Exploring Equine Therapy: Tim Funk on Healing, Community, and First Responder Wellness

Kyle Goodknight and Tim Funk explore the world of equine therapy in this episode. Tim shares his personal journey to founding Stock Hands, highlighting the therapeutic benefits and activities offered through their programs. The discussion delves into participants' experiences and the profound impact of equine therapy on mental health. They address challenges related to funding, insurance, and collaboration with the VA, emphasizing the importance of training and peer support. The episode encourages listener involvement and community outreach, featuring upcoming events like the "Deck the Stalls" fundraiser. Kyle also shares his own experiences with equine therapy, and the episode wraps up with sponsor acknowledgments and a call to action.

https://www.stockhands.org/

https://allrise.org/

About Tim Executive Director/ PATH Instructor/Vetreans mentor - Stockhands Horses for Healing, Consultant for Justice for Vets with Allrise.org US Marine Corps Veteran, Ohio Veteran Hall of Fame Inductee, Masonic Lodge Patriot Award winner 2023. Tim Funk with Co-Founder Lisa Benton founded Stockhands Horses for Healing, in 2014 in order to create a place of belonging for Veterans, First Respondres and children and adults with developmental, physical and mental disabilities and those facing challenges in addiction and recovery. Having over 30 years of Equine Experience,a Ferrier by trade, he knows first hand the healing that comes from working with an Equine partner. Tim’s passion to help Veterans navigate post service life is what continues to drive him. No stranger to the complications that Veterans face when returning into civilian life, Tim has been a mentor for Delaware countys Veterans court for the last 5 years. Tim has dedicated much of his life to improving the lives of those who have served our country.

(0:00) Introduction to equine therapy and episode overview (0:32) Guest Tim Funk from Stock Hands introduction (1:25) Tim Funk's journey to equine therapy (2:34) Stock Hands' programs and participant experiences (4:26) Therapeutic benefits and activities of equine therapy (8:52) Personal stories and the impact of equine therapy (10:32) Funding, insurance, and organizational challenges (14:18) Mental health support and collaboration with the VA (17:02) Training, certifications, and the role of peer support (22:19) Call to action for listener involvement (22:58) Sponsor: The Funky 5 (25:20) Kyle's personal experience with equine therapy (26:31) Contacting Tim Funk and Stock Hands' community outreach (29:06) Stock Hands' events and "Deck the Stalls" fundraiser (30:46) Conclusion and thanks to Tim Funk (32:04) Final call to action and podcast sharing encouragement (32:37) Final sign-off and sponsor acknowledgment