STRONG HEART
Equine-assisted trauma recovery workshops for Israeli soldiers
WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT TO ME
As an equestrian with 20 years of experience I am passionate about the transformative benefits of equine therapy, particularly for those dealing with PTSD and psychological challenges.
Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine — a city on the front lines — I have two cousins bravely fighting amidst ongoing hostilities, facing trauma without adequate support.
Now residing in Israel, which has also experienced conflict recently, I feel compelled to assist Israeli soldiers grappling with similar issues.
This project aims to create a safe environment that leverages equine therapy's healing power, helping soldiers reclaim their lives, build resilience, and positively impact their communities.
Alisa Tsudik
Founder & Director of Strong Heart — equine-assisted programs for IDF soldiers. Author and producer of personal development initiatives. Experienced equestrian with 20+ years in the field.
BEHIND THE STATISTICS: HUMAN PAIN
-
21 soldiers died by suicide in 2024 — the highest number in 13 years.
-
Internal reports link most suicides to unprocessed combat trauma, exhaustion, and loss.
-
Sinse Oct 2023, around 20,000 soldiers show signs of trauma — yet only 10,000 receive treatment, and just 4,000 are officially recognized with PTSD.
This growing gap is the result of an overloaded mental health system — leaving thousands with invisible wounds, still waiting for help, in many cases for more than a year.
With the right care, connection, and support — we can help them choose life.
THE UNSEEN WOUNDS – WHAT THESE SOLDIERS NEED
In official mental-care services, there are very few opportunities for group therapy, especially within organic units that went through traumatic events together.
THEIR NEEDS:
-
A safe space — to breathe, to feel, to reconnect with themselves.
-
A sense of belonging — a supportive group where they can share and be understood.
-
Emotional regulation tools — to cope with anxiety, anger, and inner restlessness.
-
Trust and connection — to rebuild confidence through authentic, nonverbal communication.
-
Meaning and hope — a path to restore strength, identity, and purpose.
Our trauma recovery workshops are tailored to meet the needs of individuals who have experienced war-related trauma, PTSD, or other emotional challenges.
OUR INPUT
The program is developed in collaboration and close consultation with a psychologist specializing in trauma, a social worker, and therapeutic riding coaches.
UNIQUE APPROACH
Strong Heart offers a rare opportunity for soldiers to heal within their own organic units — the same teams that faced traumatic experiences together. This shared process of recovery rebuilds trust, strengthens bonds, and allows authentic healing to unfold in a safe, familiar environment.Through experiential activities, ground exercises, breathing practices, interaction with horses, and elements of nonverbal communication, participants release emotional overload and regain a sense of safety and control.
OUR WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVE
To provide soldiers with a safe space to release tension, process their experiences, and restore a sense of mental and physical balance. The workshop offers immediate relief for stress and helps prevent the accumulation of trauma that could later develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our team is also experienced in working with soldiers already coping with PTSD, supporting them through gentle, structured equine-assisted processes that promote healing and resilience.
NEXT PHASE
At the end of the workshop, soldiers needing continued support will be identified and invited to join follow-up sessions for deeper processing and resilience building. Those requiring more personalized care will be offered individual therapy and long-term follow-up.
EMPOWERING SOLDIERS:
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Over the last year, we have made significant strides in spreading awareness and attracting sponsors and partners.
200 soldiers participated in our seminars.
We maintain ongoing communication with representatives from many of them, providing continued individual support.
We receive valuable feedback from the majority of participants.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
FOR ORGANIC SOLDIERS UNITS
-
Groundwork Exercises: Ground exercises with horses providing a safe space for practicing communication and motivation.
-
Mindfulness & Regulation Techniques: Breathing exercises and presence-based activities to manage stress and anxiety.
-
Trust & Leadership Training: Learning to guide and connect with a horse fosters personal empowerment. Examples of main exercises include: separating a horse from the herd, guiding the horse through a dynamic obstacle course, teaching the horse a new exercise decided by the group, and distributing roles within the process. If needed, depending on the group's goals, this section may include riding during the various exercises.
-
Group Reflection & Processing: Safe spaces for sharing experiences and integrating insights.
-
Individualized Support: Customized activities based on the participant’s comfort level and progress.
OUR EXPERTS
Together, Gal and Oren bring 30 years of combined experience in building coaching and personal development processes through equine work, integrating tools from the realms of communication, psychology, leadership, and group empowerment.
Gal Cohen
Owner of Aviv Ranch.
Certified coaching instructor with extensive experience in facilitating individual and group processes.
Specializes in connecting work with horses to the development of mental and emotional resilience.
Oren Parnas
Expert in body language, coaching, and training. Olympic riding coach with extensive experience in leadership development and mental resilience. Owner and partner at Gallop, leading coaching processes with horses.
OUR MISSION
To provide effective support to military personnel who have experienced traumatic events. We aim to enhance the quality of life for participants by developing their social skills and creating a supportive environment for recovery. By harnessing the power of interaction with horses, we help individuals overcome the effects of war and regain hope for the future.
FACILITIES
Aviv Stables is an equestrian center located in the Moshav Mishmere(Central Israel). It is a cozy, tranquil space surrounded by nature, ideal for equine therapy sessions, group discussions, and therapeutic sessions. The experienced staff and therapists create a supportive and pleasant atmosphere.
TESTIMONIALS
On behalf of Battalion 7064, Company G - "Dubi HaTzafon," we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your hospitality during our visit to your farm on Friday, May 31, 2024.
We appreciate your patience and understanding, especially as we revised our attendance from 18 to 15 participants. Thank you for accommodating us despite the last-minute changes.
The atmosphere at your farm was inviting and peaceful, which allowed us to bond and work together effectively. We achieved all our goals, and the day turned out to be more rewarding than we anticipated.
Thank You from Battalion 7064, Company G - "Dubi HaTzafon"
Because healing is also a battle — and no soldier should fight it alone. Join us in providing mental and emotional care through equine-assisted therapy.
SUPPORT STRONG HEART MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY
Call
