Who Knew Horses Could Be So Healing 

After 15 years of police work, Mike Dorsch was struggling. He spent his shifts lacking empathy and his nights avoiding his family. He zoned out, stopped communicating with those he loved, forgot things, and didn’t take care of himself. Like many in law enforcement, he put what he saw on the job in a box in the back of his mind, never to be opened again. 

It didn’t help that before he became a police officer, he’d spent four years in the Marine Corps, which included being stationed in Washington D.C. during 9/11 and the aftermath of a plane hitting the Pentagon. 

Finally, in 2022, Mike had had enough. He started therapy and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It wasn’t a surprise, but it meant he had a long road to recovery ahead of him. 

Even though talking about mental health was still taboo in law enforcement, Mike shared his story with everyone in his department. He hailed the benefits of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which helped him face the distressing experiences over his career. 

Things were going well for Mike until his therapist told him he needed a hobby. Something that was only for him. That’s how he found Orchardview Stables. 

At their farm in Wexford, Orchardview Stables offers a program called Horses Helping Heroes. Through horsemanship, like grooming and groundwork, veterans and first responders address their PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. 

The horses don’t judge. They don’t care what happened in the past. They live in the moment, making them the perfect companions for those with mental health issues. Horses force people to slow down and be present. Studies have shown that horses alleviate stress, improve communication skills, and provide empathy to those who care for them. 

Orchardview Stables and Horses Helping Heroes is a non-profit with a mission to support veterans and first responders. They host events throughout the year to raise money for their efforts, including a Night at the Races in May and a Chili Cook-Off in the fall. You can also donate through their website and follow them on social media. 

On a sunny evening, Mike brushed dried mud from the legs of Lucky, a huge quarter horse. When asked about his time at the farm and why he continues to come back, he said, “Being with the horses always makes me feel better.”

For more information, visit orchardviewstables.org or call (724) 934-1847.