns two-dimensional paper dolls into real people. This is our goal; we will achieve this mission by focusing on entertaining first and foremost.   No one likes to be preached at.  But by creating characters and putting them in situations that touch people’s hearts, you can change minds and behaviors.  In a world where ignorance and cruelty are now celebrated, we will find the commonality in our humanity to celebrate.  If you share our mission, let’s chat.  Here is the link to our website.

https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/

 

#diversity #inclusion #veterans #women #Native Americans #indigouspeople #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #film #Television

 

 

 

 

 

Do those in marketing and advertising really support diversity and inclusion?

 

 

There is a market and a need for support in film and television for the LGBTQ+ community. Many Indie projects do support diversity and inclusion. The bump in the road is the lack of support from marketing and advertising professionals to talk the good talk, but when it comes to supporting projects through product placement and integration, their rubber leaves the road--they don't follow through with their support. Talk is cheap. The projects I write and produce break stereotypes by supporting diversity and inclusion. However, instead of making a big hairy deal out of it--looky, looky, we have a gay character--we do as a matter of fact, every day--she/he is gay; so what? mentality. 

There is a scene in Completely Loyal to Me where William James speaks to the portrait of his love, Samuel. He expresses his loss and anger. Of all that could have been, that will never be because of the murder. When it comes to grief, gender doesn't matter.

WILLIAM JAMES

Today, your beard gets shaved. They will be gone and the Oyster will be back at her home dock. Will it make me miss you more or less? The sea was our oyster. We could be ourselves--without fear. I wish we could have claimed our love. If we hadn't needed her, you would still be alive. We would be together. Happy. Maybe we should have left. So many maybes and what ifs. But you are dead, my dearest. Nothing can bring you back.

(crying)

After they have gone, I'll take your ashes to your favorite fishing spot. She thinks she got away with it. She thinks they can leave and enjoy their love. She murdered you. She stole our lives together. I may be alone

(grief turns to anger)

but I'll see them in hell even if it means I can't see you in heaven. Ohmygod Samuel, I miss you!

To read more about Completely Loyal to Me and the other projects on our slate visit our website.

Website

#diversityandinclusion #lbgtqcommunity #womeninfinance#womeninfilmandtelevision #nativeamerican#nativeamericaninfilm #veterans #TheresaChaze#Kaleodoscopefilmandtelevision

Theresa Chaze: Come make some good trouble with us

 

If you believe that diversity and inclusion should become so commonplace that they are no longer remarkable, join our mission. Those who work in film and televsion has the means to make this possible. Join our team to make original projects that tell tales about how when we face our fears we become our best selves.

https://youtu.be/WHD9zwedx6Q?si=CMHFLV9lOMWGU2aQ

#supportingdiversity #inclusion #film #television #women #NativeAmericans #IndigeousPeople #veterans #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #Michigan #Oklahomas

Kaycee Dutton ( Luke Grimes) could have been the new Billy Jack

 

Taylor Sheridan missed the opportunity to continue the Yellowstone legacy while challenging the status quo of the industry movement toward Conservatism.   Instead of just a western cop show, he had all the elements to create a series that would be comparable to Billy Jack.    However, killing off the character of Monica challenges that possibility. 

The partnership between Monica and Kaycee reflects that of Billy Jack and Jean.  Billy and Kaycee are both wounded warriors who channel their pain into helping and protecting others.  Both teachers, Jean and Monica, were strong women who were idealistic, healing, and brave enough to create a better world.  The storylines would have been expanded beyond the us-versus-them mentality, which was the common theme of the Yellowstone series, into the empowering of veterans and reclaiming the Indigenous cultures.

The trauma of military service and his family history gives Kaycee a unique understanding of the benefits of equine therapy for veterans.  Partnering with Mo Brings Plenty, Kaycee would have created an equine center that intertwined equine therapy with Native healing techniques.    In doing so, it would raise awareness of the benefits of equine therapy for veterans, while challenging the stereotypical image of Indigenous People.  The therapy program would make room for some of the original cowboys to return, plus give opportunities for the appearance of guest stars, including real-life heroes.

