NEW YORK — The 1st Infantry Division Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard from Fort Riley participated in the “Trail to Zero” ride through Central Park and Times Square before concluding at the World Trade Center with veterans, law enforcement officers, and community members in an effort to raise awareness of Veteran suicide and highlight the healing benefits of equine-assisted services.
The Oct. 3rd event was organized by BraveHearts, a nonprofit organization that provides healing horsemanship and equine-assisted services to Veterans, Veterans’ families, children, and adults. The organization describes itself as the largest healing horsemanship program in the nation and the largest equine-assisted services program for veterans, providing services at no cost.
BraveHearts began “Trail to Zero” in New York City in 2017 as a way to raise awareness of Veteran suicide and educate communities about equine-assisted services.
For the CGMCG, the event provided an opportunity to support Veterans and represent the U.S. Army and the 1st Infantry Division throughout New York City.
1st Sgt. Joshua Horst emphasized the significance of the ride. “This ride is about remembering that no Soldier or Veteran should ever be forgotten,” Horst said. “For me, it’s especially meaningful because I’ve lost friends to suicide, and I know the lasting impact those losses have on everyone left behind.