Stories of Healing
Readers share their stories about mental health struggles— and how horses have helped.
It’s no secret to equestrians that horses improve mental health. And research has proven that equine-assisted therapies can positively address a variety of mental health conditions, from anxiety to depression to PTSD. In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness month, here are three reader-submitted stories about how horses have helped them through difficult times. Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.
Stormy and Shad
“I’ve been riding for about nine years now and it has become my rock. When I was 7 years old, I was hospitalized for an anxietyinduced stomach ulcer. That was the incident that made my family and me realize that I had suffered anxiety my whole life and it was only getting worse.
Just a few months after getting out of the hospital, I found Marcody Ranch in New Smyrna Beach,
Florida. I started with their summer camp program and quickly fell in love. Following camp, I started lessons which led to leasing a horse, which led to me ultimately having two beautiful horses of my own!
Riding has helped me overcome so many of my anxieties and now serves as a stable foundation for my life. It has helped me to defy all the odds I once pinned against myself. I’m thankful every day for my horses Stormy and Shad.
— Cassidy M.
Learn more about Marcody Ranch at Marcody.com.
Captain
“My journey during the past year started with a love of horses, but unbeknownst to me, it would turn into a year of therapeutic recovery involving a particular equine named Captain (a therapy horse at Hope Rising Farm in Millerton, New York).
When I started volunteering at Hope Rising Farm, I had no idea that would be the start of a powerful healing journey. I had retired from military service six years ago and was dealing with some lingering effects of post-traumatic stress. Captain seemed to sense my anxiety and was always willing to provide the patience and comfort I sorely needed.
He was spirited and playful, which helped me leave my anxieties behind and I soon became comfortable enough to consider riding again—something I hadn’t done in 20 years. I’d long given up hope of fulfilling this dream—especially as an older rider—and had convinced myself I didn’t have the capability to follow through.
Captain, however, gave me confidence. We started working on simple movements then graduated to trotting and independent riding within a year. As far as I’m concerned, Captain is a true hero. He helped me conquer my fears, stuck by me through my apprehensive moments and enabled me to surpass my goals. I am truly grateful for and humbled by this extraordinary equine I now call my friend. — Rosanne V.
Learn more about Hope Rising Farm at HopeRisingFarm.org.
Angelo
“Glory Reins Riding School saved my life in 2019 and continues to be my purpose for living. I was attending an outpatient psychiatric program when I was first introduced to the barn. The program was meant to address my immense grief PTSD, panic disorder and depression. One outing they offered was biweekly equine therapy.
At the time I felt lost. With all my worry, fear and doubt, I found it difficult to continue living each day. What was my purpose? What was the point of life? I was not able to answer these questions until coming to the barn.
I found my purpose by giving as selflessly as I could to Glory Reins Riding School. Whatever the barn task, I put my full heart into it, freeing my mind and easing my anxiety. It literally all goes away when I’m at the barn. Barn tasks can vary from cleaning stalls, setting up feed, grooming, tacking, assisting with lessons, riding or most important, just being with the horses.
I’ve been inspired to look deeper within myself, to challenge all the chatter in my mind, and to find clarity and peace. The horses at Glory Reins, each with their own unique personalities, seem to always know what to give on a particular day to help bring a sense of calm.
In particular, the first horse I bonded with was Angelo, whom I now call my horse-husband. His sensitivity and unique touch settles my anxiety and uplifts my mood. I’ve learned to love again despite the tremendous fear within me." — Julie GL