I have been obsessed with animals my whole life, specifically horses. I’ve always enjoyed my time whenever I’m doing anything horse-related, whether that’s riding, grooming, training, or even mucking out a stall.
My family and I own three full-size horses, two miniature horses, and everyone’s favorite, “Buddy,” the mini donkey. I’m also currently gentling a 2-year-old wild Mustang I adopted last year and I’m excited for the day when I can start riding and competing with her. I also own a 9-year-old Egyptian Arabian that I do endurance racing with. I love racing through the trails with him and he’s also turned into quite the jumper.
In addition to our big horses, we can’t forget about the little ones. We own our mini horses specifically for therapeutic purposes. We run a nonprofit called the Special Liberty Project. We have a lot of veteran families and military widows visit our farm for therapeutic retreats. Our Healing with Horses program is guided by a trained Special Liberty Project staff member and a social worker. Each session promotes a variety of mental health and wellness practices, coping skills, and support.
But our miniature horses, through Mini Acts of Kindness, get to travel away from our farm and visit veterans and their friends who are in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. They are absolutely the highlight of some people’s week. As we explain on the Special Liberty Project website, studies have proven that animal interaction boosts mood, reduces loneliness, can lower heart rate, and reduce stress.
Animals are very therapeutic in general, but there’s something special about horses. They always put me in a calmer state, no matter how happy or excited I am. I like how they have the ability to mirror my emotions. But, horses don’t just help me, they help others, too!
I think horses are the best teachers. I love watching when someone shows up at our farm feeling sad or even close to tears, and after spending a little time with the horses, they always seem to go home with the biggest grin. Horses have the ability to renew you with joy.
Yes, horses are amazing, but they are definitely loads of work. No matter how the weather is, or during holidays or sickness, we get down to the barn, morning and night to feed, muck out stalls, and turn out our furry friends to roll in the dirt and have fun doing horsey things.
I also try to train or ride our horses at least once a day. Horses like to have a job and stay busy just like we do. No matter how much work they are, I will never get tired of horses. They are the best of friends.