Finding Connection and Realizing Dreams

"Bridle Up Hope has been one of the best experiences in my life. At the time, I struggled with anxiety and depression, alongside divorced parents, a sister who didn’t know her place as well, and losing friends very quickly. My parents being divorced played the biggest role. It has been a very rough ride throughout my life, dealing with having to go back and forth. I had just quit 10 years of dance because it wasn’t really for me anymore. So I went into this program with a bunch of hopes and dreams of getting my own horse, being in rodeos, and being a professional barrel racer. Even though some of those dreams haven’t come true yet, I have been able to get my own horse and get 19 seconds in my most recent barrel race.

It all started out with me being 13 and not knowing where I stood in life or what group I felt comfortable enough to be around. My biggest dream was to have a horse and ride just like Amberley Snyder and have a story that is just as amazing as hers. I looked up to her so much and always wished I could be her. I begged and begged to have a horse or at least get into horseback riding lessons, but it wasn’t ever possible because we didn’t have the money. So my mom searched everywhere, finding something that would be beneficial for me, and Bridle Up Hope had been her final option. We went in and met with Sarah to look at the barn and learn about all the rules. I was really struggling with the thought of therapy being included, because I wasn’t one for therapy and I always resented it. But I knew there was a reason that we picked this place, so I tried it out.

My trainer was Brynnlee, and shoutout to her because she put up with me and was so amazing! The first time I came, I really struggled and didn’t want to talk at all, but I loved being able to spend a whole hour with the cutest little pony. After about 3 lessons being able to ride the horses, I had a very rough spot where I never wanted to listen to what Brynnlee said. I always just thought I was doing everything right and I knew exactly what I was doing. I would go home to my mom crying, feeling like it was all Brynnlee’s fault. But I had soon realized that I got into my head way too much, and if I had just taken in her advice and changed how I did some things, I would be an even better rider. After that, me and Brynnlee had gotten so close, and I would actually open up to her about a lot of things. It is now two years later, and I miss her. She had a big impact on my life that I won’t ever forget!

The fun events they bring into this organization always made me feel included and like I actually do fit in somewhere. I loved being able to do service for the animals, doing yoga and meditation to relax and calm down, doing line dancing, and including some dance back into my life. For the best part of this whole program, I got to meet Amberley Snyder at the barn and listen to her amazing story in person!

This program is so very amazing for those out there who want horses in their life, along with some amazing people to connect with. I’m now a very understanding person who always wants to help others and will listen to any advice given and take it into consideration. I’m able to maintain my anxiety and everything else going on. I want to thank each and every person who has helped make this program, because I don’t know what I would’ve done without it!”

• Bridle Up Hope Girl’s Participant

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