Suicide - Awareness

Once upon a time, in the small town of Cobleskill, there lived a man named Adam Halloran. Adam had served in the US Army and had recently enrolled in SUNY Cobleskill, where he was pursuing a bachelor's degree in animal science with a major in therapeutic horsemanship. At the age of thirty-five, Adam was determined to make the most of his college experience and give back to his fellow veterans.

Adam's journey of recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs had not been an easy one. However, he found solace and purpose in horses. They became his companions, his teachers, and his healers. Through equine therapy, Adam discovered a newfound sense of responsibility, compassion, and love for these incredible animals.

As he embarked on his fourth year of recovery, Adam decided to participate in the "Trail to Zero" ride organized by Brave Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide awareness for veterans. This ride aimed to spread awareness about the alarming statistic of 22 veterans taking their own lives each day.

Adam had always dreamed of riding in New York City, and this event provided him with the perfect opportunity. The ride would cover a distance of 22 miles on horseback, starting from the outskirts of the city and ending in the heart of Manhattan. It was a chance for Adam to not only raise mental health awareness but also showcase his own personal journey of transformation.

With the support of Brave Hearts, Adam prepared himself for the ride. He dedicated his time to training, honing his horsemanship skills, and learning about the power of equine therapy. The horses became his partners in this noble mission, as they would carry him through the busy streets of New York City, symbolizing the resilience and strength of veterans.

Finally, the day of the ride arrived. Adam, dressed in his cowboy attire, mounted his trusted steed and set off on the trail. As he rode through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. People stopped to watch the procession, intrigued by the sight of a group of veterans on horseback, raising awareness for an important cause.

Throughout the ride, Adam's horse became his voice. Without uttering a word, the bond between them spoke volumes. Passersby, moved by the sight, paused to listen to Adam's story, to understand the struggles he had faced, and the triumphs he had achieved. The ride became a platform for dialogue, for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, and for encouraging open conversations about veterans' well-being.

As Adam reached the end of the trail in Manhattan, he was greeted by a crowd of supporters, cheering and applauding his efforts. It was a moment of triumph, not just for him but for all veterans who had battled their own demons and found hope through equine therapy.

Adam's journey didn't end with the ride. He continued his studies, determined to become an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. He wanted to give back to others what he had received himself—a chance at a better life, a renewed sense of purpose, and the healing power of horses.

In the years that followed, Adam became a beacon of hope for his fellow veterans. He dedicated his time to volunteer with veterans' programs, offering support and guidance to those in need. His story spread far and wide, inspiring others to seek solace in the presence of these majestic creatures.

Today, Adam stands tall as a college graduate, a loving husband, a proud father, and a homeowner. He often reflects on the incredible journey he embarked upon, from the depths of addiction to the heights of recovery and redemption. And he knows, deep in his heart, that Brave Hearts and their Trail to Zero ride saved him from a path of self-destruction.

With gratitude in his soul and a cowboy hat on his head, Adam Halloran continues to ride, not just for himself, but for all the veterans who have yet to find their own trail to zero.