Stories

Looking back now, some of the sweetest parts of my life began when I was young, in moments that felt small but meant more than I knew. I was a quadruplet and grew up dealing with multiple food allergies, which made even simple things feel complicated.

Like many of us, when the war began, my heart was broken. But a part of me, it felt like it had died because the war came into my own family too. My younger brother volunteered to defend us… and he was killed. It happened in our hometown, Chernihiv, at the Stadium in the city park.

With the help of the program, my self-confidence and self-esteem have improved, and my tension and stress have decreased. I’m feeling good about myself.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with anything horse-related, but as I got older I started being influenced to follow trendy styles, and I lost that true spark in me and soon became a different version of myself. Then, when I found this program, I remembered that little girl inside me who lit up when she saw a horse and longed to be a cowgirl.

My son, Austion, passed away 10 years ago. He was 18, and it has been a long journey. It wasn't until I joined Bridle Up Hope that I truly found peace.

I truly believe Bridle Up Hope saved me, to be the best mother and woman I can for my children and most importantly for myself. I am proud to say they helped me become more hopeful, confident, and resilient. And there are not enough words to describe how grateful I am to have found them.

I am so thankful for the Bridle Up Hope program! I've been trying to develop hope and find resources of hope for many years. Honestly, I doubted I could find lasting hope from the Bridle Up Hope program, but being desperate for finding hope I gave it a chance… and I'm so glad I did!

What do you do when everything seems to be just falling apart? That’s the question I didn’t have the answer to back at the beginning of January. I felt alone, I was struggling with goals for the future, I was having a hard time with friends, I was losing hope… then my mom found this amazing program, Bridle Up Hope.

I’ve come to see that every horse has a different personality, and there’s something powerful about the way they carry themselves: strong, graceful, and steady. I began to realize that strength isn’t always loud, and I wanted to mirror those same qualities in my own life.

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.

To every 14-year-old girl facing difficulties, insecurities, and challenges—I want you to know: you will overcome. The strength you need is already within you, and the Bridle Up Hope program helps you unlock that power.

Bridle Up Hope felt like the kick I should’ve given myself a long time ago. I knew I needed to do something for myself, and BUH was the perfect environment for me to grow and become better.

Growing up, I was always a country girl at heart but never had the opportunity to work with horses. I was craving more fulfillment in my life, and getting involved at Bridle Up Hope was exactly what I needed.

I have been going to therapy for over a year and I wanted to challenge myself to find a new hobby. After processing a lot of trauma, I wanted to choose myself. That’s when I stumbled upon Bridle Up Hope.

I found Bridle Up Hope in the spring of 2024. I had just quit a job a few months prior. I was looking for a way to heal from my experiences there and also from a health condition that had affected my life.

The healing process is tough, but it’s made easier with muddy boots, a loving horse, and a foundation that lifts you back into the saddle. Now, I've got the reins and I'm ready for this next adventure.

I found Bridle Up Hope during one of the most difficult times in my life. My family was navigating significant challenges, including abuse and the complexities of raising five children, four of whom are on the autism spectrum. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find hope.

Aubrie Christensen's journey of hope, confidence, & resilience can be traced back to her time at Bridle Up Hope! We had no idea that through the program "The 7 Habits for Equestrians," Aubrie would find herself and the confidence to become who she is today. Aubrie started the program when she was just 12 years old.

Bridle Up Hope came into my life at the perfect time. I had just finished my first year of college, and I felt stuck and lost.

Bridle Up Hope has changed my life, and definitely for the better. I'm a very self-conscious, people-pleasing girl, and I never really knew how to say no to someone because I always felt so bad about it.

I have found Bridle Up Hope to be one of the best places to see and experience. Working with your instructor, the horses, and other girls has been absolutely enlightening and empowering.

Bridle Up Hope came into my life just when I needed it most. As an autistic woman, I've often wished I was like my friends and family members who don't have autism.

My therapist recommended Bridle Up Hope to me, knowing my love for animals would provide solace during my difficult divorce.

When I first walked into Bridle Up Hope, I was both intimidated and excited. The large horses and the beautiful barn seemed too good to be true…

I originally came to the barn for the horses. I was excited about the program, but I mostly wanted to ride.

Horses and the 7 Habits are applicable to everyone regardless of background and upbringing. 

