State Project

2026-2027 N.J.C.A.R. State Project

The N.J.C.A.R. State Project "Operation Horse" aims to raise awareness of veterans living with PTSD while raising funds to allow at least two New Jersey veterans to attend equine therapy sessions set up through the Man O War Project.  

The N.J.C.A.R. will partner with other lineage organizations and historical societies to work toward raising awareness of the benefits of equine therapy. 

A bit of background:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects many military veterans, yet alternative healing approaches are often less recognized. The Man O’ War Project, managed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center, provides structured equine-assisted therapy designed specifically for veterans living with PTSD. The program pairs licensed mental health professionals with trained equine specialists to guide veterans through ground-based, experiential sessions with horses. Instead of traditional talk therapy alone, participants build skills such as emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and trust. Horses respond naturally to human emotion and behavior, offering immediate, non-judgmental feedback that encourages self-awareness and personal growth. Operation Horse was created to raise funds and awareness to support this program. It costs $1,000 for one veteran to participate in the full equine therapy program, and the goal is to raise $2,000 to sponsor two New Jersey veterans. Through Operation Horse, community support is transformed into meaningful healing opportunities for those who have served.

Operation Horse is about turning service into healing, and ensuring that no veteran has to face the weight of their past alone.