Coming Home

Horses have been part of my story for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories were made alongside my grandmother, who first nurtured my love for them. As life unfolded, I experienced many trials. I recently remarried, and am a mother in a blended family of five. Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with the quieter parts of myself beneath responsibility and grief. That affected me for years. When Bridle Up Hope came to Cedar City, it felt like perfect timing. Returning to horses through this program felt like coming home, not only to horses, but to who I was before life became so heavy. It gave me a place to slow down, breathe, and rediscover my own voice.

Through the horses, the 7 Habits became more than principles, they became experiences. Horses reflected what was happening inside me without judgment, inviting honesty instead of perfection. One horse, in particular, mirrored parts of my own personality and sensitivity, reminding me that those qualities were strengths rather than weaknesses. With the support of my instructor, Kensie, I learned to trust my voice again, take proactive steps, and carry habits like Begin with the End in Mind, Synergy, and Sharpen the Saw into my family, work, and relationships. I left each lesson feeling more grounded, courageous, and authentic.

Just before my final week, an extended family member passed away after a battle with cancer. Using what I had learned, I focused on what mattered most and found a way to fly home to be with my family in Maryland. The most meaningful moment was seeing my grandmother again. After hearing about my Bridle Up Hope journey, she surprised me by giving me her English riding show jacket, which we used to compete in together. I left with a promise that one day I would ride in a horse show wearing her jacket again one day soon. That moment reminded me that sometimes we’re called back to the places where something beautiful was first planted in us. Bridle Up Hope didn’t just teach me the 7 Habits, it helped me return to myself, and that has changed how I lead my family, serve others, and move through the world every day while honoring myself. If your heart feels weary or you’ve forgotten the sound of your own voice, don’t ignore that gentle invitation. Horses taught me that presence is powerful, and sometimes healing begins by simply slowing down long enough to listen. You don’t have to become someone new, you may simply be remembering who you’ve been all along. Home has been within you the whole time.

-Bridle Up Hope Cedar City, Women’s Participant

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