Healing Hooves: Thurston County Veteran Opens Sanctuary for Military Veterans and First Responders

In a heartwarming tale of passion and purpose, Susan Cliber, a 13-year U.S. Army National Guard veteran, has launched Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm in Yelm, Washington, to provide equine therapy for military veterans and first responders. Cliber's journey to establishing this sanctuary is a testament to the transformative power of animals and the human spirit.

Cliber's love affair with horses began at the tender age of 2, courtesy of her father, who instilled in her a deep passion for these majestic creatures. However, her life took a different turn when she enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, serving in various roles, including communications and field artillery, for over a decade. After her military service, Cliber rediscovered her love for horses and began working with Hope for Heroes Equine Therapy, a Yelm-based nonprofit organization.

Her experience at Hope for Heroes was nothing short of remarkable, as she witnessed the profound impact of equine therapy on individuals. Cliber observed that participants who attended the therapy sessions for just eight weeks exhibited significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being. This sparked an idea – what if she could create a space where not only veterans and first responders but also their families could heal and reconnect through equine therapy?

And so, Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm was born. Located in the picturesque town of Yelm, the farm offers a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for healing and self-discovery. Cliber's vision is to provide a safe space where individuals can confront their trauma and stress, surrounded by their loved ones and the gentle giants that are horses. As she aptly puts it, 'You really can't lie to me about how you feel, because your horse will tell me.' This unique approach to therapy allows individuals to work through their emotions while bonding with their family members and the horses.

One of the earliest participants at Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm is Paul, an Army Special Forces veteran, who attended the therapy sessions with his son, Bodhi. Paul's story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel and the importance of providing them with access to effective therapy. After nearly two decades of service, Paul found himself struggling to cope with the anxiety and stress that had become an integral part of his life. It was during his visit to Hope for Heroes that he met Cliber, and when she launched Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm, he jumped at the opportunity to participate.

During their visit, Paul and Bodhi spent a memorable day at the farm, interacting with the animals, and creating lifelong memories. As they moved from enclosure to enclosure, it was clear that Bodhi was the pack leader, with his father happily following in his footsteps. Cliber supervised from a distance, allowing the duo to bond and connect with the animals. This experience is exactly what Cliber hopes to provide for her clients – a chance to step away from the troubles of the past, present, and future, and simply be.

As the sanctuary continues to grow and evolve, Cliber remains committed to her mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for military veterans, first responders, and their families. With its picturesque setting and compassionate approach to therapy, Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm is poised to become a beacon of hope for those seeking healing and solace.

To learn more about Stand Down Sanctuary and Farm or to book an appointment, please visit their website at https://standdownsanctuaryandfarm.com or contact them at 360-736-3311. Located at 215 N. Pearl St, Centralia, WA 98531, the sanctuary is easily accessible and welcomes inquiries from those interested in their unique approach to equine therapy.