Saddle up, horse lovers. Uncle Sam needs you.

The new South Florida Veterans Multi-Purpose Center in Davie is developing its new Equine Assisted Therapy Program, aimed at helping heal veterans recently returned from the Iraq War.

Center Executive Director Robert Bambury, a Vietnam veteran, said professional mental health workers, psychotherapists and occupational therapists already are volunteering for the program, which will assist vets dealing with post-traumatic stress disorders and service-connected physical disabilities. But now he needs some horse experts to lend a hand.

“They could be sidewalkers, or help people pack up the horses, or show veterans how to groom them,” said Bambury, who himself has been around horses all his life.

Here is more information on the center, which runs on corporate and private donations. Besides the equine program, it offers counseling for returning soldiers and their families, and weekend retreats.

Many studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of companion animals. While dogs tend to be the creatures usually involved in animal-assisted therapy, there are “therapy horses,” too. Great Strides, a program in Maryland, uses interaction with horses to reach adults and teens with behavior and emotional issues.

If you’re a horse lover that wants to work with South Florida’s veterans -- or if you are a veteran that is interested in equine therapy -- call Bambury’s center at 954-791-8603. The center is located at 4311 SW 63rd Ave., Davie.