NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Equine Recovery for Veterans, or CERV, is the only of its kind, thanks to a partnership between the university and the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare systems that helps veterans in their recovery journeys by giving them opportunities to spend time and learn about caring for horses as part of a unique therapy.

Andrea Rego, coordinator of CERV and a senior instructor in MTSU’s School of Agriculture, and Sarah Howard, Department of Veterans Affairs recreation therapist, appeared Friday, March 27, on WKRN-TV’s “MTSU on 2” segment to discuss the impact of the partnership.

Veteran participants who are part of the 10-week program are diagnosed with serious mental health illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and anxiety.

“CERV is impactful because it’s a program that helps all participants find purpose and connection. The focus isn’t on a diagnosis, but rather about finding purpose and connection despite the struggles we face,” Rego said.

Since its start in 2014, CERV has served 195 veterans through the structured program that pairs them with an MTSU student enrolled in equine-assisted services classes and an MTSU horse. They work through curriculum like unmounted and mounted skills, with each session designed to build confidence, improve awareness, create meaningful connections and foster a supportive environment among peers.

“Both veterans and MTSU students gain a hands-on experience that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom or traditional therapy setting, and the horses are our very best teachers,” Rego said.

The alternative approach to healing has proven to be truly remarkable.

“Healing occurs when a veteran can regain a sense of connection — both to themselves and to others. The horses play a crucial role in fostering this safe environment, providing a sense of calm, rebuilding trust and allowing the veteran to rebuild their lives at their own pace,” Howard said.

If you are a veteran interested in participating in CERV, email Sarah Howard at Sarah.Howard@va.gov.

For more information on MTSU’s Equine Assisted Services classes, email Andrea Rego at Andrea.Rego@mtsu.edu.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)