PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward — these are a few of the goals for Warriors at Rest (W.A.R.), an equine therapy center.

What You Need To Know

  • Warriors at Rest offers equine therapy for veterans and first responders

  • Carla Staats has a master’s in mental health counseling and worked in the industry for 30 years

  • She said this is a good alternative to sitting down and simply talking

Carla Staats, who designed the W.A.R. program, said the stables combine her two passions: horses and therapy.

"I just find it so much more rewarding," she said. "It's learning and action. It's putting everything into action versus just sitting in the chair and talking." 

Staats has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and has spent 30 years helping all sorts of people, 18 of which have been helping veterans with equine therapy.

In January 2024, W.A.R. partnered with Freedom Farm Therapy Center, where groups like the Women Veterans League of Tampa Bay can visit and spend time with the horses. 

Staats said veterans have a lot in common with horses. 

Both are strong, but also have vulnerabilities. 

A veteran's daughter, Staats says being able to help our veterans heal is just a small way she can give back. 

"When you can't tell the difference between work and play, and this is like play, it's the most wonderful, fulfilling thing," she said. "To be able to offer it to those who have raised their hand to serve our country, it's an honor."