Equine therapy for soldiers at First Volunteer Surgical Hospital in Ukraine - Patrick Patterson

Ukraine 242 Podcast

Ivano Frankivsk is a beautiful Medieval city, in western Ukraine. Near the city, in the Carpathian Mountains, is a small hospital where surgeries on wounded soldiers brought from the front are performed and their physical rehabilitation is overseen. Most of the patients are in treatment for crushed and lost limbs. These warriors face months and years of psychological therapy long after their orthopedic injuries have healed. At First Volunteer surgical hospital, a unique, robust program is in place to care for the emotional and social wounds of military patients. The recovering soldiers have access to activities that include trips to film, music and theater performances, pastoral walks and time to sit by one of the region’s pristine rivers. Inside the hospital English classes game nights and group therapy sessions take place on a regular schedule. The hospital staff fully participates in all activities alongside the patients and their interactions create a strong sense of family throughout the campus. One of the most popular programs offered by the hospital takes place at a local horse farm. Conceived of and built by young German entrepreneur Matthias Hopfner, the farm is a haven for horses and other barnyard animals rescued from the front. Thousands of animals have been injured, abandoned, and starved as a consequence of the Russian invasion. Hopfner's program brings hope and comfort to all sentient beings involved in this ingenious project. American reporter and photographer Patrick Patterson visited the hospital recently and I spoke to him about the equine program and other restoratives offered at Ukraine’s First Volunteer Surgical Hospital.