Stories of Hope

Our mission at Hope in the Saddle is to share the most meaningful and inspiring stories that emerge from the horse world—stories of how our relationships with horses can help us overcome life’s toughest challenges. We collect stories from all corners of the horse community, from barrel racers to bronc riders and competitive equestrians to backyard owners. The following stories are a few of our favorites from 2021.

Hope

“Hope is an amazing horse who is part of the Mane in Heaven Miniature Therapy Horses herd. One of her best attributes is her ability to connect with people. Regardless of the situation, she demonstrates consistent compassion, patience, kindness, and enthusiasm for her job. Hope truly enjoys human contact; she loves to be pet, cuddled, walked, and handled—sometimes clumsily by people unfamiliar with horses or those with disabilities. She is interested and enthusiastic but always maintains calm and control.

The impact Hope has on people is incredible. She brings them a sense of calmness and helps with emotional support, confidence, social skills, trust, and empathy. Prior to COVID, she would make a monthly visit to Shriners Hospital. There was one particular visit that exemplified the powerful connection she can forge. A young girl did not want to walk for her physical therapy session, but she changed her mind upon learning she would be able to walk with Hope. She looked at Hope and Hope looked at her. The connection was immediate and powerful. The little girl took the lead rope and began to walk.

Hope touches and changes so many lives. Even during the COVID shutdowns, she continued to bring joy to people through virtual visits. She is a source of happiness and comfort to everyone who meets her, and definitely lives up to her name.” —Dina M.

Sheik

“Sheik is a rescue horse, kind of old and not impressive in size, but, as his name implies, he is noble. Sheik is gentle, princely, and extremely patient. And he saved my daughter’s life.

At 19 years old, KG suffered terribly from gravitational insecurity and could not even sit in a rocking chair without feeling extreme anxiety. Her occupational therapist suggested we try a therapeutic riding program, but given her anxiety, getting her on a horse was the furthest thought from my mind. Still, we enrolled her at Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.

KG’s instructor showed us around the barnyard then introduced us to Sheik. During that first session, KG went from tentatively reaching a hand out to Sheik upon meeting him to giving him a long hug when it was time to say goodbye. Something changed deep inside KG that day.

From then on, she was willing to try the impossible with Sheik. For the first time ever, she was willing to do something that terrified her. She had complete confidence in Sheik, and that inspired confidence in herself. My cognitively and visually impaired daughter has gone from having no hobbies to being an avid equestrian whose new skills amaze all who know her. Most people don’t have anything good to say about 2020, but it was a great year for KG—it was the year Sheik changed her life!” —Debbie S.

Annie

“Zach Ruble was thrown from a horse and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Three bleeds on his brain affected his fine motor skills and cognitive thinking. He worked hard in rehab and decided he wanted to ride again. He rode a lesson horse to regain his balance but wanted a horse of his own to show in reining.

We knew it had to be a special horse that was safe, honest enough for a green reiner, and athletic enough to compete. A beautiful AQHA mare named Annie was ready for this job!

Annie had to overcome a major setback herself. At age 5, she developed laminitis. She battled excruciating pain for several months, leaning against the stall walls to find relief and struggling to even take one step. As her owners, we were faced with trying to decide what was best for our equine friend. She fought hard and within a year we noticed she was getting back to her old self.

In 2018, Annie returned to reining training and stayed sound! We decided to let Zach give her a try and within 10 lessons, he was showing Annie at the Kansas Reining Horse Association Sunflower Slide. Annie has safely carried Zach through lessons, clinics, and reining shows. As his skills have increased, Annie has stepped up her speed, working a little harder to move him up through the ranks. These two have proven that no matter what the setback is, there is still hope that you can overcome it!” —Heather R.

Patches

“Patches has helped kids with disabilities thrive at HorsePlay Therapy. He has taught important life skills through his gentleness, patience, and of course his steady, rhythmical movement.

One favorite story comes to mind. Patches worked with a child who had struggled with a swallowing disorder known as laryngomalacia. She had struggled with this her entire life, requiring a thickening agent to be added to every liquid she wanted. Otherwise, this little girl would choke, risking aspiration and pneumonia.

Knowing this, her occupational therapist intentionally had Patches walk certain patterns and faced the little girl backwards during the riding portions of therapy, while leaning forward on both arms.

This position stimulated her brain by bringing more awareness and sensory input to her neck, jaw, and tongue, and facilitated a much more effective swallow.

Six weeks later, this precious girl was seen by her ear, nose, and throat doctor and was 100 percent cleared of her diagnosis following medical testing and examinations. She completely came off thickeners and was able to eat and drink like the rest of us for the first time in her life. All because of Patches.” —Erica K.