Monica’s teaching experience would be continued and expanded to include writing articles and books that teach accurate Indigenous history. Truth-based facts break stereotypes.  It also gives pride to the culture and gains respect from others.  I heard that Kelsey Asbille lied about her ethnicity.  Making a false claim is wrong; it dishonors the stolen culture and the one that was thrown away.  However, killing the character was a big mistake.   It threw away the opportunities to examine the true meaning of family.  Monica would have learned that she was adopted, setting up an emotional and spiritual crisis.  Seeing her whole life as a lie, she no longer knows who she is or where she belongs. The identity and spiritual crisis would have also affected Tate.  Kaycee doesn’t know how to help them.  Normally, Monica would have gone into the mountains to find comfort and wisdom, yet she doesn’t want to again dishonor the Ancestors' and her family’s teachings. Her Grandfather reminds her of all the times she went to seek their guidance and was given the wisdom she sought.  The Great Spirit and the Ancestors knew the truth, even if she didn’t, and gave her what she needed. Heritage is the starting point of a life; it’s not the final destination.  They saw her compassionate heart and warrior spirit; they claimed her just as her parents had when they adopted her into the family.  Monica goes on the vision quest only to return more determined than ever to dispel the lies and honor the Indigenous heritage.

Although the ranches were miles apart, Beth and Rip would remain active parts of Moncia and Kaycee’s lives.  More than just helping each other with the challenges associated with the ranches, they would have to face the political fallout of the Dutton family legacy.  What happened to Jamie?  What would happen if the train station were accidentally discovered? Just because John Dutton was dead and Yellowstone belonged to the Nation, the repercussions would still echo throughout the next generations.

Rip and Carter would work the ranch.  Although Beth would help, it’s not within her temperament to be stay at home wife.  She loves the challenges of the financial and business worlds too much to give them up.  Instead, she would continue to work to change the ranching business model to make it more profitable for family ranches.  She couldn’t do it for her father and the Yellowstone, but she would continue to look for new opportunities to make ranching profitable.

As cousins, Carter and Tate would face their own challenges of growing up and deciding their futures.  What do they want to be when they grow up?  What opportunities do they have?  Both would also face a similar identity crisis—Tate with his heritage and Carter with finding his place in the family dynamics.  Their primary question is the same as all teens: Where do I go from here?

However, unlike Billy Jack, the Indigenous culture would play a more active role.  Thomas Rainwater and Mo Brings Plenty walk the thin line between the Progressives and Traditionalists.   Neither side accepts them.  The storylines would involve Thomas and Mo working to bring the factions together by blending the best of both worlds.  How do they bring jobs and prosperity to their people while still protecting the land?

The family connection between Rainwater and the Duttons was solidified with the transfer of the Yellowstone to the Nation; however, the loss of jobs continues to undercut Rainwater’s leadership. With the internet and diverse competitors, the Rez casinos are experiencing declining returns.   Rainwater must find alternatives.

With common financial experience and business backgrounds, Rainwater and Beth work together to build a meat processing plant and a direct-to-consumer delivery business model.  Benefiting the ranchers with a higher profit return and creating jobs for those on the Reservation, the venture becomes extremely popular and profitable. The business model expands to include other reservations and ranches across the nation, challenging the corporate-run ranches and meatpacking companies. To protect their monopolies, the corporations first attempt to buy their competitors.  When the bribery fails, they turn to alternative means of persuasion.   

To compete with the glitz and glamour of the city casinos, Rainwater works with Monica and Beth to offer the “Native Experience” with spiritual teachings and tours that tell the history of the Nations. They offer peaceful retreats with the primary pitch being, “enjoy all the benefits without the stress and costs of ownership.”  Monica and the Elders plan the events.  Beth uses her connections to promote and market them. 

Instead of just another cop show, this series would have tapped into the nostalgia of Billy Jack while telling suspenseful tales of love, hope, and new beginnings.

Website

 

 

Theresa Chaze: unabashed troublemaker

For most of her life, people have been telling her not to try or to give up. They said her goals were impossible--that she couldn't possibly make any of them happen. But what they were really saying was that they were afraid to try or were afraid she would succeed. If you believe you can't, then you can't; yet if you are certain you can, you can find or make a way to reach your goals. Theresa Pachesny Chaze Film & Television Producer • Writer • Director Email: Tirgana@yahoo.com Website: kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com