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Alliance180 Launches Program for Veterans, First Responders and Front-Line Medical Workers

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

By Janelle Huggard

For more than a decade, Bob Nevins, Melody Squier and Janelle Huggard have been working together to successfully reveal the power of a horse-to-human interaction by providing transformative equine experiences for Veterans living with the effects of trauma. Now, the crew has launched Alliance180, and they have expanded their support to reach First Responders and Frontline Healthcare Workers while incorporating science-based research that will set them apart.

For years, there have been increasing studies that demonstrate the negative effect that trauma can have on the autonomic nervous system. Because of a new collaboration with Alliance180, Dr. Stephen Porges, a Behavioral Neuroscientist*, and his colleagues from Indiana University, the team will now be able to successfully document and validate the effectiveness of their equine experience by incorporating and applying evidence of the Polyvagal Theory.

Bob Nevins said, “We know the effects of trauma can cause a person to feel detached and closed off. The experience through our interaction and training at A180 provides our participants with an opportunity to turn things around—’do a 180’ so to speak—so they can overcome their trauma in a way they haven’t tried before.”

Melody Squier, Alliance180’s Co-Founder, has understood the positive effects horses have on humans, especially those experiencing trauma, for more than 30 years. When she joined forces with Nevins, the two were able to combine their relevant experience and passion for helping others, impacting more than 800 veterans through their past efforts.

The purpose-driven programming of Alliance180 (A180) provides an effective three-day experience through peer-to-peer interaction, private accommodations, and classroom training to learn the language of the horse, and a round-pen interaction with the horse as the culminating event. Through the lens of the horse, participants learn to communicate with another powerful but very different species, most often resulting in the emotional response being reawakened, leading to a heightened awareness and offering a renewed perspective and brighter outlook.

Melody Squier, Program Creator and Facilitator of Equine Engagement, said, “Horses require you to be in the moment to fully communicate. The release felt when the horse accepts your offer to bond—breathing, touching and following—is so empowering. There is no judgement, only acceptance.”

Activities and classes will take place at the farm belonging to Song Hill Thoroughbreds LLC, and James and Tina Bond and Family. The Bonds said they are happy to be “teaming up” with A180’s experienced staff and are glad to offer access to their horses and facility for the organization’s crucial programming.

Nevins said he is grateful for the unwavering support that has followed he and Melody throughout the years from people who really believe in their methodology and dedication to the mission. The program is provided at no cost to participants and relies on support from donors and benefactors.

Nevins said, “Melody’s extensive knowledge as an equine specialist and a First Responder, combined with my understanding and experience as a Veteran, is something that greatly enhances our Program. Now that we have the research component to show what we are doing really works, we look forward to offering a solution to help our participants take their lives in a new direction.”

For more information on Alliance180, its Programming or to become a Benefactor, please visit Alliance180.org or call 518-415-0206.

*Founding Director, Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium

 

 

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