The Spirit Rehabilitation Centre in Kyiv has been working with children with disabilities for many years, but expanded its activities after the full-scale invasion began. In the summer of 2022, the team launched the Spirit Warrior programme to support Ukrainian military personnel. Since then, more than 4,500 soldiers have completed the course.
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An atmosphere of trust and support
The programme begins with a so-called psychological circle, where military personnel have the opportunity to talk, listen and simply feel the presence of others. Therapy dogs are always nearby, which helps to relieve tension and creates a sense of security. The centre’s staff emphasise that it is here that military personnel can allow themselves to be themselves without fear of judgement.
Hippotherapy as part of rehabilitation
One of the key elements of the programme is working with horses. First, the soldiers get to know the animals, learn simple movements and gestures, and then they get on the saddle and do some balance and relaxation exercises. Instructors explain that horses are sensitive to human emotions, so they teach participants to listen to themselves and interact without coercion.
Results for participants
According to veterans, even a few sessions help improve sleep, reduce tension and restore a sense of balance. Former military officer and retired general Vyacheslav Stasyuk emphasises: “Guys who haven’t slept for two or three months start sleeping after just 3-5 sessions with horses. I believe that everyone who comes back from the combat zone needs this kind of rehabilitation.”
A space without judgements
The centre’s director, Hanna Burago, emphasises that the main value of the programme is its atmosphere of acceptance. “We create a space without judgement — neither we nor the animals judge. Here, military personnel can freely talk about their feelings.” This is the first step towards overcoming psychological trauma, which cannot always be treated with medication.
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