Equine therapy program geared toward first responders opens in Kendall
By Seth Voorhees Orleans County
PUBLISHED 12:38 PM ET Jun. 27, 2023 | SPECTRUM NEWS
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A Western New York horse stable is also a place for healing for first responders who need a break from the daily grind of their jobs. The goal is to reach men and women — before the last call.
Lone Oak Stables in Kendall is where Daniel Jobin finds peace. Not so much in the place, but in the company he keeps. “I love horses,” said Jobin. “I've loved growing up with them. I love spending time with them, and just working with them and seeing them grow and learn.” A love that led him here, where the horses help people as much as people help the horses.
“It's a place where you can go where you can kind of let go of everything,” said Nina Doyle, who works as a nurse, firefighter and paramedic. Jobin is founder and director of Before the Last Call, an equine therapy program for first responders. “We deal with people's worst of times,” said Jobin. “And the things that we see and deal with stick with us for life.”
Jobin spent 17 years as a firefighter and EMT. Four years ago, he nearly died in a motorcycle accident. Jobin suffered brain and spinal injuries. During his recovery, he found motivation to fulfill what he says was a lifelong dream of a program that combines two of his loves — horses and helping others. “Once I realized I was progressing far enough,” he said. “It definitely was motivation.”
“There are things that when I go home I just continue to think about them for days and days,” said Doyle, as she brushed and groomed one of the program’s horses. For first responders, in their careers and at the stables, trust means healing.
“As a first responder, you look at that brotherhood and that partnership, and you rely on your brothers and sisters to have your back in the worst of times,” said Jobin. “And here with the horses, it's a similar thing.” Spouses of first responders also can take part in the equine therapy program. Rachael Sullivan’s husband is a police officer. His is a stressful job.
“I can say it’s equine therapy for both of us,” said Sullivan. It’s not easy for spouses, either.
“There’s the therapy aspect for me,” she said, as she rode a horse named Moose. “You build confidence in yourself and you have to rely on each other. Like, he has to trust me. I have to trust him.“
“Before the Last Call” also assists veterans through equine therapy. When he started it, Jobin envisioned a program that would cater to first responders, because those programs, he says, are few and far between. It’s estimated 400,000 U.S. first responders live with PTSD. Jobin believes that number is low. Suicide is sometimes seen as the only way out.
“Our personalities aren’t the type that go seeking help,” he said. “The bad things you see, they never go away. It’s just finding ways to cope with them and manage them and not allow them to take over everyday life.” Before the Last Call gives them an outlet. One filled with trust, love and support. To find peace in good company. Where no one is alone.
“My story, I hope it helps others,” said Jobin. “Seeing people smile and get that enjoyment is a feeling that's put a smile on my face, so I guess that's why I do it.”
