Mary Jo Beckman and Larry Pence have life-long equine experience. Mary Jo, a Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor, says, “The Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Therapy Program has been a team effort.” Together, Mary Jo and Larry elicited the help of the U.S. Army, Jim Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2005 – 2007), the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, and the Caisson Platoon at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA.
A Recreation Therapist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center coordinates individuals who want to attend, assuring, “the person has proper medical clearance for riding a horse,” Mary Jo explains. “The length of therapy varies because Walter Reed individuals are undergoing continuing treatments including surgeries.”
