The Therapeutic Riding Center of Israel (TRCI) in Tel Mond has become a vital sanctuary for individuals and families affected by trauma, including wounded IDF soldiers, displaced Israelis from Gaza border regions, and rescue personnel from Magen David Adom and ZAKA. Utilizing animal-assisted therapy with horses and specially trained emotional support dogs, the center offers a unique, holistic approach to healing complex emotional and psychological wounds. Patients actively participate in training their support dogs, which serve not only the individual but also their entire family, fostering emotional resilience and connection. This program, developed in collaboration with the Defense Ministry, Friends of the IDF, and Sheba Medical Center, has expanded since the October 7, 2023 war outbreak to provide free therapeutic services to evacuees and traumatized children.

Beyond direct patient care, TRCI has also pioneered a therapeutic initiative called “Rescuing the Rescuers,” aimed at supporting caregivers and emergency responders exposed to traumatic events. Volunteers from ZAKA and Magen David Adom have benefited from prolonged therapy involving horses and dogs, helping them process their experiences and regain emotional strength. The center’s multidisciplinary team combines educational, psychological, and rehabilitative methods to tailor individualized treatment plans, emphasizing the profound, wordless bond between humans and animals as a pathway to healing. This comprehensive approach underscores TRCI’s role as a leading institution in Israel for trauma recovery through innovative animal-assisted therapies.