Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Larry Bergeron established the Companion Equestrian Centre as a place of sanctuary, rest and relaxation for Veterans suffering from PTSD. He has provided this opportunity free of charge and made it available whenever it is needed, no matter the day or hour, for the past six years. He not only provides support for Veterans with this unique form of therapy, he also offers his time and support as Vice-President of the Veterans UN/NATO Nova Scotia.
Larry created the Companion Equestrian Centre with the intention of helping other Veterans. Companion Equestrian Centre encourages Veterans to establish relationships with the horses. This sets the stage for personal and professional growth and development. Using horses, the participants engage in various relationship activities, there is no riding but rather the emphasis is on personal connection. Horses provide instant feedback to our own interactions and behaviour, creating moments of understanding, calm and learning. Like horses, humans interact and live within the context of relationships and teams. Each Veteran has a unique way of communicating and interacting with one another. Horses are excellent readers of human emotion which creates a mirror to see the outcomes of our own actions. There has been overwhelmingly positive feedback from Veterans on their experience at the Centre.
In addition to the Companion Equestrian Centre, Larry has also been a member of the Veterans UN/NATO Canada in Nova Scotia for seven years and currently holds the position of Vice-President. Known for his devotion, care, empathy, calming presence and wise counsel, Larry is the face of the group in Nova Scotia. This role was taken on at the urging of the President as Larry is known to conduct himself with honour and grace and provides a calming presence and wise counsel. He takes a leading role in public engagements, including those involving the Lieutenant Governor of NS, the NS Legislature, and Maritime Forces Atlantic. He delivers almost all public speeches on behalf of the group, which are numerous. The group has a prominent role in virtually all military and Veteran themed events in Nova Scotia. He is the moral centre of the group and takes a leading role in conflict resolution among members. He addresses the group every Saturday morning at the breakfast meeting in Halifax. He also shares in roles of President, which includes helping preside over official meetings, including the provincial and the AGM. Larry is also involved with local community Legion and Remembrance Day events, delivering addresses to public school children and more.
Provincial President of the Veterans UN/NATO Canada, Brad LeBlanc, provided the following remarks; “Larry’s selfless devotion of his time and energy toward helping others, building trust, and gaining confidence has saved lives. He is directly responsible for encouraging countless Veterans to get involved, reclaim their service-oriented identity, and begin contributing to the community again. … Larry Bergeron has proven himself essential to our group, and his presence in leadership has smoothed divisions, inspired community service, and motivated positivity among our membership. Larry is one in a million, and we are lucky to have him.”