Stepping inside the barn for the first time felt like opening the doors to the safety and comfort of coming home.

This program has made me look through my trauma and realize that nothing is my fault and whatever you go through is just another mountain you can climb.

Abby isn’t the same person she was when she began this program. She has grown in ways we never would have thought possible and has found joy in her life again.

Bridle Up Hope is teaching me how to build better relationships not just with others, but with myself! I am gaining the confidence I need by building these 7 Habits in my own community and relationships.

Overcoming self-doubt and finding hope through equine-assisted learning and personal growth.

Two years ago, I found myself in the middle of a mental health crisis...

Before I joined Bridle Up Hope, I struggled with my confidence and self-worth. I also really struggled with connecting with other people.

In the fall of 2022, we fled the war in Ukraine and relocated to Utah. It has been a challenging adjustment leaving our home, making new friends, and going to a new school.

I was very selective and intentional when it came to looking for a program for my daughter.

When the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, Rachel went back to lessons and Alyssa started the program. They connected through service hours and often went on days the other would be there.

Dear Rachel: My name is Payton, and your horse saved my life.

I came to Bridle Up Hope exactly when I needed to, even though I had never thought of myself as a "horse girl."

When I first started the program, I had just come out of a residential eating disorder facility, and my life was falling apart.

I first learned about the program from my mom and I'm not going to lie, I was not super optimistic about the idea.

I’m beyond grateful that my time at Bridle Up Hope doesn't end after the 7-week program.

I was in a rough spot and not feeling wanted in the world. But Sarah wanted me, and gave me motivation, and I felt hope for the first time in a long time.

The three of them had the opportunity to become more connected as they went through the program together.

As my kids got older, it was hard to find the balance between having time for myself and being a mom

Amongst my battle with depression and anxiety, this place has helped me see the beauty in everything and everyone.

Being high-functioning can often make things even harder as she "looks fine,” so expectations are high.

Horses have taught me to trust and love again.

Much like the magnificent stained glass image with Montego that greets all above the main Barn entrance, Tiger became a piece of that peace and now is the heart of her inspiring paradigm.

When she was just a toddler, her family was in a traumatic car accident resulting in significant life-altering consequences—a lifetime of brain trauma, paralysis, and other physical challenges...

We found Bridle Up Hope when we were looking for riding lessons for our daughter.

A highlight on one of our magnificent horses: Kokomo.

In seventh grade, I told my parents I wanted to ride horses, but they didn’t have the financial means to pay for lessons, so they put my dream on hold for who knows how long.

Naturally, I was scared—but I also knew I wasn’t going to let it keep me from living a healthy, happy life.

Bridle Up Hope is my safe haven and I am forever grateful. Through this program, I learned who I am.

Yes, my depression doesn’t just go away. But when I do get depressed, I don’t go back to my old coping skills.

I know that I can conquer anything because of the resilience I have found through Bridle Up Hope.

Bridle Up Hope has become a part of what will make her a better person, and a better woman.

I'm Lydia. Hello. I'm also alive, and smiling tonight...

Without the donors, my daughter would not have been able to experience a life-changing and healing opportunity.

You are the reason I am here today. My life has improved so much because of this program and all the donors who sponsored me.

This program helped me find my voice.

We’ve been truly amazed at how MUCH our two girls have LOVED their experience at Bridle Up Hope.

Ashley’s life has completely changed, and she no longer wants to quit life.

You are giving them life skills, coping skills, confidence, and unconditional love. I do not know of any other program that could provide all that in just 14 weeks.

According to a standard dictionary, “bridle” means “the act of restraining power or action.”

Being part of the program has helped change Micah’s life in ways I never expected.

Amanda's story begins with a drug-addicted mom, mental and emotional problems due to her birth mother’s drug abuse, domestic violence perpetrated by her birth father, foster care, and eventually adoption through the foster care system.

While at Bridle Up Hope, I was given the incredible opportunity to ride Rachel’s favorite horse, Kokomo.

Bridle Up Hope saved my life. I would not be here today if it was not for the program, the instructors, the girls, and most importantly the horses.

After being in the program I was able to find new friends at school, and make changes in my life that I never thought I could.

“Mary,” I said, “you are brave, strong, determined, and dedicated. That is who you have become today as you have worked through these obstacles and conquered your fears. That is who you are!”