Barnyards to Battlefields Animal Therapy and Life/Job skills program was founded in 2016.  The program was established when students arrived with the desire to work with the animals and when many veterans residing at the Montana Veterans’ Home wanted to have contact with the animals, but were not able to come out to the farm.  

Students learn how to care and manage the farm animals by feeding, watering, exercising and grooming. When the student feels confident and secure with their animal they take the animal over to the Veterans’ Home to give pleasure and therapy to the residents.  

Our research shows that many students with communication issues are able to communicate and socialize when presenting their animal, and many veterans receive pleasure and interaction…it’s a win-win.