Brandon’s journey with People & Animal Learning Services (PALS) is truly inspiring. Initially seeking solace and healing after his military service, Brandon began as a client, discovering the profound therapeutic impact of working with horses. Over time, this experience transformed into a deep commitment to the organization that helped him find direction. Now a dedicated volunteer, Brandon’s story highlights the powerful connection between humans and animals, as well as the meaningful role PALS plays in changing lives. In this interview, he shares his remarkable path from client to valued member of the PALS team.
Q: How did you hear about PALS and what initially drew you to the organization?
“I found out about PALS after starting treatment at Indiana Center for Recovery (ICFR). During my treatment at ICFR, they would take a group of us to PALS twice a week. I quickly took a liking to the experience of working with the horses and the impact they had on my mental health.”
Q: What personal impact has being involved with PALS had on you?
“PALS really helped bring me out of my mental funk I was in after a rough divorce and some past traumas due to my health and post-military experience. After my time in service I was lost in trying to find a new direction in life PALS gave me that direction.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or experience you’ve had with PALS?
“The most memorable moment at PALS was after experiencing the healing PALS had on me. I started volunteering when I was able to. Once I started, I couldn’t get enough and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the impact both the horses and I had on the clients. PALS gave me a sense of pride.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone if they were considering getting involved with equine-assisted learning at PALS?
“I would tell anyone if they are considering equine-assisted learning is to dive in [and] give it a chance to work its magic on them as it has me. You never know until you try.”
Q: Do you have a favorite horse?
“I love all our horses at PALS but if I had to choose one it would be River. He and I really bonded together and his calm demeanor [and] willingness to put in the work makes him one of the most heavily relied on horses in the barn.”
Q: What made you want to volunteer at PALS?
“After seeing the impact the horses had on me in my recovery, I knew I had to get involved. I wanted to give back to the program that really saved my life and gave me a new direction. [It] even helped land me an amazing job at Churchill Downs in Louisville with the racehorses in the Kentucky Derby. But I’m not stopping there, I plan to go to school and get my certifications to be an equine therapy instructor myself to eventually hopefully get a position either back here at PALS or another place similar. I’m so thankful for everything PALS has done for myself and for others. I hope to stay involved the rest of my life with the work PALS is doing.”
