Strides, PLLC

Horses have the largest eyes of all land mammals, and they are most certainly the windows to their souls. Photo credit to our lovely partner Sam Rodriguez

Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to show up and connect with the community!

Our team was excited to host the staff over at the Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life and Veteran Services. We were SO energized and impressed by the work they do in our community. Check them out!

Fuzzy coats, chilly temperatures, and…short sleeves?! ❄️💪🏼🧣🧤🧊

🎉 Big News! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating Derek Root, who has officially earned his EAGALA Certification as an Equine Specialist and Specialized Professional!

Derek brings the heart of his military service, the insight of his own healing journey, and the precision of a pilot to every session he supports. He has already made a profound impact on our work with military members and first responders, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him on our team.

Help us celebrate Derek on this well-deserved accomplishment! 🐴✨

Get you a horse hug.

Lior & Derek brought their experience and expertise to the stage at SOMA 2025 in Raleigh. We are so proud & grateful for their contributions to this field.

Derek is a retired Air Force officer with 26-years’ experience ranging from the cockpit to the White House Military Office. While aviation was his professional passion, he moved his small livestock homestead around the country five times before finally sinking roots in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Joined by his two youngsters and faithful service canine Casey, he carries on his sense of service by assisting others like him living with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.

Although Derek’s everyday equestrian life focused on the practical aspects of horsemanship and care, it was not until he utilized equine-assisted psychotherapy that he truly appreciated the value of his four-legged companions. Through his new interaction and focus with horses, he was able to find relief and personal growth that more conventional clinical techniques could not provide. By relying on his success with equine therapy, Derek hopes his experiences can aid others looking for healing and growth in their lives.

Derek’s fusion of military experience and equine therapy participation brings relatable insights to those looking for lifestyle changes. He thinks of himself as a liaison between peer veterans and mental health professionals, comfortably able to translate “huah” to “stat” and “stat” to “huah.” In this intersectional role between military trauma and emotional healing, Derek helps others focus their ingrained servant-leader mindset on a new task and purpose—reintegrating their lives with the world beyond the camouflage using their same mission-focused discipline born while in uniform.

We’re so glad Derek is a part of the herd!

Strides is an Eagala Military Designated Program. We offer complimentary services to veterans, services members and their families. Please contact us with referrals and for more information.